How do you know if your catalytic convertor is bad?

Question

My rear "check engine" light keeps going on (w/ no code-only when hot/congested traffic), and my mechanic said this is a sign the catalytic convertor could be starting to go. So, I have to keep going back/waiting until the code is for bad catalytic convertor.

Are there any other signs that will tell me when it finally decides to conk out?

Answer 1

does your exhaust smell funnier than usual? Maybe a darker exhaust fumes. What car is it and how old?????????

Answer 2

If your car is 96 or newer, it will set a code that "may' be a catalytic converter. I do not think you have one going bad unless you also have vary poor acceleration.
It may be that you are getting a weak ignition signal to the computer. I am surprised you have no codes. It might be best to wait until the light stays on and then have the codes checked. Do not turn off the engine in case this might be erasing the code. I have had this happen a couple of times and found it to be a power fuse for the connector.

Answer 3

If overall power and rpm is lost and if people following your car smell a constant overall sulfur stench at cruising speeds of 55 mph and under. You my start to notice spark knock or ping if you have a converter equipped car 10 yrs. or older. Aftermarket converters are less expensive than they once were. Be sure to shop around if you need a new one.

Answer 4

Please let us know about the car make and model and in generall if you have the following issue then it may be the CAT issue

1.Low mileage
2.Sluggish performance
3.Smelly exhaust gases(like rotten egg)
4.Low pickup
5.Less exhaust gases from tail pipe(you can feel there will be no pressure)

regards,
Nataraj
Bahrain

Answer 5

You will know because you won't be able to hear yourself think. It will be loud and obvious. Others will know because your car will stink.