How can I tell if the catalytic converter is.

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 24,000 MILES
How can I tell if the catalytic converter is defective. Truck runs okay for 15 to 20 miles, then starts to hesitate, back fire and then it loses power and surges ahead almost bucking. Gets worse until finaly have to stop. Then I let it sit for 10 mins or so and it goes fairly well again for another 10 miles and starts all over again. I stop because the way it is bucking I feel like its going to self destruct and of course it makes a terrible noise backfiring and coughing, etc. There is also a burnt smell or sulfur smell when I start it up. Does not idle until it is well warmed up.
Sunday, December 2nd, 2012 AT 4:10 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
To see if the cat is clogged all you do is take it to a. Exhaust shop while its acting up and have them do a back pressure test while its happening.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, December 2nd, 2012 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I would also check for codes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, December 2nd, 2012 AT 4:19 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links