Catalytic Converter - Clogged

BRAD EADENS

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
MANUAL
127,000 MILES

How long can a car function safely with a clogged catalytic converter. I tried to remove it myself but unfortunately do not have the proper tools to remove the part myself. The car coded a clog 2 days ago but exhaust is still coming out of the tail pipes and the car seems to be running fine, could there be another issue?

Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 AT 12:38 PM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

The fact that you have a code for a "plugged converter" is most likely a P0420/30 code. This simply means that the converter is not reducing the emissions sufficiently but does not mean it is blocked.

To answer your questions, once they are plugged the engine will be low on power and not accelerate properly.

Here are guides that talk about this in more detail:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

I attached the process below from the manual that will help with replacing the converters on this vehicle.

Please run through this info and let us know if you have other questions. Thanks

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