How to Fix a Catalytic Converter

How do you fix a catalytic converter?

1. The Italian Tune-Up
2. Fuel Additives
3. Fix Engine Problems

The catalytic converter is your vehicle’s solution for the harmful chemicals that the exhaust fumes release into the air. It partly cleans the smoke that comes out of the tailpipe to lessen each vehicle’s negative effect on the environment. Because it uses certain chemicals and precious metals, the catalytic converter is a valuable part of the exhaust system. And if you don’t know how to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it, you could spend over ₱46,000 – ₱128,000 just to have it replaced.

To help you avoid losing that money, we have compiled some ways you can fix a broken catalytic converter. Keep reading to learn more!

The Italian Tune-Up

To understand why the Italian tune-up can fix your converter, you need to know how catalytic converters work. Catalytic converters use high heat to help them convert harmful exhaust fumes to harmless compounds. If you’re the type who likes to take it easy on your car, then your catalytic converter might not reach its most efficient temperature, which is around 426 °C (800 °F) – 1,000 °C (1,832 °F). Failure to push your vehicle hard enough could result in premature failure.

The Italian tune-up can solve many problems because most vehicle parts were meant to perform well in high temperatures or demanding conditions. Try putting several kilometers of open road in front of you and push your car to its limits, with multiple hard accelerations. This would let your catalytic converter work in the way that it was built for, and it could burn off any unwanted deposits that may have been affecting your converter’s performance.

Fuel Additives

You could also try using a different type of fuel or fuel additives to clean out your catalytic converter. On your next refuel, try filling your vehicle up with a higher octane fuel than usual and see if does anything to fix the issue. You can also try adding a cleaner or a lacquer thinner to the gas tank and drive around 240 kilometers or so.

For better results, you can use this method in combination with the Italian tune-up.

Fix Engine Problems

Sometimes, a broken catalytic converter is the result of a broken engine. You can start by making sure the check engine light is functioning properly, as a malfunctioning oxygen sensor might not set a DTC for the catalytic converter.

Other than that, engine misfires, fuel trim problems, or oil or coolant fires can easily contaminate the rather sensitive catalytic converter and cause failure. In this case, you need to fix all related engine problems first before trying to repair the converter. It’s important to do so before a complete meltdown of the catalytic converter.

Key Takeaway

Now that you know how to fix a catalytic converter, you should be ready for any possible malfunctions in the future and save thousands of pesos for its replacement. You should still remember that the best way to prevent any problems is to get the best quality parts from the get-go.

Here at Roberts, we have been manufacturing world-class automotive and industrial parts for over two decades, and we are the most trusted and dependable in the business. If you need good parts like a radiator or a leaf spring, we can help you! Feel free to contact us through this link anytime!