A critical component in the exhaust system that uses precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium as catalysts. As hot exhaust gases pass through its ceramic honeycomb structure, a chemical reaction converts carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. They run extremely hot and can cause severe engine restriction if the internal matrix melts or clogs.
We've a severe loss of power and a glowing red catalytic converter, so the engine is definitely running too rich.
A clogged converter often mimics a failing transmission or weak fuel pump because the engine simply cannot exhale enough to build RPMs under load.
Also heard as
- cat
Related terms
Exhaust system
The piping and components that route spent combustion gases away from the engine.
Tailpipe
The final section of an exhaust system that vents combustion gases into the atmosphere.
Maniverter
An emissions control unit that combines the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter into a single part.