How to Determine if a Catalytic Converter is Good or Bad?

[VonKaylee]

Methods to determine if a catalytic converter is damaged include: 1. Primarily based on the results of exhaust emission testing. If the NO levels in the exhaust are not up to standard, it indicates a fault in the vehicle's catalytic converter. 2. Alternatively, the oxygen sensor can be removed to inspect the internal condition of the catalytic converter for any damage. Relevant information about catalytic converters is as follows: 1. Introduction: It is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. 2. Function: The catalytic converter transforms harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. 3. Working Principle: The principle of the catalytic converter is that when high-temperature vehicle exhaust passes through the purification device, the purifying agent in the catalytic converter enhances the activity of the three gases—CO, HC, and NOx—promoting certain oxidation-reduction chemical reactions. Among these, CO oxidizes into colorless, non-toxic carbon dioxide gas at high temperatures; HC compounds oxidize into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide; and NOx is reduced into nitrogen and oxygen.