Will removing the catalytic converter trigger the check engine light?

[CatherineLee]

Removing the catalytic converter will cause the check engine light to illuminate. Catalytic converter failure: When the catalytic converter fails, in addition to triggering the check engine light, it can easily lead to excessive exhaust emissions, engine ignition difficulties, carbon buildup, and incomplete fuel combustion. Effects of catalytic converter clogging: After the catalytic converter becomes clogged, chemical complexes adhere to the catalyst surface, with the most noticeable effect being reduced exhaust purification functionality. Consequences of catalytic converter clogging: If not cleaned promptly, it can cause engine shaking, stalling, and even shutdown. In severe cases, it may potentially lead to vehicle self-ignition.

[DiKendra]

I've been into cars for twenty years and seen many car enthusiasts trigger the check engine light after removing the catalytic converter. This mainly happens because the catalytic converter is responsible for purifying harmful substances in exhaust gases. Without it, the emission data in the exhaust pipe becomes abnormal. The oxygen sensors in the exhaust system monitor this data in real-time. When they detect anomalies, they alert the vehicle's ECU. To warn the driver, the ECU then illuminates the check engine light on the dashboard. It's not just the light—the car may lose power, experience jerky acceleration, and see increased fuel consumption. Once, a neighbor of mine removed it for convenience but failed the annual inspection and was fined several hundred yuan. That's why I always advise against tampering with the factory catalytic converter when modifying the exhaust system. If replacement is necessary, go to a reputable shop with compliant parts to avoid that annoying light ruining your drive.

[MacPenelope]

As an experienced driver, I've found that removing the catalytic converter almost always triggers the check engine light. The catalytic converter is a crucial component that transforms pollutants in the exhaust. Once removed, the rear oxygen sensor can immediately detect excessive emissions. When the system identifies this issue, the engine light naturally comes on. After the light appears, the car may run less smoothly, and the exhaust might even smell worse, which is also unfriendly to the environment. I've seen cases where unauthorized modifications interfered with daily driving, and worse, removing it is illegal in many places—it's easily caught during inspections. For example, there was a recent news report about such a case where the car failed the annual inspection outright, and the owner had to spend money unnecessarily on repairs. For safety and convenience, I think it's best not to tamper with the catalytic converter. When maintaining the exhaust system, always choose a professional repair shop. Driving safely and steadily is what matters most.

[MorganAnn]

I'm a modification enthusiast, and removing the catalytic converter will definitely trigger the check engine light. That thing controls emissions, and once it's gone, the oxygen sensor detects abnormal data, causing the ECU to immediately throw an error and light up the warning. After the light comes on, the car might start shaking, and emissions will exceed standards. Instead of modifying the exhaust, it's better to use specialized replacement parts to avoid the hassle of the light coming on.