We hate to say it here at Moose Jock Truck Shop but if you drive a large truck, you are at a higher risk of having your catalytic converter stolen than if you drive a car. This is because the catalytic converter underneath your truck is larger, i.e., there is more precious metal to sell. We are going to list the signs that your catalytic converter has been stolen below.
Loud Engine Roars
Your engine will roar loudly when you start your truck if the truck no longer has a catalytic converter. Although it is in a muffler, the missing converter allows for louder engine sounds. The roaring noise is also the exhaust being forcefully pushed out of the engine. The noise will be loud enough on its own, but it will increase when you press down on the accelerator.
Acceleration Trouble
Speaking of the accelerator, your truck will also have problems accelerating because of the exhaust push out of the engine. The catalytic converter normally absorbs the force that the engine uses to push the exhaust through it. As such, your truck’s acceleration is smooth. When the catalytic converter is gone, the acceleration gets jerky because there is nothing there to absorb the force.
Problems Driving Slow
Another indication that the catalytic converter is missing from underneath your truck is problems driving the truck at slower speeds. For some reason, a catalytic converter theft does not affect the high-end torque production but it does affect the low-end torque production.
Increased Emissions
You will also have a significant increase in the hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust because the catalytic converter is no longer there to convert them into water or other safe emissions. Consequently, your truck’s exhaust will no longer be safe for the environment.
Headaches/Feeling Ill
If you are driving your truck with your windows down, the excess hydrocarbons can make their way into the truck’s passenger cabin. Unfortunately, this inflow of exhaust will make you sick. It’s incredibly dangerous because you are inhaling carbon monoxide.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, the check engine light will turn on when the catalytic converter is missing because of all of the problems listed above. System sensors will go berserk and send continual error codes to the truck’s engine control module, the main computer chip.
Call Moose Jaw Truck Shop in Moose Jaw, SK, today after you have called the authorities and your auto insurance so we can replace your stolen catalytic converter.
