Testing a Catalytic Convertor

Technical info on the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix including do-it-yourself info
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ebslopp
Posts: 676
Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:22 am

Testing a Catalytic Convertor

Post by ebslopp »

This in not really a Vibe question, but more of a how-to in general. How does one go about testing a catalytic convertor? Does it require special tools? If it is clogged, how do you unclog?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------2004 Base - TwoTone Neptune - 5 speed There are 10 types of people in life. There are those who understand binary and those who do not.
JohnC
Posts: 736
Joined: Wed Oct 08, 2003 1:07 pm

Post by JohnC »

A vacuum gauge will do it. Sorry can't find the test procedure steps. I diagnosed my Jeep cat being clogged this way. Tell-tale signs of a clogged cat are loss of topend power and higher than normal exhaust manifold temperature. My daughter's Celica EM was glowing red.
Base Two Tone Satellite, Auto, & Pwr Pkg....my current commuting car.
pmh013
Posts: 872
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 12:25 pm

Re: Testing a Catalytic Convertor (ebslopp)

Post by pmh013 »

I have had GM test my CC several times, as my car seems to have an appetite for destroying them.In any case, in the Vibe, it requires unhooking the exhaust system from the motor. There is a gasket or seal involved, and it is damaged in the process.I agree with silverawd26 ... if it's clogged a new one is the only recourse. There should be a reason why it's clogged, though. A CC is not a "replacement" part, like an oil filter.
2003 Satellite AWD Two Tone, traded off at 180,126 kmNow the (fourth) catalytic converter is someone else's problem Now driving a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
pmh013
Posts: 872
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2002 12:25 pm

Re: Testing a Catalytic Convertor (silverawd26)

Post by pmh013 »

GM is going to try and stick by its guns on this one. As late as December 2003, they were claiming that the sulfur exhaust smell was "normal."See this TechLink document: http://service.gm.com/gmtechli...ory23 The only thing is, I don't know where to find the bulletin 06-05-006 that is mentioned. Any ideas?
2003 Satellite AWD Two Tone, traded off at 180,126 kmNow the (fourth) catalytic converter is someone else's problem Now driving a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan
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