Archives for August 2019

What are the causes of P0904 Code?

August 27, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The trouble code P0904 lights up when the electronic control module, or ECM, has sensed a problem with the gate select position censor circuit. This code may equally be accompanied by the P0905, P0906, P0907, or P0908 codes.

What does the P0904 code mean?

In most cars manufactured today, the TCM and ECM make use of various sensors to monitor and control the operation of the transmission. One of those sensors is the gate select position sensor, which instructs the TCM and ECM what gear position the driver has put the car in. These sensors are equally used to monitor brake slippage and to check clutch application in a manual vehicle. If the ECM is not getting the correct signal from this sensor, it will trigger the P0904 code.

What are the causes of the P0904 code?

Most times, bad electrical connections within the circuit are to blame. This may include corroded or bad wire harnesses, or loose connections. However, a misaligned sensor can equally cause this issue. As a last resort, a faulty sensor may be thought as the cause of the P0904 code.

What are the signs of the P0904 code?

Before the P0904 code is identified, the cruise control will often stop working. In most instances, the Check Engine light will activate within two to three drive cycles after the PCM has detected the problem.

How should a mechanic diagnose the P0904 code?

After an OBD-II scanner has detected the P0904 code, a technician should start by checking the alignment of the sensor. After a transmission repair, it is very common for sensors to be misaligned. They may have to be rotated to a neutral baseline in order for the gate select position to be properly identified.

After this repair is carried out, the mechanic should clear the code and retest the system. If the code resurfaces, they should then check all electrical parts, looking for any loose, corroded, damaged, or otherwise faulty wiring or connectors. These should be changed and then the system should be cleared and inspected again.

If neither of these repairs offers the correct diagnosis, then the sensor is probably culprit.

Common mistakes made when diagnosing the P0904 code

When you are diagnosing the underlying cause of the P0904 code, the most common mistake is forgetting to disconnect the PCM and the cruise control module when testing the circuit resistance. It is equally important to clear the code and do a road test after each potential solution is tried. If the most common repairs do not stop the Check Engine light from reappearing, it could be a sign of an intermittent problem that requires an in-depth check and servicing.

How serious is the P0904 trouble code?

If the P0904 code is being identified, a vehicle should be fixed immediately. Without the ability to properly detect the gear, the can can become unsafe to drive, or even get become inoperable.

What repairs can correct the P0904 code?

Fix to address the P0904 code include:

Realigning any sensors that were not in the correct position.
Replacing or repair any electrical parts that were not operating correctly.
Replacing a faulty sensor.

Related Articles

What is the P2046 Trouble code

What is the P0965 Trouble Code

What is the P2046 Trouble code

August 26, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The P2046 code shows when there has been a malfunction in the reductant injector air temperature sensor circuit.

What the P2046 code implies

The reductant injector is component of the system that lowers the gas that is expelled through either the catalytic converter in gas engines, or the particulate filter in diesel engines. There are sensors in the exhaust system, used by the reductant injector to input voltage readings to the PCM. These readings permit the PCM to monitor the exhaust system operation, in particular the pressure and the temperature. If this code is stored, it implies that the PCM observed that the temperature for the system was not correct.

What are the causes of the P2046 code?

In most instances, this code is the result of corroded, burnt, or damaged wiring, connectors, or other electrical parts. However, the PCM may detect an problem if:

The exhaust gas temperature sensor is shorted.
The reductant temp sensor is faulty.
The owner has mounted an aftermarket off-road system that decreases the backpressure.
There is an exhaust leak.

What are the signs of the P2046 code?

The Check Engine light will come on, and the vehicle may expel heavy black smoke when accelerating.

How should a mechanic diagnose the P2046 code?

For this code to be diagnosed, the mechanic should first start by inspecting the electrical components, and repairing any that are damaged, corroded, loose, or shorted. In many situations, this will solve the issue behind the P2046 code. After performing this task, the code should be cleared from the PCM, and the system should be retested.

If the code shows up again, then the mechanic should continue with a visual inspection of the exhaust gas temperature sensors, as well as the related circuitry. A digital volt/ohmmeter may be required to compare the voltage reading with the manufacturer’s specifications. The mechanic should always clear the code and retest the system after each possible repair, to be sure that they’ve made the proper diagnosis. Once the faulty part is found, it should be repaired or replaced as necessary.

Common mistakes made when diagnosing the P2046 code

Very often, mistakes are made when this code is misdiagnosed for a different code entirely. Oxygen sensors are often changed instead of exhaust gas temperature sensors, for example, which does not solve the problem causing the P2046 code.

How serious is P2046 code?

While this code will not directly affect the drivability of the vehicle, it is still considered an important problem that should be dealt with immediately. Without the ability to properly check and control the exhaust system, the car will not pass an emissions test. Ignoring this problem could result in larger and more expensive repairs in the future.

What repairs can clear the P2046 code?

For the P2046 code to be repaired, the cause behind the P2046 code, the mechanic may:

Change faulty electrical components.
Change a shorted exhaust gas temperature sensor.
Change a faulty reductant temp sensor.
Fix an exhaust leak.

What is the P0965 Trouble Code

August 26, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The P0965 trouble code is stored by the PCM (powertrain control module) when it observes a voltage level from clutch pressure control solenoid B which is invalid or outside the normal range.

What the P0965 code stands for

If the pressure control solenoid B for the car’s clutch is giving the wrong voltage readings, there could be a problem with the solenoid, the sensor, the wiring, or with the clutch itself. Shifting may get harsh, and other transmission issues may arise.

What are the causes of the P0965 code?

The most common causes of a P0965 code being stored include:

A shorted or poorly connected harness or connector to the primary pressure solenoid
An issue with the primary pressure solenoid valve

What are the signs of the P0965 code?

In all situations when the P0965 code is stored, the Check Engine light will be illuminated. The transmission control modules will equally generally the adaptive transmission duties, which could cause noticeable variations to the vehicle’s performance, particularly where shifting is concerned.

How can a mechanic diagnose the P0965 code?

The mechanic will first make use of an OBD-II scanner to identify the code and any other OBD-II codes that may equally have been stored. After diagnosing and resolving any related codes, they will then retest the system by taking a test drive so that they can run the car at over 25 miles per hour for a minimum of 20 seconds. If the code has not been resolved, this should store the code again.

If the P0965 code is once again stored, the mechanic will carry out a visual inspection of the pressure control solenoid and related systems. If any circuits or connections are damaged or lose, they will resolve these problems and move on to retest the system.

What kind of repairs can fix the P0965 code?

Depending on the particular cause of the P0965 code, repairs may vary. Some repairs that can resolve the problem include:

Repairing or changing the harness or connector for the primary pressure solenoid.
Addressing any faulty wiring, loose connections, or damaged circuits.
Changing the primary pressure solenoid.

In some rare situations, the problem could be with the PCM but other codes will almost invariably be present, as well, and should be repaired first.

What are Snow Tires

August 24, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Your knuckles are actually white as you grip the steering wheel – and it’s not just because it’s cold. The wind is equally blowing strong from the north, polishing the roads to a deceptively dull shine. You struggle to have control of your car as that strong north wind keeps pushing you around. You will need to slow down even more, but you don’t attempt hit the brake pedal. You don’t intend to lock the brakes up and slide.

If you have driven in a cold climate with ice and snow as a regular part of winter life, this scenario will not seem strange. It’s common for even the most experienced driver to make small driving mistakes that can turn into costly accidents, or even yet, injuries. In the past decade, snow tires – equally commonly referred to as winter tires – have gotten increasingly popular for states that experience long, snowy winters.

Snow tires grip the icy road better than the all-season tires. They offer better traction on acceleration, but most importantly they drastically lower the stopping distance when braking when compared with their all-season and other summer tire competitor.

What is Special about Snow Tires

Tire manufacturers have given different grades of rubber tires for a century. The tires have had different uses based on their make-up, and snow tires are no different. Snow tires are made to be softer than ordinary summer or all-season tires once the mercury drops. Their rubber compound has more silica which keeps the tire from hardening to t firmness.

Winter tires are made with many more sipes than all-season tires. Sipes are the small lines visible in each tread block around a tire. As the sipes make contact with the icy road surface, they open up and grip like hundreds of tiny fingers on your tire. The softness of the rubber maakes for the sipes to open wider than all-season tires.

There are a wide array of snow tires by many different manufacturers. Some brands have tire brands that can be studded. Studs can be put into small cavities in the tread blocks of the tire, and act as picks into an icy surface. The stud is made of an extremely hard tungsten carbide pin housed in a metal jacket, and protrude a mere millimeter from the tread. The stud bites into an icy surface for enhanced traction.

When Should you Use Snow Tires

An ordinary all-season tire begins to harden and lose effective grip at temperatures at or below 44 degrees fahrenheit, or 7 degrees celsius. The tire moves from pliable to hard, and isn’t able to grip the road surface well. Winter tires are soft and pliable at much lower temperatures, down to minus 40 fahrenheit and beyond. This implies they will continue to offer grip on icy and dry surfaces where all-season tires would not function well.

When should you discontinue with Snow Tires?

Since the snow tires are much softer than all-season or summer tires, warm driving weather conditions will cause them to wear out greatly faster. When the thermometer starts to reads 44 F consistently, it’s time to switch your tires back to all-seasons. Driving even a few thousand miles in warm spring or summer weather can literally wear your snow tires down to a level that will make it ineffective for the next cold season.

Are Snow Tires better and safer?

Your own safety, and the safety of your passengers, doesn’t necessarily rely on your vehicle. It depends on you as a driver. Snow tires dramatically improve your traction to the road, but they can’t prevent all the dangers of winter driving. As is the case even in warm weather, driving in a style that matches the road conditions is the only way to lower the danger. If you must drive in inclement weather, lower your speed and be weary of other drivers around you. If you have made the smart decision to mount your car with snow tires, be sure to give room for traffic around you that may not have snow tires mounted

When to Purchase Short-Term Car Insurance

August 23, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Short term vehicle insurance, equally known as temporary car insurance, offers the same amount of coverage as the regular car insurance for a shorter period of time. Normal auto insurance policies should last 6-months to one year. Temporary auto insurance can be bought for as little as one day to two months, depending on the insurance provider.

In the United States, driving car without car insurance is illegal. If caught, you are subjected to hefty fines, points and potential suspension on your driver’s license, and higher rates on later insurance policies due to the strikes against your driving record. Additionally, should you get involved an accident while without insurance, you could end up paying medical and property damage expenses for an extended time.

When to buy Short Term Car Insurance:

People take out temporary vehicle insurance policies for a variety of reasons to refrain from driving with a lapse in insurance coverage. Here are some instances when one would purchase temporary insurance:

In between vehicle insurance policies.If you’re switching insurance providers at a time that doesn’t automatically keep you covered, temporary insurance can bridge the gap in protection.
Bothered about liability limits.If you’re disturbed about the minimum insurance may not cover the already-insured car in a liability claim, you may take out short-term insurance as supplemental coverage.
Renting a car while out of town.You can buy the rental vehicle company’s insurance for the duration of using the vehicle or choose another provider.
Avoiding rental vehicle insurance prices.If you intend to drive a rental car on and off for multiple occasions or for a few months, temporary coverage may be cheaper than rental company fees.
Borrowing a friend or family member’s vehicle.You may be using their vehicle while your vehicle is getting fixed, or you’re briefly in between cars. If you’re a house guest and they’re loaning you their car, it would be wise to take out some kind of insurance. Do not assume somebody else’s policy covers the car you’re borrowing.
Short-term ownership of the car.You still want insurance on your car, however short the period of ownership is. This could apply to an extended vacation or work-related trip, as well as a vehicle you buy only to resell.
Your car will be in storage.To protect your vehicle against damages that may happen while in a storage facility, it may be smart to take out a short-term insurance policy.
You’re selling the vehicle soon.Your old insurance policy may be up, and you are looking to sell the vehicle without losing coverage in the interim. You may also want it protected against test drivers.
Instant coverage while driving a new car off the lot.You don’t want to take any chances — particularly with a new car that may have higher maintenance costs.
Coming home from college for a break.While visiting, you may only need a car for a few weeks, but you want to ensure you’re covered.
Moving-van rental coverage.Ensure your regular auto insurance agency covers rented moving vans — otherwise you should key into temporary insurance.
Ride-share driver of a company car.If you do not have the vehicle you use for ride sharing, you still want it covered under an insurance policy.

3 Main Types of Temporary Car Insurance:

Short-term car insurance still offers the same coverage as long-term insurance policies that often automatically renew every 6-months to a year. It can be included to existing policies or take the place of standard coverage. Temporary insurance land in many forms, but the main 3 are:

Non-Owners insurance.Non-owners insurance helps those who do not own their own car but occasionally find themselves driving other cars. Non-owners policies will provide liability for medical bills should an at-fault accident happen, as well as additional protection.
Gap insurance.Gap stands for guaranteed asset protection, and it protects you when your regular insurance only covers the amount your vehicle is worth. vehicle value decreases greatly the older it becomes, and serious repairs can exceed the amount of the vehicle’s new worth. Should your vehicle be wrecked in an accident, gap insurance will take care of excess costs, and should be considered if you’ve put down less than 20% toward your car and financed it for 5 or more years.
Rental vehicle insurance.Your regular insurance may only have limited coverage of a rental car, or you don’t own a vehicle and therefore don’t have auto insurance. Rental vehicle companies will offer insurance or additional coverage plans such as liability protection, loss-damage waiver, personal accident insurance, and personal effects. Rental agency prices can get high, so be sure to seek out third-party temporary insurance policies too.

Price and Qualifications for Short-Term Car Insurance

Similar to the regular insurance policies, the insurance company will take your place and vehicle make and model into account before quoting you a price. Companies will eqùally consider any notable marks on your driving record. Short-term insurance is often more expensive than long-term coverage, but it is only to cover the requirements for a limited amount of time.

Before setting your sights on an affordable price, ensure you meet these requirements to buy temporary insurance:

You are over 21 years old.
Your driver’s license has been valid for a min of 1 year.
You have no more than 6 penalty points in the last 3 years.
You have had no more than 1 at-fault accident in the past 3 years.

What are Signs of a Bad or Failing Driveshaft

August 22, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

A car driveshaft is a cylindrical shaft that transfers torque from the engine to the wheels. They are most frequently found on rear-wheel drive cars and connect the rear of the transmission to the driveshaft. As the output shaft of the transmission turns it spins the driveshaft, which then turns the differential ring gear to spin the wheels.

Driveshafts are usually a very precisely balanced and weighted part because they rotate at very high speeds and torque values in order to turn the wheels. When the driveshaft has any sort of problem, it can affect the drivability of the car. Often, a problem with the driveshaft will give out 4 symptoms that alert the driver of an issue that should be addressed.

1. Intense Vibrations from Underneath the Car

One of the first signs of a problem with the driveshaft is vibrations issuing from underneath the car. If the driveshaft universal joint (U-joint) or bushings wear out, it can create excessive driveshaft vibration.

Driveshafts are greatly balanced before installation to ensure they do not vibrate. Any sort of vibration indicates a problem. An excessively vibrating driveshaft will not only cause vibrations that can be felt by the passengers, but it can equally cause accelerated wear on other drivetrain components.

2. Abnormal Noises

Abnormal noises are another signs of a problem with the driveshaft. If the bushing or bearing that supports the driveshaft or the driveshaft U-joints wear out or fail, they can interfere with the driveshaft’s ability to turn correctly. This may result in unusual rattling, clunking, scraping, or even squeaking sounds from underneath the car. U-joint in need of lubrication may equally cause a squeaking noise at low speeds. Clicking or knocking sounds particularly can signify a faulty CV joint. Any noises such as these are a sign that the vehicle should be serviced immediately.

3. Turning Issues

Issues with turning the vehicle is another likely symptom of a bad driveshaft. A broken driveshaft can keep wheels from turning properly, giving you trouble when trying to make turns. This issue limits your overall control of the vehicle. You need any issues that prevent you from driving the vehicle correctly addressed right away for safe driving and continued use of the car.

4. Shuddering During Acceleration

Noticing a significant shudder when accelerating from low speed or a stopped position, it can be another symptom of failing driveshaft part. A loose U-joint or bad center bearing within the driveshaft may cause the faltering acceleration. You may equally hear sounds while the vehicle is shuddering from the worn-out U-joint. You’ll want to have such issues inspected out as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.

Driveshafts are a vital part of the drivetrain, and any problems with them can greatly affect the drivability of the car. As they are underneath the car and connected to the transmission, they may be hard to access and service on your own. If you feel your driveshaft is having a problem, have the car inspected by a professional technician or mechanic to know whether the driveshaft should be changed.

What are Signs of a Bad or Failing Proportioning/Combination Valve

August 19, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The auto proportioning valve, equally known as the combination valve is found in the disc braking system. It is saddled with the duty of controlling the braking pressure between the front and rear brakes. Equal brake force cannot be applied to all of the wheels on the vehicle at the same time since the rear wheels will lock up. Cars with drum brakes in the rear have much lower pressure for the drum brakes than the front disc brakes. This is why the proportioning valve only allows a particular amount of pressure through to the rear brakes. If you feel there is an issue with your proportioning valve, inspect for the following symptom:

Vehicle rear wheels lock up

Since the proportioning valve lowers the pressure sent to the rear brakes, the main sign the valve is going bad are the rear wheels locking up when the brakes are applied. Furthermore, the wheels will lock up more easily on wet surfaces. The rear brakes may feel touchy when applied even though gently. As soon as you know the rear wheels are locking up, contact an expert mechanic to have your proportioning/combination valve changed.

How to inspect the problem

If you equally feel you have a problem with the proportioning valve and want to test it by yourself, there is a way to safely do this. Find an empty parking lot and have someone come with you so they can keep an eye on the back brakes. With the person safely away from the car, drive the vehicle and make a few medium to hard stops. Ensure to press the brake many times to simulate an emergency stop. If the rear wheels lock up and the front wheels spins normally, there is an issue with the proportioning valve. This test should be carried out with extreme caution.

Best allowed to the professionals

Repairing and changing the proportioning/conditioning valve is best left to the professionals since you are dealing with the braking system. While you can test the issue on your own, it is a good idea to have a professional mechanic fix the issue. Specialized tools are used by technicians to accurately discover and fix failures that may not otherwise be noticed. The brakes are a vital part of your vehicle, and if you need to use them in an emergency, it is vital they work correctly.

Soon as you notice your rear wheels are locking up, particularly on wet surfaces; have your brake system inspected by a qualified mechanic. The proportioning/conditioning valve is an important component of the braking system, so as soon as you see the symptom above, use caution if you need to drive the car.

Signs of a Bad or Failing Brake Master Cylinder

August 18, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

The brake master cylinder comes as one of the most vital components found in modern car braking systems. It functions as the main valve that pushes brake fluid through the brake lines so the brake calipers can squeeze the pads against the rotors. It works by pushing a metal rod through a cylinder to force fluid through the braking system to the wheels. One end of this rod is linked to the pedal and is actuated when the pedal is depressed. Often, a faulty brake master cylinder will give out one of these 4 symptoms that alert the driver of needed servicing.

1. Abnormal brake pedal behavior

One of the first signs commonly linked with a bad or failing brake master cylinder is abnormal brake pedal behavior. The master cylinder is the part that generates all of the pressure for the braking system, and if it begins any sort of problems sealing or distributing pressure, this may be felt in the pedal. With constant use over time, the seals inside of the cylinder will wear out and form internal leaks. A bad brake master cylinder may lead to a pedal that feels mushy, spongy, or slowly sinks to the floor anytime depressed.

2. A Contaminated brake fluid

Another sign of a bad brake master cylinder is contaminated brake. Brake master cylinders use rubber seals that could break down and wear out over time. When they do, they could contaminate the brake fluid and it will turn it to dark brown or black color. Apart from contaminating the fluid, a brake master cylinder with worn seals will not be able to keep brake pressure as effectively and may result in a mushy pedal or one that slowly sinks to the floor.

3. A Leaking brake fluid

Brake fluid could leak from the master cylinder or unsecured reservoirs on the cylinder holding the fluid lower critical brake fluid levels. The brake master cylinder requires adequate levels of fluid to exert the right quantity of hydraulic pressure to slow down the vehicle. You’ll need to have the brake master cylinder changed in this situation. If left unresolved, your ability to slow down the vehicle will be impaired.

4. Check Engine Light comes on

Another symptom commonly observed for newer vehicles is an illuminated Check Engine Light. The braking systems on newer cars may have brake fluid level and pressure sensors mounted in the master cylinder. These sensors are meant to detect any issue with the car’s brake fluid pressure, which is generated by the master cylinder. If they detect that the pressure has dropped, it is possibly because of a problem with the master cylinder. Such issues may equally ignite a Brake Warning Light too.

The brake master cylinder is basically the heart of the braking system and vital to reliable brake operation. It is a vital component of the handling and safety characteristics of the vehicle. A car with a bad brake master cylinder will have inoperable or compromised brakes, and thus will be unsafe to drive. For this reason, if you feel that your brake master cylinder is having an issue, have the brake system checked by a professional technician to know if it the car requires a brake master cylinder change.

How Safe is it to Drive with a Leaking Axle Seal

August 17, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

An axle seal is the component of the car that connects the axle to the rear differential, or the transmission. The use of the axle seal is to keep transmission fluid from leaking. Depending on the size of the leak, it could be okay to drive with a leaking axle seal, but not for too long.

If you are bothered about a leaking axle seal, here are 2 things to look out for:

Oil puddle under vehicle.One of the more common symptoms the axle seal is leaking is oil below your car after it has been parked. Your driveway is one of the places you will notice the oil leak. If you begin to notice oil drops on your driveway, it could be a symptom of a leaking axle seal.
Transmission slipping at highway speeds.While an oil spot on the driveway is a regular sign, it does not always happen since the axle seal leaks more during highway driving. Instead, you may observe your transmission slipping at highway speeds. Because the transmission fluid drops, there is not enough fluid for brake band friction, valve operation, gear lubrication, and the torque converter. If the leaking axle seal does not get repaired soon and the transmission is slipping, you could create permanent damage to the transmission.

The severity of the leak influences how safe it is to drive with a leaking axle seal. If there is great fluid loss, so much that it affects the transmission; the car should not be driven. If the leak is small and you can’t make it to an appointment for a few days, it is okay to drive your car as long as you keep the transmission fluid full. Do not push it too far though, as ruining your transmission is an expensive repair.

The most common cause of a leaking axle seal is it improper axle installation or removal. In addition, the axle seal can wear out over time, which can make it to leak. A leaking axle seal may be covered by your car’s Powertrain Warranty, so check your vehicle’s brochure to see if this is the case.

If your car has a small axle seal leak, it may be okay to continue driving for now, but you should look to have your vehicle’s axle shaft checked and potentially replaced as soon as possible. Ensure to keep your transmission fluid full so your transmission keeps running smoothly. If you have a large leak and your transmission keeps slipping, it is not a good thing to drive with a leaking axle seal.

Should you Clean Your Catalytic Converter

August 16, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

If you have recently tried to have your emission inspected and was told the car failed, it’s quite possible the root source is a clogged or dirty catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is an emissions-regulated component mounted within the vehicle’s exhaust system. It takes particulate matter and other harmful emissions prior to exiting the tailpipe. Eventually, this component will become clogged with excessive carbon buildup and will need cleaning or replacement. However, cleaning your catalytic converter is not as easy as you might feel. In fact, it’s not even recommended by professional mechanics or a car manufacturer and if done, may even void car warranties.

If you’re having issues with a catalytic converter and are considering cleaning it, first know the cause of the emissions issue. Then, decide whether to clean or change the catalytic converter.

Know the Root Source of Your Failed Emissions Test

90 percent of the time a failed emissions test is often incorrectly diagnosed at the point of check. An emissions test will download the stored OBD-II trouble codes that might be associated with the failed test. Most of the time, the code found is P-0420 — a generic code showing that the Catalyst System Efficiency is “Below the Threshold.” While most of the time this can be added to a clogged catalytic converter, it can also show a failure of one of the multiple oxygen sensors, an exhaust system crack, or about a half-dozen different issues. If the catalytic converter is the issue, the majority of the time it is past the point of cleaning and need replacement.

If you’re thinking to diagnose the source of this code, you should begin by inspecting the catalytic converter first. Here are three items to verify before attempting to clean the catalytic converter.

Check if it’s too clogged: If the catalytic converter has become too clogged with excessive carbon deposits, the engine may not run. To check the inner catalytic converter, it needs to be first removed.
Inspect for damaged internal parts: If the catalytic converter is the source of your issue, inner components will be loose or damaged in most cases. One quick way of checking it is lightly tapping the catalytic converter with a hammer and listening for any rattling sounds. These noises show damage and require replacement.
Inspect for excessive oil consumption: Another leading source of a damaged catalyst is excessive oil consumption. This is often caused by damaged piston rings, cylinder head valve guides, or fuel injectors. If you observe smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, this is likely the issue. Cleaning the catalytic converter will not resolve the issue.

Consider Removal and Manual Cleaning, or Replacement

Once you’ve known that the catalytic converter is not damaged or too clogged for cleaning, the next step would be to take it out and attempt to clean it manually. The best method is using water and lacquer thinner. However, there is no particular step or process for cleaning the catalytic converter this way, so you might want to search online for a few additive cleaners that help remove carbon deposits slowly before attempting.

As we noted at the beginning of this article, cleaning a catalytic converter is not recommended by any car manufacturer. It can damage the internal catalyst and render this mandated system useless. The best solution is to have a professional mechanic change the catalytic converter.