How do I know if my van has a catalytic converter?

The quick answer: most gasoline vans built since the 1970s include a catalytic converter as part of the exhaust system. You can confirm its presence by a visual check under the vehicle, consulting the owner’s manual or VIN data, and running a quick diagnostic scan for emission-related codes. This guide walks you through practical steps to identify the catalytic converter on your van.

What a catalytic converter does

A catalytic converter sits in the exhaust path and uses precious metals to convert harmful pollutants—such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides—into less harmful gases before they exit the tailpipe. It’s a core component of modern emissions control and is typically required on gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States since 1975. Some diesel engines use related catalyst setups (like a diesel oxidation catalyst or a diesel particulate filter), which can look different but serve a similar purpose in reducing exhaust pollutants.

How to check if your van has one

Use these practical checks to verify the presence and location of a catalytic converter on your van. The steps below cover common indicators and how to identify them.

• Visual inspection under the van: look for a bulky metal canister along the exhaust pipe, usually between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. It’s typically a cylindrical or oval-shaped unit and is often shielded by a heat cover.


• Check for multiple converters: some vans have more than one catalytic converter (a pre-catalyst near the manifold and a main converter downstream).


• Consult the owner’s manual or factory specifications: search for references to “catalytic converter,” “emissions system,” or “emission control information.” Documentation may indicate the type and location of the converter(s).


• Inspect engine-bay labels: look for an emissions or CARB/EPA compliance sticker or plate that confirms the catalytic converter or overall emissions setup.


• Look up the VIN: use the vehicle’s VIN to confirm factory equipment. A dealership or manufacturer portal can reveal whether your model year included a catalytic converter and whether replacements were specified.


• Use an OBD-II diagnostic reader: scan for codes such as P0420 (Catalytic System Efficiency Below Threshold) or P0430 (Catalytic System Efficiency Below Threshold for Bank 2). These codes indicate catalytic converter-related issues and can confirm the system’s presence, but accurate diagnosis should be done by a professional to rule out other causes.

In summary, you can typically confirm a catalytic converter by locating the metal canister in the exhaust path, noting whether there are multiple converters, cross-checking manuals or VIN data, and using a basic OBD-II scan to check for related trouble codes.

Note for diesel vans and non-traditional setups

Diesel-powered vans may use diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC) or diesel particulate filters (DPF) as part of their exhaust system, which can differ in appearance from gasoline three-way converters. If you’re unsure, especially with a diesel model or a vehicle used for heavy-duty work, ask a mechanic to identify the exact components for your engine type and model year.

What to do if you’re buying a used van

When evaluating a used van, verify the emissions-control components and emissions-test history. Request maintenance records, inspect the exhaust for signs of replacement, and have a qualified technician confirm the presence and condition of the catalytic converter. Be aware that theft of catalytic converters is a risk in some areas, so receipts or OEM-part records can help establish legitimacy.

Summary

Most gasoline vans manufactured since the mid-1970s include a catalytic converter. To determine if your van has one: perform a visual undercarriage check for a bulky canister in the exhaust path, check owner’s manual or VIN/build data, and run an OBD-II scan for related codes (like P0420 or P0430). If you’re unsure, a professional inspection can quickly confirm the exact configuration for your vehicle’s year and engine type.

How much scrap is a catalytic converter worth?

A scrap catalytic converter can be worth anywhere from $50 to over $800 or even $1,000, depending on its size, make, model, and the concentration of valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium inside. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and hybrid converters are often more valuable, while aftermarket converters are worth significantly less, around $5 each. The most accurate price requires getting a quote from a recycler, as the value fluctuates based on precious metal market prices. 
Factors that influence the price

• Precious metal content: The primary factor is the amount of platinum, palladium, and rhodium inside. This varies significantly between models. 
• Vehicle make and model: Converters from certain vehicles, especially hybrids, are more valuable due to higher precious metal content. 
• OEM vs. aftermarket: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) converters are generally much more valuable than aftermarket units, which have significantly less metal. 
• Condition: The internal ceramic honeycomb must be intact to be valuable. 
• Market fluctuations: The prices of precious metals are constantly changing, which affects the scrap value of the converter. 

How to get the most money

• Get a quote: Contact a specialized catalytic converter buyer like RRCats.com for an accurate price estimate before selling. 
• Provide details: When getting a quote, be ready to provide photos of the converter, including any serial numbers. 
• Sell whole: Do not open the converter yourself, as buyers need the whole unit to assess its value. 
• Check local laws: You may need a valid ID or proof of ownership to sell a catalytic converter to a scrapyard. 

How to tell if a car has no catalytic converter?

The main signs of a missing catalytic converter are a sudden and loud roaring noise from the exhaust, especially when you accelerate, a decrease in engine performance (sluggish acceleration, difficulty driving at low speeds), and an unpleasant smell of exhaust fumes inside or around the vehicle. You may also see a lit "check engine" light on your dashboard and possibly notice damage to the underside of your car.
 
This video demonstrates the sound of a car with a missing catalytic converter: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Aug 24, 2024
Auditory signs

• Loud roaring noise: A missing catalytic converter will make your exhaust significantly louder, like a roar, even at idle, and this sound intensifies when you accelerate. 
• Rattling noise: If the converter is not stolen but has failed internally, it might make a rattling noise under the car. 

Performance signs

• Reduced acceleration: Your car may feel sluggish or have difficulty accelerating. 
• Struggles at low speeds: The vehicle may have difficulty operating smoothly at slower speeds. 
• Poor engine performance: Overall, the engine will feel less powerful and may sputter when changing speed. 

Visual and olfactory signs

• Exhaust smell: You may notice an unpleasant or sulfur-like smell of exhaust fumes inside or near the car. 
• Check engine light: The "check engine" light on your dashboard is likely to illuminate. 
• Damage to the undercarriage: Look for signs of tampering or damage under your vehicle, where the catalytic converter is located. This can include cut pipes, missing bolts, or unusual dents. 

This video shows what a car with a missing catalytic converter looks like and the damage often left by theft: 1mUrban AutomotiveYouTube · Aug 17, 2021
Other signs

• Failed emissions test: A missing converter will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test. 
• Difficulty starting: In some cases, the vehicle may be sluggish to start. 

How do I know if my car has a catalytic converter?

Yes, if your car is a gasoline or diesel model made after 1974, it has a catalytic converter. Electric vehicles do not have them. To confirm, you can look for a metallic, often cylindrical, component in the exhaust system, typically located underneath the vehicle between the engine and the muffler. 
How to tell if your car has one

• Check the exhaust system: Look for a large, heat-shielded metal component in the exhaust pipe, usually located between the engine and the muffler. 
• Look for oxygen sensors: A strong clue is the presence of oxygen sensors, which have wires leading to them. These are often found both before and after the catalytic converter. 
• Consult your owner's manual: Your car's manual will have specific information about its exhaust system and components. 
• Check the VIN: Two digits in your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver's side door frame or registration document can indicate if it was equipped with a catalytic converter from the factory. 

Why your car has a catalytic converter

• Emissions control: They are required by law in most modern cars to convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances.
• Vehicle function: While a car can operate without one, it will not pass an emissions test and will release more pollutants into the environment. 

What year did cars stop having catalytic converters?

They did not stop putting catalytic converters on cars; in the United States, they became mandatory for all new gasoline-powered vehicles starting with the 1975 model year due to the Clean Air Act. Modern gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles all still require them for emissions control, and removing one from a vehicle that was manufactured with it is illegal in the US. 

• Mandatory in the US: Catalytic converters were required for all new gasoline-powered cars in the United States from the 1975 model year onwards. 
• Modern requirement: They remain mandatory on all modern internal combustion engine vehicles, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid models, to comply with emissions standards. 
• Illegal to remove: Federal law prohibits the removal of a catalytic converter from a vehicle that was manufactured with one. 
• Electric vehicles: The only vehicles that do not have catalytic converters are fully electric vehicles because they do not have an exhaust system and do not produce tailpipe emissions.