Where is the catalytic converter located?

In most gasoline-powered cars, the catalytic converter sits in the exhaust system under the vehicle, along the pipe that runs from the engine to the tailpipe. Many vehicles use more than one catalyst—often a close‑coupled unit near the engine and a second converter farther back along the exhaust path.

Understanding where it sits in the exhaust system

Automakers design catalytic converters to heat up quickly and to fit within the exhaust routing of the vehicle. The exact arrangement varies by model and drivetrain, but the converter is always in the path of the exhaust flow.

Common placements on typical vehicles

Here are the configurations you’ll most often encounter:

• Close-coupled catalytic converter: mounted directly on or near the exhaust manifold, often under the hood area, so it heats up quickly after startup.


• Main (or secondary) catalytic converter: located farther back along the exhaust pipe, typically under the floor or along the chassis, toward the middle or rear of the vehicle.


• Multiple converters: many modern cars have both a pre-catalytic converter near the engine and a main catalytic converter downstream, with some hybrids adding one or more converters along the exhaust path.

In short, nearly all gasoline vehicles have at least one converter close to the engine to meet emissions standards, with additional converters placed along the exhaust path.

How to locate the catalytic converter on your car

To identify where the unit(s) sit on a specific model, follow these practical steps:

1. Inspect the underside of the vehicle along the exhaust run from the engine toward the tailpipe; look for a metallic canister with inlet and outlet pipes and a heat shield.


2. Note the presence of oxygen sensors on the exhaust pipe; sensors are often mounted immediately before or after the converter.


3. Consult the owner's manual or service diagram for your exact model; search for "catalytic converter" in the exhaust section for a diagram and part numbers.


4. If your car uses a pre-cat near the engine and a main cat farther back, you may see two separate canisters or a single unit housing both sections.

These steps will help you locate the unit(s) and understand their position relative to the engine and tailpipe.

Safety, legality and maintenance considerations

Tampering with catalytic converters is illegal in many jurisdictions and can lead to fines and emissions-test failures. Do not attempt to remove or bypass a converter. If you notice symptoms such as reduced performance, a rough idle, or a check engine light, have a qualified mechanic diagnose and service the system. Replacing a converter is costly but essential for emissions compliance and engine protection.

Summary

The catalytic converter is a key part of the exhaust system, typically located under the car between the engine and the tailpipe. Many vehicles feature a close-coupled converter near the engine plus a main converter further back; some models also have additional converters. To locate yours, inspect the undercarriage, check for sensors, consult the manual, or ask a professional. Always consider safety and legal implications when dealing with emissions equipment.

Can a car run without a catalytic converter?

Yes, a car can technically run without a catalytic converter, but it will run poorly and it is illegal to remove one from a vehicle that was originally equipped with it. Driving without a catalytic converter will result in a very loud, rough ride, poor acceleration, and potentially harmful exhaust fumes entering the passenger cabin. It will also cause the vehicle to fail annual emissions and safety inspections.
 
What happens when you drive without a catalytic converter

• Noise: The most immediate and noticeable effect is that the vehicle will be extremely loud, sounding like it is "roaring". 
• Performance: You may experience rough acceleration, sputtering at low speeds, and a general lack of power because of the backpressure from the exhaust system being unregulated. 
• Emissions: The car will release a large amount of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, as the catalytic converter's primary function is to convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful ones. 
• Safety: The lack of a catalytic converter can cause poisonous exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment, which can make you feel sick. 
• Check engine light: The "Check Engine" light will likely turn on because the oxygen sensors will detect a problem with the exhaust system. 

Legal and environmental consequences

• It is illegal to remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle that was manufactured with one. 
• The vehicle will fail its annual emissions inspection and likely its safety inspection as well. 
• The car will cause significant environmental pollution that can lead to breathing illnesses. 

How do I know where my catalytic converter is located?

Your catalytic converter is located underneath your vehicle, part of the exhaust system, generally found between the engine and the muffler. It often looks like a metal canister and is sometimes attached to the exhaust manifold or positioned under the middle of the car.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to identify a catalytic converter: 42sOBD InsightsYouTube · Jul 30, 2024
Where to look

• Underneath your car: The catalytic converter is a component of the exhaust system, so it will be on the underside of your vehicle. 
• Between the engine and muffler: It sits in the exhaust path after the engine's exhaust manifold and before the muffler. 
• Under the floor: For many standard cars, you'll find it under the middle of the car, before the muffler. 
• Close to the engine: On some vehicles, it is very close to the engine, sometimes integrated with the exhaust manifold, and may be covered by a heat shield. 
• Consider your vehicle type:
  • Front-engine sedans/hatchbacks: Often have one close to the engine and another further back, or just one under the floor. 
  • V6/V8 trucks: Typically have two smaller converters near the engine, one for each bank of cylinders, and possibly a larger one further back under the floor. 

How to identify it

• It looks like a metal canister, either round or oval-shaped, that is typically larger than the pipe it's attached to.
• You will likely see small wires (from the oxygen sensors) screwed into the exhaust pipe just before and after it. 

How much should a catalytic converter replacement cost?

The average cost to replace a catalytic converter ranges from $500 to $2,500 or more, with the part costing $300 to $2,500 and labor costing $70 to $130 per hour. Factors like your vehicle's make and model, the number of converters it has, and whether you choose a direct-fit or universal part influence the final price.
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The cost of the catalytic converter itself can range from about $300 to $2,500 for direct-fit options. 
  • Universal converters: are cheaper ($100-$500) but require professional welding for installation. 
  • High-end or luxury vehicles: often have much higher prices due to the precious metals and advanced technology they use. 
• Labor: Expect to pay between $70 and $130 per hour for installation. The total labor cost depends on the complexity of the job and how long it takes. 
• Additional costs: There may be extra charges for related parts that need replacement, such as oxygen sensors or gaskets. 

Factors that affect the price

• Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury cars, SUVs, and trucks are generally more expensive to repair than economy cars, partly due to the higher cost of their specific replacement parts. 
• Number of Catalytic Converters: Some vehicles have more than one catalytic converter, which will increase the overall cost. 
• Type of Converter: Choosing a factory original (OEM) part will be more expensive than an aftermarket or universal one. 
• Emissions Standards: In states like California, New York, or Colorado, you may be required to purchase a more expensive, certified converter that meets stricter standards, explains CarParts.com. 
• Warranty Coverage: Check if your vehicle is still under its emissions warranty. The EPA mandates that major emissions components like catalytic converters be covered for at least eight years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

To get an accurate estimate

1. Check your vehicle's warranty: ConsumerAffairs suggests this is the first step before considering a replacement. 
2. Provide your car's information: Give your mechanic your vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN so they can find the correct part and give you an accurate quote. 
3. Ask for a detailed breakdown: Request a quote that clearly separates the cost of the part, labor, and any other parts needed.
4. Compare quotes: Get estimates from multiple shops, including exhaust specialists, to ensure you're getting a fair price. 

Which cars are most likely to have a catalytic converter stolen?

Cars most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen include models with high ground clearance, like trucks and SUVs, and hybrid vehicles, with the Toyota Prius and various Honda models topping many lists. Specific models frequently targeted are the Ford F-Series, Honda Accord, and Honda CR-V, because they are easy to access and contain valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. 
Popular targets by vehicle type

• Trucks and SUVs: These are prime targets because their high ride height provides easy access underneath the vehicle. 
  • Ford F-Series (especially the F-150) 
  • Ford Explorer 
  • Chevrolet Traverse 
  • Chevrolet Silverado 
• Hybrids: These vehicles are often targeted because their catalytic converters tend to be in better condition and have higher concentrations of precious metals. 
  • Toyota Prius 
• Sedans: Certain sedans are also frequently stolen from. 
  • Honda Accord 
  • Toyota Camry 
  • Honda CR-V