Catalytic converters are one of the most important parts of your car. They’re responsible for breaking down harmful gases and pollutants from the air so that you and your passengers can breathe easily. Unfortunately, sometimes these converters can go wrong, and they can cause your car to stop working completely. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to start a car with a clogged converter in the event that happens. We hope this article helps you avoid a frustrating situation and get your car running smoothly again as soon as possible.
What is a catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters are small devices that help convert the emissions from your car into less harmful gases. If your catalytic converter becomes clogged, it can no longer do its job and emissions from your car will increase. To clear a clogged catalytic converter, you’ll need to take the car to a qualified mechanic. He or she will use a special tool to remove the blockage and restore emission levels to normal.
How can I start my car with a clogged converter?
If your car’s converter is clogged, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. Unfortunately, many times the only solution is to replace the converter altogether. If this is the case, here are a few tips on how to install it:
1) Locate the converter on your car. It will likely be mounted under the hood or in some other difficult-to-reach location.
2) Remove any obstructions from the converter’s intake port by using a plunger or your fingers.
3) Start your car and allow it to idle for several minutes while simultaneously turning the ignition key off and then back on again several times. This should clear any blockage in the converter’s system.
What to do if the car won’t start after trying to start it with the converter clogged
If the car won’t start after trying to start it with the converter clogged, you should remove the converter as follows: Turn off the car. Remove the key from the ignition. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If there is a air bag, disconnect the air bag sensor wire. Remove the front wheel coverings and bolts. Raise and support the car by placing jack stands underneath each frame rail. Remove the front bumper cover and screws. Remove three electrical connectors from behind the radiator grill (see Figure 1). You will need an electronic device called a scan tool in order to remove these connectors (Figure 2). Disconnect both battery wires at this point (Figure 3). Open the hood of your car and locate and unplug both fuel lines from beneath the car (Figure 4).
Figure 1: Location of electronic connectors behind radiator grill
Figure 2: Use electronic device called a scan tool to remove connector
Figure 3: Reconnect battery wires
How to clear the converter of debris
If your car’s catalytic converter is clogged with debris, there are a few things you can do to clear it. The most common way to clear the converter is with a plunger. To do this, make a small hole in the top of the converter using a knife or a screwdriver, and place the plunger over the hole. Push and pull the plunger until all of the debris is removed. If this doesn’t work, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the converter.
Conclusion
If you’re having difficulty starting your car, there’s a good chance that it’s due to a clogged catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are responsible for breaking down the smog and pollutants that enter your engine, so if they become blocked it can cause quite a lot of problems. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to unblock a cat converter, and explain why it’s such an important step if you want your car to start right up.