Can i drive my car with a faulty catalytic converter?

Question

Can i drive my car with a faulty catalytic converter?

Answer 1

That depends, some cars the cat will restrict the exhaust to the point you cannot drive it, some cars will simply throw a code 420 or 430 stating the cat efficiency is below threshold.

Answer 2

You could, but it likely won't run very well, if at all, if it has problems.

Answer 3

You can drive it for awhile but eventually it will stop running.  I had that happen to me last year.  Your faulty catalytic converter will cause a backflow of exhaust into your engine and it will not run.

Answer 4

You probably can drive it, but you'll need to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Answer 5

Depends on the car. If you have an older car like mine and the catalytic converter fails you just end up with a smelly car. If you have a 1996 or later model there is an oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter and your car will try to compensate for the increased emissions which will cause nothing but problems.