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Summary
  • The catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful exhaust gases into water vapor and carbon dioxide. Your vehicle might contain more than one catalytic converter.
  • You’ll find one or more catalytic converters located in your car’s exhaust system between the engine and muffler.
  • The catalytic converter isn’t too difficult to access, but it can be difficult to remove. Either soak the fasteners in penetrating oil or use a propane torch and more penetrating oil to remove the fasteners.

You’ve probably heard of a part of your car’s exhaust system called the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful exhaust gasses into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

If you’re new to auto repair, you might be wondering where the catalytic converter is located. Fortunately, we’re here to answer that question and give you some helpful tips.

See also  How Long Does a Catalytic Converter Last?

Where is the Catalytic Converter Typically Located?

You’ll find one or more catalytic converters located in your car’s exhaust system between the engine and muffler(s). If there’s a catalytic converter located near (or integrated into) the exhaust manifold, it’s often referred to as the “pre-cat”, and the converter located closest to the muffler is referred to as the “main cat”. The pre-cat warms up quickly to improve the efficiency of the main cat.

Vehicles that have an engine with a ‘V’ or flat configuration often have a catalytic converter (sometimes two catalytic converters) for each side of the engine, meaning the vehicle could have up to four catalytic converters.

When the engine has two banks of cylinders (as in a ‘V’ or flat layout), the catalytic converters located on the side of the engine with the number one cylinder are referred to as the bank 1 converters. The bank two catalytic converters are on the opposite side.

See also  P0421 Code: Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

Catalytic Converter Location Diagram

Are you ready to locate your car’s catalytic converter? You’ll find one or more converters located in the exhaust system between the engine and the muffler(s).

catalytic converter location diagram
catalytic converter location diagram

Note: This is a generic location diagram. Consult a repair manual or repair database to determine the exact location of your car’s catalytic converter(s).

Tips When Trying to Access the Catalytic Converter

Usually, the catalytic converter isn’t too difficult to access—especially if it’s located under the vehicle instead of integrated into the exhaust manifold—but it can be difficult to remove.

For example, some catalytic converters are welded into place and must be cut out of the exhaust system. In other instances, the converter might bolt into place but be difficult to remove because its fasteners have become rusted and seized.

If you’re dealing with a bolt-in catalytic converter, it’s a good idea to soak the fasteners in penetrating oil (preferably overnight) before removal. If you find the bolts are still difficult to remove after a good soak, you will likely need to use a propane torch and more penetrating oil  (or possibly even an oxy-acetylene torch) to break the fasteners free.

See also  Emission Control Systems

Here’s a helpful video about how catalytic converters work:

You can also check out these videos for tips on how to replace your catalytic converter:

About The Author
Written By Automotive Subject Matter Expert at CarParts.com

Mia Bevacqua has over 14 years of experience in the auto industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Automotive Systems. Certifications include ASE Master Automobile Technician, Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician, L1, L2, L3, and L4 Advanced Level Specialist. Mia loves fixer-upper oddballs, like her 1987 Cavalier Z-24 and 1998 Astro Van AWD.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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