{"id":6567,"date":"2019-05-06T23:14:14","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T06:14:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=6567"},"modified":"2025-08-26T19:22:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T02:22:56","slug":"how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Unblock a Catalytic Converter"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6567_3f37da-40 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-da7818  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-378763\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading6567_80de9f-dc\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fuel delivery issues and engine misfire can overheat the catalytic converter, leading to clogging and failure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A clogged catalytic converter exhibits symptoms like an illuminated check engine light, reduced engine performance, and emission test failure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can sometimes use a special fuel additive kit to unclog the catalytic converter, but replacing the clogged part is often necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>There may be something wrong with your catalytic converter when your car starts to feel sluggish and your check engine light comes on. In many cases, the catalytic converter overheats and fails as a result of an engine misfire or fuel delivery problem. When the converter overheats, it may melt, come apart inside and become clogged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Replacing a failing catalytic converter is a must but you must also determine the cause of the clogging to prevent it from happening again in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brief Backgrounder on Catalytic Converters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter-1024x669.jpg\" alt=\"honeycomb of a car catalytic converter\" class=\"wp-image-100473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter-768x502.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter-1536x1004.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/honeycomb-of-a-car-catalytic-converter.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The first place the exhaust goes when it leaves the engine is through a catalyst brick that&rsquo;s made like a honeycomb. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The engine in a vehicle is basically a breathing machine, and as much as it needs to breathe in, it also needs to breathe out. It breathes in through the air filter and intake manifold and it breathes out through the exhaust system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first place the exhaust goes when it leaves the engine is through a catalyst brick that&rsquo;s made kind of like a honeycomb that is formed from a special kind of clay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This clay honeycomb is coated with precious metals that, when the catalyst is hot, will process the exhaust gasses. The front of the catalyst honeycomb brick closest to the engine handles NOx formed in the hot combustion chamber, with the catalyst breaking oxides of nitrogen into separate nitrogen and oxygen molecules.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p0308-code-cylinder-8-misfire-detected\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e\"><style> .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e:active, .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u5ed21a3647e1f21c00bc2729933ee35e:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">P0308 Code: Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The second &ldquo;brick&rdquo; in the catalyst system processes hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO), adding oxygen molecules so that what&rsquo;s coming out of the tailpipe is harmless CO2. CO2 is heavier than air and feeds the grass that grows beside the road (which is why it grows so well and has to be mowed regularly during the spring and summer months). In other words, your vehicle is breathing out the same stuff you do, which plants need in order to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The engine in a vehicle is basically a breathing machine, and as much as it needs to breathe in, it also needs to breathe out. It breathes in through the air filter and intake manifold and it breathes out through the exhaust system.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Know Your Catalytic Converter is Clogged<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before there were catalytic converters (pre-72) there was leaded gas, and, among other things, the lead coated the valves and their seats to make the engine last longer. But with the arrival of the catalytic converter, leaded gas became a thing of the past because the lead would coat the converter to the point of clogging it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rsi-card\">\n  <div class=\"rsi-thumb\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/d_noimage.jpg\/b_white\/e_sharpen,e_auto_brightness,e_auto_contrast\/f_auto\/q_auto:eco,dpr_auto\/w_873,h_873,c_pad\/images\/repg960301_2\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"rsi-info\">\n    <span class=\"rsi-title\">Recommended Catalytic Converters<\/span>\n    <span class=\"rsi-desc\">Find out which brands of catalytic converters are the best on the market. Weigh pros and cons, check for compatibility and emission standards, then select a catalytic converter that works best for you.<\/span>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/recommended-catalytic-converters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Discover Your Options\">Discover Your Options<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Hydrocarbon soot from a rich running engine can also clog the catalytic converter, and when that happens, the catalytic converter will stop doing its job. The honeycomb will become clogged and the catalytic converter will begin to overheat. You&rsquo;ll notice the following symptoms (not necessarily in the order listed):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduction in engine performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduction in fuel economy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/check-engine-light-flashing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Check Engine Light\">Check Engine Light<\/a> or MIL comes on<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-pass-an-emissions-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"emission tests\">emission tests<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-long-does-a-catalytic-converter-last\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958\"><style> .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958:active, .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u58e129dfe4ef37125b0e9c1ef715c958:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">How Long Does a Catalytic Converter Last?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re seeing black smoke coming out the back, there&rsquo;ll also be soot in the catalytic converter, and so whatever is causing this extra fuel charge needs to be dealt with. When the engine&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-good-air-fuel-ratio-chart-included\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"air\/fuel ratio\">air\/fuel ratio<\/a> is restored, HC soot will typically be cooked out of the converter by default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Unblock a Catalytic Converter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that usually, you can&rsquo;t unblock a catalytic converter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only guaranteed way to fix a clogged catalytic converter that is clogged with anything other than hydrocarbon soot is to replace it. For the soot clogging, there are, however, some products on the market that are designed to be catalytic converter cleaners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While cleaners are not a guaranteed fix, you might want to give it a try before spending hundreds of dollars on a new catalytic converter. If the product doesn&rsquo;t fix your problem, you&rsquo;ll need to replace the catalytic converter to restore your vehicle&rsquo;s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6567_9133ca-03 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id6567_b589e6-9e alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6567_40a2fc-cb kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image6567_eef036-a8.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image6567_eef036-a8 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image6567_eef036-a8.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image6567_eef036-a8 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image6567_eef036-a8 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image6567_eef036-a8 .image-is-svg, .kb-image6567_eef036-a8 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image6567_eef036-a8 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image6567_eef036-a8\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6567_678786-2b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column6567_678786-2b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6567_678786-2b inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nFixing what clogged the converter to start with (too-rich mixture) is the first step.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p0431-code-warm-up-catalytic-converter-bank-2-efficiency-below-threshold\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f\"><style> .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f:active, .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .uc1c0631b6f51a116fa75b980715ad25f:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">P0431 Code: Warm Up Catalytic Converter, Bank 2&mdash;Efficiency Below Threshold<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That being said, a catalytic converter that isn&rsquo;t doing its job isn&rsquo;t always clogged. Sometimes the catalyst fails. When this happens, codes for catalyst efficiency will be stored even if there is no clogging, and the converters will need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"968\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell-968x1024.jpg\" alt=\"vermiculite blanket between the brick and the converter shell\" class=\"wp-image-100474\" style=\"width:968px;height:1024px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell-968x1024.jpg 968w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell-768x813.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell-1452x1536.jpg 1452w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell-150x159.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vermiculite-blanket-between-the-brick-and-the-converter-shell.jpg 1512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 968px) 100vw, 968px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The vermiculite blanket between the brick and the converter shell will sometimes begin to deteriorate and clog the cat (see photo), which will result in power loss, but to determine whether the cat is clogged or something else is wrong is important. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column6567_bead14-0e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_bead14-0e > 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.kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id6567_f7e80c-69 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column6567_a65346-2f > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6567_a65346-2f kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image6567_8cd459-bd.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image6567_8cd459-bd .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image6567_8cd459-bd.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image6567_8cd459-bd .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image6567_8cd459-bd figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image6567_8cd459-bd .image-is-svg, .kb-image6567_8cd459-bd .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image6567_8cd459-bd .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image6567_8cd459-bd\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6567_ef3219-d8 inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nExcessive engine oil consumption can also clog the catalyst. Sometimes the brick begins to break up into chunks, which will turn sideways and block exhaust flow. The converter needs replacing when this happens and usually you&rsquo;ll hear it rattle when you tap it with a rubber hammer.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a Replacement Catalytic Converter that Fits Your Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If unblocking the catalytic converter cannot restore it to like-new performance, you must replace the faulty emission control part. Refrain from driving your vehicle to avoid creating more exhaust system issues. You can ensure the replacement part fits your car by getting the catalytic converter from CarParts.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a> makes shopping for catalytic converters online a breeze by giving you accurate and detailed information about how well our products fit your vehicle. Our website&rsquo;s built-in vehicle selector searches for the suitable part according to your car details. All our catalytic converters are on hand and ready to ship from the distribution center near you, so you only have to wait several business days before your order arrives at your home. You can rest assured about the quality of your new catalytic converter because we only source our products from trusted brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look no further than CarParts.com for an affordable and dependable replacement for your car&rsquo;s failing catalytic converter. Shop now to enjoy the best deals on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/catalytic-converter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"catalytic converters\">catalytic converters<\/a> today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products Mentioned in this Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"reusable-productlink\">\n\n<!-- start of editable content -->\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/catalytic-converter\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Catalytic Converter\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/repn960316_1\" alt=\"Catalytic Converter\">\n<strong>Catalytic Converter<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/fuel-additive\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Fuel Additive\" rel=\"noopener\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/d_noimage.jpg,h_200,w_200,c_pad,f_auto,q_auto,dpr_auto,e_sharpen\/images\/769704136900_1\" alt=\"Fuel Additive\">\n<strong>Fuel Additive<\/strong>\n<\/a>\n\n<!-- end of editable content -->\n<\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>There may be something wrong with your catalytic converter when your car starts to feel sluggish and your check engine&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":6569,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3750],"tags":[1189],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-6567","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-exhaust-system","9":"tag-catalytic-converter-2","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Unblock a Catalytic Converter - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to unblock a catalytic converter in just a few simple steps with this guide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Unblock a Catalytic Converter - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to unblock a catalytic converter in just a few simple steps with this guide.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-05-07T06:14:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-27T02:22:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Detaching-the-catalytic-converter-from-the-exhaust-system.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"730\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"487\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-unblock-a-catalytic-converter\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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