Jeep Wrangler Catalytic Converters
Your catalytic converter is vital in that it turns harmful emissions into harmless exhaust. If it goes bad, it can affect your vehicles performance and cause you to fail an emissions test. Fortunately, a number of companies make high-quality replacements for the Jeep Wrangler.
How do you know when to replace the converter?There are a number of signs that Jeep Wrangler catalytic converters are starting to fail. Here are five of the most common symptoms of a faulty catalytic converter to look out for:
- Your Wranglers fuel efficiency isnt what it used to be.
- Your Jeep doesnt accelerate normally when you hit the gas pedal.
- Your Jeep doesnt start or is slow to start.
- The check engine light or MIL light is lit up on your dashboard.
- The number one way most people find out is when they have to get an emissions test and their Jeep Wrangler fails. Whether or not you have to take an emissions test depends on which state you live in.
Vehicles normally produce three major, harmful substances that get pumped out of the exhaust system and into the air. These are carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. Carbon monoxide is a poison. Hydrocarbon and nitrogen can lead to smog and acid rain. Your catalytic converter uses a catalyst to create a chemical reaction with these compounds. This is typically palladium and platinum. The reaction turns the harmful compounds into exhausts which are less dangerous.
What causes catalytic converters to go bad?There are a number of issues that can make yours wear out. Eventually, all car parts wear out, so it can just happen with time if youre driving an older vehicle. Oil or antifreeze entering your exhaust cause a lot of converters to fail. Its important to change your oil regularly to extend the life of your converter. Make sure you never overfill the oil or coolant. Here are some of the other common causes:
- Worn out piston rings.
- Failed engine gaskets.
- Warped engine components.
- Old spark plugs that misfire.
- Damage from rough terrain or a wreck.
A number of different companies make converters for the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep makes OEM parts as well. Here are a few of the other brands that manufacture these parts:
- Magnaflow
- Flowmaster
- Mopar
- Bosal
- Walker