All modern vehicles come with a catalytic converter installed to control the vehicle’s emissions. It is part of the emission control system that converts toxic gasses and pollutants in exhaust gas into less toxic pollutants. The Chevy Cavalier comes with a catalytic converter to ensure a smooth ride but where is the catalytic converter located on a Chevy Cavalier?
The catalytic converter is located on the exhaust system of a Chevy Cavalier, bolted after the exhaust manifold. It can easily be located through the O2 sensor bolted near the catalytic converter.
Where is the Catalytic Converter Located on a Chevy Cavalier?
The Chevy Cavalier comes with a catalytic converter located at the exhaust system of a vehicle. The catalytic converter can be seen after the exhaust manifold. It is bolted to the exhaust manifold with its o2 sensor around it.
“The 2003 – 2008 Chevy Cavalier catalytic converters are located immediately after the exhaust manifold”. It is bolted to the manifold. The same thing applies to the 2008 upward models.
However, it is important not to mistake a muffler in the place catalytic converter, therefore, the easiest way to locate the catalytic converter on a Chevy Cavalier is by looking for the oxygen sensor bolted close to the catalytic converter, once you see the sensor, the catalytic converter is close to it.
Functions of Catalytic Converter on Chevy Cavalier
The functions of a Catalytic converter on a Chevy Cavalier are:
1. It Reduces Harmful Emission
The major function of a catalytic converter on a Chevy Cavalier is to reduce harmful emissions. It reduces the rate at which Chevy Cavalier releases harmful emissions to the environment. Without the catalytic converter, the emissions from the vehicle will be painful in the eye.
What the catalytic converter does is convert exhaust gases like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that are harmful to human health and the environment into less harmful by-products such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas.
2. It Prevents Environmental Pollution
Another function of a catalytic converter on a Chevy Cavalier is to protect the environment by preventing harmful or toxic emissions from being released into the environment. The catalytic converter treats these emissions and makes them harmless to the environment.
3. It Improves Smooth Ride
The catalytic converter improves the smooth ride. You tend to enjoy your car much better when the catalytic converter is in good condition.
Imagine driving a car that emits smoke that is harmful to the eye, your eye will continue to pain you making the ride uncomfortable and less enjoyable.
4. It Improves Fuel Economy
A good working catalytic converter and o2 sensor on a Chevy Cavalier improves gas mileage unlike when they are faulty
What Happens When the Catalytic Converter is Stolen on a Chevy Cavalier?
If your catalytic converter is stolen on a Chevy Cavalier;
- Your car will start emitting harmful smoke that will make driving without air conditioning unbearable
- Your gas mileage will be terrible. You will see yourself buying more gas than you used to.
- You will start experiencing poor acceleration. The vehicle will no longer respond as it used to when you press the acceleration pedal. This is also common when the catalytic converter is clogged.
- If you live in a country where an emissions test is compulsory in a vehicle, you will fail your emissions test. Whether you complete the drive cycle or not, as long as the catalytic converter is stolen or clogged, you will fail your emissions test which will make your vehicle unsafe to be driven on the road.
If you’re experiencing issues with your catalytic converter or your check engine light is on and when the car is scanned, it shows a catalytic converter issue.
Please use a catalytic converter cleaner first before concluding that your catalytic converter is bad. If possible, use two bottles one after the other. This can help if the catalytic converter is clogged up.
However, if the catalytic converter is stolen, you have no choice but to have it replaced and it doesn’t come cheap. Depending on your state of residence and labor cost, it may cost you more than $1,200 to replace the catalytic converter.
Causes of Catalytic Converter Failure on a Chevy Cavalier
The causes of a catalytic converter failure on a Chevy Cavalier are old age and carbon deposits over the years.
A catalytic converter that has been in use since the day the vehicle was purchased can be damaged because of too much carbon deposit.
It can clog it and cause it to fail. In this case, you will need to either use a catalytic converter cleaner or have the catalytic converter replaced.
Conclusion
The Chevy Cavalier comes with a catalytic converter installed to control the emissions of the vehicle. It can be located at the exhaust system of the vehicle immediately after the exhaust manifold with the oxygen sensor bolted close to it.
