Have you ever tried how to bypass catalytic converter check engine light without any problem? Most truck owners experience their vehicle check engine light switching on, which signifies something wrong with your catalytic converter.
If you do not know how to bypass or correct the problem, you would have to consult a professional.
Understandably, most people prefer to try every means possible to bypass the catalytic converter check engine light.
If you want to do that, this write-up will expound on the necessary steps and tools you need to get started.
Table of Contents
What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter is a device in your car that help reduces harmful emissions released from your car engine.
Primarily, it minimizes pollutants such as carbon monoxide to a lower level, thereby impacting the environment lightly.
Nowadays, most states conduct yearly emissions inspections to ensure car owners abide by the latest environmental policies.
Also, a catalytic converter is an essential component for your car and the environment.
Whether you know how important it is or not, you will not want to experience a catalytic converter problem because it can cause severe damage to your car.
Notwithstanding, the converter displays on your dashboard when something is wrong. For most people, it is hard to know how to bypass check engine light for catalytic converter
What is a check engine light?
A check engine light is a light that comes on whenever your car’s computer detects a problem that could affect your car’s emission control system.
At times, the light shows that something is affecting the emission control system.
Whenever this light turns on, a diagnostic trouble code is stored on your car’s computer system and remains there even when the light turns off.
How many catalytic converters are in a Chevy Silverado?
A lot of Chevy Silverado models come with their catalytic converters welded at the front exhaust pipe.
Peradventure, your Chevy Silverado car comes equipped with a 5.3 motor; it should have two catalytic converters inside.
However, if you still do not know how many catalytic converters your car has, you can contact a qualified mechanic to help you check.
Catalytic Converter Removal Problems
Your car needs a catalytic converter, and it should not be tempered as it comes with several consequences.
However, if you decide to bypass the catalytic converter, you might face several problems. Let us explore a few problems or issues to face when you remove your catalytic converter.
01. Activates Fault Codes
Another problem you might face removing your catalytic converter is the appearance of an error code on your car.
Its’ common to see the check engine light coming on frequently on your dashboard.
While you can resolve this engine light through a spacer, the light might not work properly when you tweak the car.
In addition, it can affect other things and make it impossible to identify other problems confronting your car, especially those that use the indicator light.
02. More Fuel Consumption
Knowing bypass catalytic converter can result in your car experiencing increased fuel consumption. Every vehicle is affected in a way when the catalytic converter is removed.
Most car owners complain of less low-end torque and increased fuel consumption after removing their catalytic converter.
If such a thing happens, the oxygen sensors will not send any information about fuel usage.
Therefore, to circumvent any legal issues because of removing your cat system, installing, or replacing the catalytic converter is advisable as a replacement for bypassing it.
03. Pollutes the Environment
Although removing your car’s catalytic converter might not after its overall performance, it releases harmful substances into the atmosphere.
Regrettably, these harmful substances can cause severe health complications as it gets into your car, especially when the windows are closed.
Therefore, a converter can clean over 90% of your harmful gases into less toxic substances.
04. Causes Louder Noise
While some car owners love the good noise generated from their exhaust system, the noise can become harmful when no catalytic converter is installed.
When driving with your car windows closed, you can hear the exhaust noise very loudly.
The sound might reach up to one hundred decibels, which exceeds the standard sound level of 85 decibels. Because of the loud sound, it can result in hearing problems.
However, if the noise from removing the converter is not disturbing, it can interfere when making conversation.
05. Get Arrested Because it is illegal
According to the United States federal government, it is illegal to tamper with or bypass your vehicle’s converter. However, you can tamper with it if the care is missing or damaged.
Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency has placed a national guideline that regulates the converter’s installation, replacement, and removal.
For instance, you can get fined in California for tampering with your catalytic converter since the state has strict rules.
However, states like Florida and South Dakota do not have any emissions testing, making the state less strict on bypassing converters.
Remove Catalytic Converter and Bypass O2 Sensor
Changing a damaged converter is expensive, so many people tend to bypass it. Increasing their horsepower without using a catalytic converter is enjoyable for some car owners.
A catalytic converter helps convert harmful substances from your exhaust system into less toxic substances.
Primarily, it has insulating layers containing palladium, platinum, and rhodium that help during the redox process.
Moreover, it offers several benefits to your car when you remove it, such as better gas mileage, increased horsepower, better exhaust sound, more fuel options, and lower engine temperature.
Follow this video to learn more on how to bypass your catalytic converter.
What is an oxygen sensor?
Popularly known as the lambda sensor, the oxygen sensor has been around since the 1960s. Initially, it was designed for Bosch and measured the amount of oxygen contained in a gas.
Although the initial design contained ceramic coated zirconia and platinum, planar sensors have become the standard for mass production.
Today, all modern cars come with an oxygen sensor to help improve the car’s performance.
You can find the sensor in the emission systems. It is responsible for sending information about the oxygen level in your car to the engine computer, where necessary adjustment is made.
Notably, the oxygen sensor influences your vehicle’s performance while alerting you if there is any trouble with your emissions.
Why people bypass O2 sensors?
Most people bypass their oxygen sensors because it is the best means to tune the car engine.
For those less skilled in tuning engines or in off-road racings, bypassing the O2 sensor is the most effective alternative.
Besides this, the other reason for bypassing the oxygen sensor is if you do not have a catalytic converter in your car.
You do not have to experience the check engine light turning on constantly.
What to check before bypassing your catalytic converter?
We will not recommend you bypass your catalytic converter without knowing what to check.
Firstly, you should know the converter installed in your car. Usually, it should be easy to determine if you are using a joined or two separate part converter.
For beginners, if the converter is joined, it will be harder to bypass since you must combine the airflow and exhaust without being seen or caught.
Therefore, it is preferable to bypass a two-piece converter than a combined converter.
Secondly, you need to determine the space beneath your car to do the work. Peradventure, there is not any adequate space; you might reconsider it instead of causing an additional problem to your converter.
Step by Step Guide on How to Bypass the O2 Sensor
Before we unveil how to bypass catalytic converter check engine light, you need to get your equipment ready for the process.
Interestingly, you do not have to invest in an expensive item for this guide. With a hydraulic jack, penetrating fluid, adjustable wrench, and four jack stands, you are ready to bypass your car’s oxygen level.
Step-01: Preparation phase
Before starting the process, you should allow your car to cool if you previously used it since you are working with the engine. Allowing it to cool after a couple of hours is important.
Step-02: Losing the nuts
After the temperature has reduced, disable the cables that connect to the negative battery terminal. You will see a nut beside the cable clamp; gently take it off.
Step-03: Using the four-jack stand
Take the four jack stand to raise your car. It is advisable to raise the front part of your car, especially at the radiator rear side.
Step-04: Locate the pinch welds
Look for the front pinch welds and place the jack under them. Slower lower your vehicle so that it stands on the jack stands.
Step-05: Locate the O2 sensor
After locating the pinch welds, you need to look for the O2 sensors. Normally, it looks like plugs that protrude from your engine’s exhaust system.
You will find each of the O2 sensors at the catalytic converter’s front and rear sides.
Step-06: Unhinge the wire
Close to the O2 sensors, you need to remove the embedded electric wire attached to the sensor carefully.
Ensure you squeeze to release it before pulling it slowly from your O2 sensor housing unit.
Step-07: Removing the sensor
You need to rotate the O2 sensor in a counterclockwise (left-hand) position to remove the sensor. You can use a remove tool at this stage.
Insert the dummy O2 sensor by rotating it towards your right (clockwise) position. Insert it into your exhaust system before connecting it to the electrical wiring system.
Step-08: Finalizing everything
Lower your car slowly as you remove the jack. Once it is safely lowered, you can start the engine to check if the engine light comes on.
In addition, you must check how long it stays. Do not worry if the light remains on because that is the tricky part most people do not know since the light works in cycles.
Take your car and drive casually pending when the light turns off.
Immediately after the light cycle completes, your car’s computer system will continue operating, thinking the O2 sensor is inside.
Why is No Check Engine Light During Delete Your Catalytic Converter?(Video)
How much is a Chevy catalytic converter worth?
There is no direct answer to this because the worth of a Chevy catalytic converter depends on several factors such as age and model. However, a Chevy catalytic converter can be worth $100 to $1500.
Top Questions
Where is the catalytic converter located on a Chevy Silverado?
A Chevy Silverado has its catalytic converter normally located beneath your car as part of the exhaust system.
It is located between the muffler and the car engine in most cases. A straightforward way to identify it is that it has a similar resemblance to a muffler.
Can you drive a car without a catalytic converter?
Yes, it is possible to drive a car without a catalytic converter. However, the essence of the converter is to filter toxic substances from your exhaust system.
Notwithstanding, it is illegal in certain areas to drive a car without installing a catalytic converter, and it can fail emission tests.
Lastly, if you do not use a catalytic converter, it will not damage your engine as many thinks.
What do you do with an O2 sensor after cat removal?
You still need the oxygen sensor after removing your catalytic converter from your car because it provides critical data to your engine control module.
With this, it can tune your car engine properly. In addition, your car exhaust can get a gassy smell forever if you do not have a catalytic converter.
Rounding-Up
While many professionals will never advise you to consider the steps involved in how do you bypass check engine light for catalytic converter, it can help improve your car.
A catalytic converter is a necessary addition you need for your exhaust system and bypassing it can come with severe consequences as it is illegal in certain parts of the world.