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How to Clean a Catalytic Converter

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff
Updated: October 25, 2019 | References

A catalytic converter is a part of a car’s engine that removes poisonous

carbon from the engine’s emissions. When the converter is clogged or dirty,
the check engine light in your car will turn on to let you know that something
is wrong. By catching the problem early and using a cleaning additive in your
gas tank, you may be able to fix the converter and avoid having to purchase a
replacement part!

Part
1 Self-Diagnosing the Issue

1 Purchase or borrow an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

scanner. OBD-II scanners are made to “read” the problems that
are communicated by the check engine light. They’re available for
purchase online and at most auto part stores. If you don’t want to
buy one, consider borrowing one from a friend, or take your car to a
mechanic.[1]
When you’re looking for a scanner, make sure the scanner that
you buy works with the make of your car. Some scanners are
made to work only with specific makes!
Scanners have become very inexpensive in the last few years. It
costs around $20-$30 for the most basic scanner that only
produces a trouble code.

2 Plug an OBD-II scanner into the port under the dashboard.

Plug the scanner into the port under the driver’s side
dashboard. Check the owner’s manual if you’re not sure where the
port is located.[2]
If you’re having trouble finding the port after looking in the
owner’s manual, use a flashlight to look under the steering
wheel and along the bottom of the dashboard on the driver’s
side.

3 Turn the key of the car without starting the engine. This will
turn on the electricity in the car and activate the scanner. Wait
until the scanner lights up and loads, and keep the car on without
the engine running as long as the scanner is plugged in. [3]
Don’t turn on the engine while using the scanner. This can
interfere with the scanner and cause it to function improperly.

4 Input the car’s make, model, and VIN into the scanner. Once
the scanner is on, a screen will pop up asking for more
information about your car. Using the keypad, carefully type in all of
the required information to make sure the scanner can get an
accurate reading.[4]
The VIN for most cars is located on the driver’s side, and you
can see it by looking at the bottom right hand corner on the
outside of the windshield.
Sometimes, the scanner will also ask for the engine type. If you
don’t know what kind of engine you have, check the owner’s
manual.

5 Wait for the reader to produce a trouble code. After a few

seconds, the reader will produce a code or a few codes that it
 gathered from the car’s data. Normally, they will be a set of
numbers and letters. Write them down or take a picture of the
codes on the scanner for future reference. [5]
Some high-end scanners might show 2-3 words that indicate
where the issue originated or what part the code corresponds
to.

6 Look in the owner’s manual or online to ensure that the

catalytic converter is the source. Search online for the code
that the scanner produced, or look in the owner’s manual for a set
of known problem codes. Make sure that the code corresponds to a
catalytic converter issue and isn’t a problem with a different part on
the car.[6]
If you’re having trouble finding information on the code, try
searching for the make and model of the car, the word “forum,”
and the error code. This might lead you to more car forums
where drivers discuss issues that they’ve had with their cars.

Part
2 Using a Cleaner Additive

1 Decide which cleaner is right for your engine. Different

cleaners offer different benefits, and mostly will depend on the
type of car that you drive. Research online for the best cleaner for
your make, model, and engine type.[7]
The engine type is very important when it comes to selecting a
cleaner. Some cleaners are specially formulated for diesel
vehicles, while others are made for cars that take gas.

2 Wait until your tank has about 4 US gal (15 L) of gas

remaining. Some products require more gas, while some
require less. As a general rule plan to have a few gallons of gas in
your tank before adding the cleaner. Always read the directions on
the packaging before you add the product to the tank! [8]
 If the check engine light appears when your tank is nearly
empty, get the right amount of gas for your cleaner before you
add the product to the tank.

3 Pour the cleaner into the gas tank. Depending on which brand
you use and how much gas is in your tank, use either part or all
of the bottle of cleaner. The cleaner will mix with the gas and run
through the catalytic converter as you drive the car. [9]
Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle carefully. The
correct mixture of cleaner and fuel will ensure that the engine
continues working properly.

4 Refill the tank with gas when it is nearly empty. Drive the car
as normal until the tank is almost on “empty” and then fill your
gas tank as normal. Once you refill the tank, your car should be
working as normal, and you might even notice your engine running
more smoothly![10]
If you’re in a hurry and don’t want to wait until the tank is empty,
be sure to drive for at least 10 miles (16 km).

5 Go to a mechanic immediately if the check engine light

returns. In the United States, it’s against federal law to remove
a catalytic converter from a car. If the light returns, take your car to
a licensed mechanic immediately to diagnose any underlying
problems or replace a failed converter. [11]
The mechanic can recommend replacing the converter, or they
might recommend a different product that will work better with
your car.

Warnings
 Do not remove the catalytic converter from your engine for any
reason.

Soaking the part in water or a cleaning solvent can cause

irreparable damage.

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References

1. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3293/4267896/
2. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3293/4267896/
3. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3293/4267896/
4. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3293/4267896/
5. https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/automotive-tools/using-a-veh
icle-diagnostic-code-reader/view-all/
6. https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/automotive-tools/using-a-veh
icle-diagnostic-code-reader/view-all/
7. http://topautotools.com/catalytic-converter-cleaner-use/
8. http://topautotools.com/catalytic-converter-cleaner-use/
9. http://topautotools.com/catalytic-converter-cleaner-use/
10. http://topautotools.com/catalytic-converter-cleaner-use/
11. http://www.startribune.com/cleaning-additive-can-t-restore-a-failed-ca
talytic-converter/186090071/