Euro Autoworks advises that a criminal would take the catalytic converter from your Audi because the converter is made of platinum among other precious metals. Unfortunately, this is why catalytic converter theft is a common problem. Criminals want the metal out of which the converters are made. If you notice any of the following things with your Audi, someone has taken the catalytic converter.
Roaring Engine
The exhaust is drawn from the combustion chamber into the exhaust manifold and then shoved into the catalytic converter. This shove is forceful and loud. The catalytic converter muffles the sound and the force. If it is missing, the first thing you will notice when you fire up your Audi is that the engine is roaring loudly. The roar will get even louder when you use the accelerator.
Illuminated CEL
Another thing that will stand out to you is that the check engine light will turn on and remain on. Unfortunately, the only way to get the check engine light to turn off is to replace the missing catalytic converter. The exhaust system is malfunctioning without the catalytic converter, and the system sensors report malfunctioning codes to the engine control unit nonstop.
Jerky Acceleration
If you drive your Audi, which we do not recommend that you do, you are also going to feel the acceleration every time you press down on the accelerator. Your Audi will lurch forward in spurts because the exhaust manifold is shoving the exhaust out of it forcefully. Consequently, the converter is no longer there to absorb the force and keep the acceleration smooth.
Slow-Speed Problems
Your Audi will also struggle to run when you are driving slowly. This, too, is a problem that accompanies a missing catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the Audi’s engine will have a hard time producing the torque that it needs to operate slowly and easily. Consequently, the engine will sputter and your Audi will lag until you reach higher speeds.
Strong Exhaust Odors
Finally, the reason why you should avoid driving your Audi is that the exhaust manifold has nowhere to push the exhaust into except the open air. Consequently, the exhaust can be picked up by your ventilation system and pushed into the passenger cabin. This will leave you inhaling exhaust while you are driving your Audi. You don’t need us to tell you that this will make you sick.
Euro Autoworks in Woodbury, MN, is here to help, so call us today if you have had the catalytic converter stolen from underneath your Audi.