Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is an emission control device used to reduce hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) pollutants from the exhaust gas.

The catalytic converter is comprised of a ceramic monolith substrate, supported in insulation and housed within a sheet metal shell. The substrate may be wash-coated with 3 noble metals:
^ Platinum (Pt)
^ Palladium (Pd)
^ Rhodium (Rh)

The catalyst in the catalytic converter is not serviceable.