When buying a car on the secondary market, it is worth checking whether the neutralizer has been removed. Sometimes you can ask the previous owner or inspect the can of parts – if there is a weld, then the structure was opened. However, there are options when the owners do not know whether the neutralizer is in place (they did not own the car for long or did not ask the question) and there are no signs of damage to the integrity of the structure.
Like any cleaning element, the neutralizer becomes unusable over time, as dirt accumulates inside. The process can be accelerated by various types of malfunctions: penetration of coolant or oil, poor fuel quality, incorrect software in the control unit, incorrectly configured gas equipment, mechanical damage, etc. As a result, the filter becomes clogged and has to be removed, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage.
If you removed this component on your car, do not rush to throw it away, because it will be much more rational to sell it through the Autocatalyst service. There you will quickly find out how much is a BMW catalytic converter worth for scrap.
Methods for determining removal
The neutralizer is part of the exhaust system. The part is responsible for reducing the amount of harmful emissions that enter the atmosphere along with the exhaust gases. The main harmful compounds in the mixture are hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, etc.
Method No. 1: endoscope
An endoscope is a cheap and functional device. If you don’t have one in your garage, you can probably find one at a friend’s or service center. Checking process:
- You need to unscrew the lambda probe and push the camera inside the opening.
- Use the device to inspect the cavities to make sure that the filter is present (the endoscope will also allow you to determine the condition of the part).
- The neutralizer cells must be intact. If they begin to melt or fall apart, the part must be replaced or removed.
Method No. 2: without additional tools
This method is simpler than the previous one — any car owner can handle it, since no additional tools or skills are needed. Process:
- You need to drive the car under the overpass and get under the bottom.
- Using a medium-sized wrench (for example, 13-15), tap the can. No need to apply force.
- If the part makes a dull sound with a rustling vibration (crumbs from the honeycomb fall), then the element will have to be replaced, it is in place.
If the sound is ringing, then the can is empty and the part is not in place. For error-free diagnostics, practice is required. You can ask a friend who has a car with a neutralizer to do the same manipulations. This will help compare the sound and reduce the likelihood of error. In reality, the difference in sound is significant, so you can determine the presence of a filter even without additional skills.
Method No. 3: exhaust gas analysis
The presence of the element is indicated by the smells from the exhaust. In modern cars, gas is neutral, but if there is no filter in the system, the driver will feel a noticeable glimmer of gasoline. You can also conduct an exhaust analysis. This will require special equipment available at professional service stations. Service stations can diagnose any car and remove the filter if necessary.
Conclusion
The neutralizer is an expensive part that has to be replaced after 150 thousand kilometers. Drivers usually cut it out, which increases engine power and reduces fuel consumption. If the car is bought second-hand, it is recommended to immediately determine the presence and condition of the part in order to plan further repairs.
