How would a vehicle respond if the catalytic converter is going out

The catalytic converter is the first bulbous box past the exhaust manifold.

2003 Ford Focus: The catalytic converter needs to be ...

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Jun 1, 2009 - I have seen a catalytic converter only (no pipes), a catalytic converter with a pipe that bolts onto the manifold? and other variations. Which ...

1 answer · Top answer: Hi, Ok, you have one converter, which bolts to the end of the exhaust [/topics-exhaust-ford/] ...
I have a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3, my engine light has been on ...
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Codes p0420 and 0131 2012 Ford focus. I did and ur went off
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I have a 2003 Ford Focus SE, manual, with over - JustAnswer
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It looks like this

https://www.carparts.com/catalytic-converter/ford/focus/2003

Catilytic converter was stopped up , drilled holes , now it's ...

www.fixya.com/cars/t25967686-catilytic_converter_stopped_up_drilled

Nov 19, 2015 - Catilytic converter was stopped up , drilled holes , now it's loud , runs better but overdrive doesn't work now - Cars & Trucks question. ... SOURCE: doesdrilling holes in a clogged catalytic converter help vehicle? ... Related Questions: ...Feb 20, 2014 ' 2002 Ford Expedition ... 11 people viewed this question ...

1999 ford expedition , 5.4 v8 , stopped up catalytic converter ...

www.fixya.com/cars/t25967793-1999_ford_expedition_5_4_v8_stopped

Nov 19, 2015 - 1999 ford expedition , 5.4 v8 , stopped up catalytic converter , drilled holes ... up catalytic converter , drilled holes , now it's loud and overdrive doesn't work now ... When catalytic converters go bad, the porcelain matrix inside comes loose and is noisy. ... Related Questions: ... 11 people viewed this question ...

comments on How to check your vehicle's catalytic converter.

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Wouldn't you want to plug the holes you drilled afterwards? .... I believe that the dealer is actually the one that doesn't know things that happen to your car. ... There are some who work at the dealership and are car fanatics who mess with their cars. ..... replaced battery, now someone told me sounds like a plugged convertor, ...

1998 Ford F150 4.6L with clogged cat - YouTube

First you'll need a compression test. Also if your vehicle has an oxygen sensor before the catalytic converter, temporarily remove it and start vehicle and accelerate. If it improves, you may have a clogged catalytic converter.

catalytic converter part is part of the exhaust system, torque converter part of transmission.if catalytic plugged car will only go 10 miles and hour, if you have torque converter problems car will stall out when you drive 30 miles and hour, when transmission goes in over drive, torque converter lock up.when you apply brakes torque converter suppose to unlock if not car will stall out when you come to a stop.

is the check engine light on ! if so it may be a clogged up convertor. here is the symtoms, A clogged catalytic converter reduces the flow of a vehicle's exhaust by creating a constricted and/or blocked exhaust channel, which engine exhaust gases flow through on their way out of a vehicle's tail pipe. By reducing the flow of exiting engine exhaust gases, a condition that creates an increase in engine exhaust back pressure (thereby reducing engine efficiency), a clogged catalytic converter results in a small reduction in engine horsepower. A clogged catalytic converter causes a reduction in vehicle gas mileage.
Fumes leaving exhaust is sulfurous as if it is coming from a rotten-egg is one of the unmistakable clogged catalytic converter symptoms. good-day !

Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute same engine same problem check out Catalytic Converter problems on both in the long run will have to replace all 3 of the converters may blow a hole in the EGR valve too. Go for after market parts will save you money and not going thru a dealership will help but expect to pay close tto $1,800 mostly due to labor to replace these parts. If you have a check engine light try going to Auto parts store and use their computer to check out code. Not getting this fixed will leave you stranded when it goes. Vehicle will suddenly bogg down and trust me when your doing 60 mph on the hwy. and suddenly this happens to you not a good feeling. Hope this helps.

Front Pipe REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Pipe Without Catalytic Converter

1. Before removing any component of the exhaust system, always squirt a liquid rust dissolving agent onto the fasteners for ease of removal..
2. Raise and support the front of the vehicle on jackstands.
3. Remove the exhaust pipe-to-manifold nuts.
4. Support the catalytic converter, then disconnect the pipe from the converter. Remove the pipe.
5. Remove the exhaust gaskets. To install:
   
6. Be sure to use all new gaskets when required. Assemble the system, check the clearance and tighten the bolts to about 15-30 ft. lbs. (20-41 Nm). Fig. 1: Front exhaust pipe connection common on vehicles with the catalytic converter not included
   
   
7. All clamps should be tightened to about 18-25 ft. lbs. (24-34 Nm). Do overtighten the clamps. If pipes become dented they can leak.

Pipe With Catalytic Converter

1. Before removing any component of the exhaust system, always squirt a liquid rust dissolving agent onto the fasteners for ease of removal.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. On some vehicles you will need to remove the brace from the transaxle.
4. Remove the exhaust pipe nuts from the manifold.
5. Support the catalytic converter pipe bolts from the rear of the converter.
6. Lower the catalytic converter/front pipe assembly from the vehicle. To install:
   
7. Be sure to use all new gaskets when required.
8. Attach the new catalytic converter/front pipe assembly to the vehicle. Tighten the pipe to manifold nuts to 20-40 ft. lbs. (27-55 Nm).
9. Attach the bolts at the rear of the catalytic converter/front pipe. Tighten them to 30-35 ft. lbs. (41-47 Nm).
10. Connect the brace at the transaxle if removed.
11. Lower the vehicle.

Catalytic Converter Removal & Installation 2.2L Engine To Remove:
Catalytic converter 2.2L engine

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
3. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe flange mounting nuts from the catalytic converter.
4. Remove the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts from the muffler.
5. Remove the catalytic converter from the muffler.
6. Remove the catalytic converter from the rear hanger bracket insulator.
7. Remove the catalytic converter.
8. Remove the (HO2S) from the catalytic converter.

To Install:

1. Install the (HO2S) to the catalytic converter.
2. Install a new gasket and the catalytic converter to the muffler.
3. Install catalytic converter to the catalytic converter hanger.
4. Install the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts to the muffler flange.
   • Tighten to 26 ft lbs (35 Nm).
5. Install the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts to the exhaust manifold pipe flange.
   • Tighten to 26 ft lbs (35 Nm).
6. Connect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
7. Lower the vehicle.

------ Catalytic Converter Removal & Installation 4.3L Engine To Remove:

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Raise and support the transmission.
3. Remove the transmission support
4. Disconnect the left and right pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
5. Disconnect the post-converter (HO2S) connector. Muffler flange and gasket
   
   
6. Remove the catalytic converter flange mounting nuts from the muffler.
7. Remove the catalytic converter from the muffler.
8. Remove the exhaust manifold flange mounting nuts from the catalytic converter. Catalytic converter 4.3L engine
   
   
9. Remove the catalytic converter from the support bracket insulator.
10. Remove the catalytic converter and gaskets.
11. Remove the heated oxygen sensor.

To Install:

1. Install the heated oxygen sensors as needed.
2. Install a new gasket and the Install the catalytic converter to the support bracket insulator.
3. Install the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold flange. Install the mounting nuts.
   • Tighten to 39 ft lbs (53 Nm).
4. Using a new flange gasket, install the catalytic converter to the muffler. Install the mounting nuts.
   • Tighten to 30 ft lbs (40 Nm).
5. Connect the left and right pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connectors.
6. Connect the post-converter (HO2S) electrical connector.
7. Install the transmission support.
8. Lower the transmission.
9. Lower the vehicle.

---
It looks like you can cut them and replace them with new bolts and nuts.

Catalytic converters should last the life of the vehicle. usually they are damaged be a poorly running engine. most common causes are lean misfire causing unburnt fuel and air to get into the convert and ignite there. coolant or oil burning. engine running too hot (lean) overheating converters.

was it the same converter that went twice? did they change them at the same time? where the pre-converters? is the engine light on?

If your catalytic converter is "below efficiency" or otherwise clogged, you will lose power as you drive and the vehicle heats. The more you drive the vehicle, the worse the problem will become. The exhaust can't escape properly through the catalytic converter, therefore your engine won't run properly. Your issues are related, and if you replace your catalytic converter they should go away.