Many motorists are faced with an annoying surprise: after removing the unit to neutralize exhaust gases, the engine malfunction indicator suddenly lights up. This may cause concern but don’t panic.

Also, do not lose sight of the opportunity to benefit from selling a used converter through the Avtocatalist platform – this can significantly alleviate the financial burden when upgrading the gas exhaust system.

There you can find out the cost of the neutralizer for different car models, including the BMW catalytic converter scrap value.

Appearance of a fault signal

The electronic brain of the power plant detects the absence of a converter and reacts by activating the warning lamp. This is a natural response of on-board electronics to a change in the configuration of the exhaust gas system.

Ways to overcome

• Implementation of an oxygen probe signal simulator.
• Correction of the software of the electronic control unit.
• Integration of an electronic converter simulator.
• Return to the original exhaust tract configuration.
• Application of a mechanical decoy device for an oxygen sensor.
• Using a multifunction programmer to configure ECU parameters.

Next, we will consider the most popular solutions.

What methods are there to bypass this problem?

The oxygen probe signal simulator is a cost-effective and uncomplicated solution for your gas exhaust system. The device reproduces signals usually coming from a lambda probe after exhaust gases pass through the cleaning unit.

Upgrading the control unit software is a more comprehensive but effective approach. It allows you to disable control over the operation of the exhaust gas converter and avoid recording error codes.

An electronic simulator is a high-tech device that creates the illusion of a converter. It deceives the vehicle’s electronic center, preventing malfunctions from occurring.

Restoring the original configuration is the installation of a new or restored exhaust gas converter. Although this is the most expensive option, it ensures there are no problems in the future.

Criteria for choosing the optimal solution

When determining the elimination method, a combination of factors should be taken into account:

Material resources

• The degree of technical complexity of implementation.
• Legal restrictions in your region.
• Impact on the environmental characteristics of the vehicle.
• Impact on engine performance.
• Probability of successfully passing a technical examination.
• Preservation of the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty obligations

Do not forget that removing the gas exhaust system converter may hurt the environmental friendliness of your vehicle.

Consequences of operating a vehicle without a neutralizer

• Increase in the volume of harmful emissions.
• Possible reduction in the efficiency of the power unit.
• Threat of fines for non-compliance with environmental standards.
• Potential difficulties when passing a technical examination.
• Transformation of the acoustic background of engine operation.

Instead of completely dismantling the converter, you can consider the following options:

• Installation of a sports converter with reduced flow resistance.
• Replacement with a universal converter.
• Professional regeneration of contaminated converter.
• The use of fuel additives that optimize the performance of the converter

These methods make it possible to improve vehicle performance without completely abandoning exhaust gas neutralization.

Fixing Check Engine Light After Gas Exhaust System Removal

Activating the Check Engine Light after removing the exhaust gas converter is a surmountable obstacle. Choose the method that best suits your needs, technical capabilities, and financial resources.