Brought van to salvage yard. Has no catalytic converter

[Chris Pascale]

Apparently, you don't need a catalytic converter for your vehicle to operate, but it lessens emissions and is a legal requirement.

On the bright side, the van is off my insurance. With 2 busted automatic doors, it's main purpose lately has been for taking the dog places, which is maybe 1-2 times a week.

[Just Joe]

The catalytic converter is not a requirement but the car should have thrown a CEL (check engine light) b/c the oxygen sensors could detect that there was no after-treatment of the exhaust gases happening. I have three cars without catalytic converters and they run the same as any other car - except that they have carburetors and never came equipped with catalytic converters.

I like catalytic converters. On a modern car they do not diminish performance in any way like the early air injection pumps did in the 1970s and 1980s. Almost like getting something (cleaner air) for nothing. That is unless they need replacement. Dealer prices are pretty steep. Fortunately aftermarket replacements are also available. See RockAuto for example prices.

Congrats on moving on from your old van. Hope you enjoy the replacement. May the old van parts help keep alive another van.

[Chris Pascale]

the car should have thrown a CEL (check engine light)

Hope you enjoy the replacement.

That's what the guy said. He was very surprised it didn't.

I'm now back to driving the 2015 Kia Forte I sold my oldest for $2,000 back in 2019. She left for college in Iowa, so will be without a vehicle for about 1.5 years, which I guess means is mine again and I'll chip in on her next vehicle purchase after graduation.