Slide under your Dodge Ram 2500 and glance near the back—you’ll see the catalytic converter between the tailpipe and the four-barrel intake manifolds. Just don’t mistake the converter for your muffler!
Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise, but the number of thefts has doubled in 2022, with the rate of thefts increasing by 1,215% since 2019! Unfortunately, this problem will probably be with drivers for the foreseeable future.
Since trucks and older vehicles are more commonly targeted, you’ll want to learn how to protect your Dodge Ram 2500’s catalytic converter. We’ve made a guide to your truck’s catalytic converter—what it is, where it’s located, how to protect it, and when it’s time to replace yours.
Where is the catalytic converter on a Dodge Ram 2500?
Under the Ram, you’ll find the catalytic converter between the tailpipe and the intake manifolds. The catalytic converter comes before the muffler and looks pretty similar, so don’t mistake the two!
The catalytic converter should have a heat shield and oxygen sensor in front of it.
What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Dodge Ram 2500?
Most people know that catalytic converters are essential and expensive, but why is that? In the last 40 years, most U.S. vehicles have included catalytic converters as part of the exhaust system. The converter’s job is to convert toxic exhaust gasses (like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide) into less harmful pollution.
Without a catalytic converter, your Dodge Ram 2500 would fail EPA emissions requirements, your fuel mileage would suffer, and the engine wouldn’t perform as well.
The catalytic converter is pricey because it contains costly precious metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are responsible for the expensive catalytic converter replacement—around $3,057 for a Dodge Ram 2500.
How to protect the catalytic converter on your Dodge Ram 2500
Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in recent years. A thief can make between $25 and $500 from selling a stolen converter for its precious metals.
However, because of its oversized engine, the catalytic converter for your Dodge Ram 2500 is worth much more to thieves. They can get between $2,000 and $3,000 for it!
To protect your truck’s converter, you’ll want to make it harder for thieves to get what they want. Here are a few ways to do that:
Install an anti-theft device. Shop for a device like the CatStrap™
and the CatClamp®
. These devices are popular and easy to find, but traditional catalytic converter alarms, shields, or cages are also effective. Park your truck in a garage or a well-lit area. Secure spaces are the best way to avoid theft, but if you have to park your truck in the driveway or street, park close to street lamps or motion-sensor flood lamps.
Mark your VIN on the catalytic converter. This may not be enough to deter the thief, but it will make it harder for them to sell, and you’ll have an easier time locating it.
Paint your catalytic converter. Spray paint the component a brightly colored, high-temperature paint. This might be enough to deter a thief, who would have to scrape it off before trying to sell it for scrap.
Don’t forget that comprehensive insurance
is another way to protect your Dodge Ram 2500. Read through your car insurance policy to check that it includes it. Comprehensive coverage covers the cost of replacement and repairs if your catalytic converter does get stolen. It’s insurance that easily pays for itself! What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
First off, don’t panic. If thieves have managed to steal your Dodge Ram 2500 catalytic converter, here’s what you need to do:
Take pictures of the exhaust pipe and missing converter (this provides documentation of the theft)
Submit a police report (get a copy of the report to give to your insurance company)
File an insurance claim if you have comprehensive insurance
Look into getting an aftermarket catalytic converter to lower costs and deter thieves from stealing it again
Shop for anti-theft devices
MORE: How to build a custom Dodge Ram 2500
When to replace the catalytic converter on a Dodge Ram 2500
Catalytic converters typically last about ten years or 100,000 miles, but they will degrade over time and need to be replaced. Since it’s not exactly easy to access the converter and take a look, here are signs that it’s time for a replacement:
Poor or sluggish acceleration
Dark or stinky-smelling exhaust (a sulfur smell is a warning sign)
The underside of the truck overheats
Do not drive the truck if you see black smoke coming from the exhaust. Dark smoke is a sign that unburned fuel is entering the converter, which can damage it.
Don’t wait for these symptoms to improve! They’ll get worse, and you’ll be looking at an expensive repair bill. If you’ve got an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner, use it to check for exhaust system problems or take your truck to your mechanic to get a professional diagnosis.
Fingers crossed that you’ll only have to replace part of the catalytic converter, like the heat shield. But be prepared to replace the entire catalytic converter if necessary. You might even need to replace other components, like oxygen sensors.
When budgeting, plan to spend around $3,057 to replace your Dodge Ram 2500 catalytic converter.
The federal government requires an emissions warranty for defective catalytic converters. Your Dodge Ram 2500 is covered for seven years or 70,000 miles (whichever comes first). If a mechanic finds the catalytic converter to be defective within that time frame, Dodge might cover the replacement. Otherwise, you’ll be footing the bill for a catalytic converter that’s worn out from wear and tear.
How to replace a catalytic converter
It’s generally not a good idea to replace the catalytic converter yourself unless you’re a mechanic and have all the tools you need to do it safely. Typically, you’ll need a pipe cutter or torch to remove the welded-on catalytic converter, pipe expanders, gasket cleaners, and more.
If you’ve got the know-how and determination to replace it yourself, remember to find your model’s part number. Getting an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-grade replacement is best. Sure, an aftermarket catalytic converter will probably be cheaper, but this is an essential vehicle component. You don’t want to cut corners here!
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