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Is my 2005 Cadillac SRX catalytic converter having problems?

My 2005 Cadillac SRX is a trooper and hasn’t had many problems, even with more than 130,000 miles on the odometer. But lately the performance isn’t there, and there’s a strange smell in the car when I drive. A friend said it might be the catalytic converter. Does the 2005 Cadillac SRX have catalytic converter problems?

avatar
Matt Terzi · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
First off, congrats on getting your
Cadillac SRX
into six-digit mileage! And based on what you’ve said, yes, your friend might be correct about this being related to the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter is a component of your exhaust system that scrubs dangerous gasses as they exit your car to remove some of their more harmful elements. Without it, the car is pumping out exhaust that is dangerous to you and the environment, so it definitely needs to be working properly.
Some of the symptoms of a failing catalytic converter include:
  • The check engine light comes on
  • The engine feels like it’s lagging. Performance often takes a dip when the catalytic converter starts getting clogged
  • The fuel economy dips because the car isn’t able to get rid of exhaust quickly enough
  • The car’s exhaust will be noticeably smelly. This is the most dangerous symptom. If you smell these gasses, it means you’re breathing in those harmful gasses the catalytic converter can’t remove from the exhaust.
Once a car starts topping 80,000 miles—let alone 130,000 miles—parts will start to give up the ghost. And catalytic converters are known to start failing around 100,000 miles, if not sooner.
Replacing a catalytic converter in a 2005 Cadillac SRX can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $1,650. You might end up paying more or less depending on the mechanic you visit, so it’s a good idea to shop around and get price estimates from multiple mechanics.
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