Catalytic Converter Problems?

That BIG thing between your exhaust manifold and the engine does a lot to the car you drive every day. I am going to give you a breakdown of what this Big thing under the car can do, what happens when it is bad and what you will notice when it as gone bad.

So what does the catalytic converter really do?

All modern petrol car exhausts manufactured from 1993 include a catalytic converter. This is to reduce harmful emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

The catalytic converter works by converting gases into water vapour and less harmful gases (so when you see drops of water from the exhaust it means the converter is working well) Catalytic converters are equipped with one or more oxygen (O2) sensors that monitor the efficiency of the car's exhaust system continuously.

Modern cars have 2 catalytic converter and O2 sensors which are called the upstream (front) catalytic converter and downstream (back) catalytic converter depending on the model year of the vehicle.

What does it look like?

From the above diagram, we can see how it looks like. It will usually take the form of a rectangular or rounded "box" in the middle of your exhaust system. Some models can have a roughly cylindrical shape.

What are the Symptoms?

• Your vehicle’s fuel efficiency suddenly drops.
• Your vehicle does not accelerate when you step on the gas pedal. 
• Your vehicle may refuse to start. 
• Check Engine light comes on. 
• An increase in the sound of the engine. 

 The most common cause of failure in a catalytic converter in an older car is that it becomes so clogged that the exhaust gases cannot get through it to the muffler and out of the car. (If air cannot get out the rear of the vehicle, it cannot come in the front end, so the engine dies because no air is coming in to form the fuel/air mixture.)

Every modern car has an OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) II system that tests the catalytic converter (among many other things). If the unit allows too much pollution to escape from the tailpipe, it illuminates the check engine light and produces a trouble code that can be read by a technician with what’s called a “scan tool.”

The catalytic converter is sensitive to changes in the contents and temperature of the exhaust gases, so another possible cause for failure is if the cylinder head gasket is damaged, allowing oil or coolant to get into the combustion chamber and be burned in the cylinders. Also, if your ignition system isn’t operating properly, unburned fuel in the exhaust gases can cause the catalytic converter to wear out or break down.

 Cost: Unfortunately to change a catalytic converter is expensive because of these special metals like platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold which are the compositions of a catalytic converter and they are very valuable and costly.

 The range is: N 78,660 – N 142,140 (depends on the model and year of vehicle). This can be converted to dollars if you are outside Nigeria.

Toyota Camry 97'- 99 Model "Tiny Light"

Hello everyone, today I am going to talk about the never say die automobile; the Toyota Camry 1999 (CE, LE, and XLE) Model which is popularly known in Nigeria as the “Tiny Light”. 

The Toyota Camry 1999 Model is no doubt a reliable, durable and a dependable car (that’s if you got the new one or “tokunbo”), I also bought this car as “tokunbo” and it served me for four (4) years without too many repairs except for the shock absorber which is due to our bad roads, fortunately I sold it to someone who loved the way I maintained the car.

Like I said earlier, I will be talking to you about this specific model; the pros and cons also showing you the differences in the CE, LE, SE and XLE version.

I will start with the CE version which I bought when I was a rookie, the CE sometimes called Classic Edition or Basic Edition. It is the lowest cost amongst the four mentioned, the interior is bland, no CD changer just radio and tape, no power seats, there were several Nos to this ride but does the job of taking you from point A to point B and a very good low fuel consumption. Currently, this version goes between the ranges of N800, 000 – N900, 000 (tokunbo market)

The LE which is referred to as the Limited edition is, of course, the next step up with some upgrades like driver power seat, full spare, better stereo and CD player system, sometimes comes in leather or fabric interior and of course contains the maintenance reminder as well as the cruise control as standard which the CE does not have. Currently, this version goes between the ranges of N900, 000 – N1, 000,000 (tokunbo market)

The XLE is the fully loaded model and the Luxury model of Camry with noticeable upgrades. It has the same interior as normal Camry but only with a small difference, pretty much everything that LE has, better suspensions and shocks from McPherson, Leather interior (standard in this model) and a better sound system with 8 speakers and most times comes in a V6 engine.  Currently, this version goes between the ranges of N950, 000 – N1, 100,000 (tokunbo market)

If you  noticed I never mentioned SE, Yes because this year’s model did not have the SE version (except if you have seen a Japanese imported version) but newer models from 2004 upwards come with the SE version and I will explain; the SE is called, sportier model with a noticeable exterior looks and firmer suspension. Don't be fooled by the looks of this car. The SE version is supposed to have stiffer struts and suspensions, also it has high-performance Toyo tires, meaning the SE models have better handling capability. Only a good driver would notice such a thing.

Pros: Minimal fuel consumption, spacious and extra chilling air conditioner.
Cons: Bland interior and Styling

*The Prices mentioned may vary as the time of this post and it is dependent on two (2) factors;      Exchange rate and the State of the Car (interior, body, and engine)

*Tokunbo – Cars imported from US, Canada, UK, Japan and Dubai into Nigeria

If there are any questions, you can leave a comment.

It’s Official: Clarkson, May, and Hammond Sign Deal for Show on Amazon Instant Video

i love this guys.................


After months of speculation, it’s finally official: The Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond have signed a deal with Amazon to have a new car show on its streaming Instant Video service. Seems like the “fracas” that ended Top Gear turned out to be a rather positive thing, didn’t it?

The show, which is nameless so far (House of Cars was suggested), will appear starting next year. As usual, the trio made some rather humorous comments about the change in their career (via ​​The Guardian):

Clarkson said: “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a biplane and into a spaceship.”
May added: “We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn’t it?”
Hammond said: “Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant.”

 Amazon Prime is already home to streaming episodes of ​Top Gear​, so this will be a complement to that coverage. It’ll be interesting to see how that show does against Chris Evans and his new version of ​Top Gear​, also debuting next year.

Let's see how this will go.

The Dream is ALIVE!!!

Finally, I have birthed my dream which has been in my head over the years.

I am a car enthusiast of all kinds such as the Saloon, Sports Utility Vehicle and Fuel gulping cars. TurboDriveWithObadz will show you different cars you love and dream about with Specifications, Pictures and Videos.

This blog is for Car Lovers and also to enlighten individuals on their buying choice and showcasing all other accessories for your car.

All information provided is done after extensive research, therefore, do join me in making this blog a one stop blog for car information.

And finally, I appreciate you reading this post. You are the reason I love to blog. Thank you for your view and support.
I look forward to bigger, better and greater things.

Cheers!!!