catalytic converter/hesitation

:banghead: i seem to have some hesitation while driving i read these posts and sounds like the same problem so i was wondering if there is a way to check it without having to take it in because i just dont have the $$ to do that right now but if i could check it the when i can afford it and if it needs to be replaced then i can do it

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=758438&highlight=malibu+transmission

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=899873&highlight=malibu+transmission (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=899873&highlight=malibu+transmission)

One, you can try to take the muffler off, find the cat and drill a few holes through it. This will unclog the exhaust and it is a freebie.

Only thing to worry about is reseal it so the gas does not enter the cab and put you to sleep like you ran the car with the garage door closed.

1. Clogged air cleaner element chokes to rich and poor running.
2. Cat carbon clogged choking engine down.
3. Fuel filter clogged is every 15K change it out.
4. Fuel pump weak pressure is check that fuel rail.

how do you check the fuel pressure ill save the hard stuff for last

Now you are getting into big buck tools that might be at the dealer level or some fuel injection drive-ability guy should have that tool. It may come with special fittings to tie into the fuel rail.
So, now you balance your wallet and wonder if you should invest in a big buck too that might be more expensive that the guy with the tool and checks it OK= Not the problem!

Now wear out the bank account are you? Fuel filter is cheap and now that will take special fuel line wrenches special made to remove the filter. You can get it with a few adjustables, but to have those special tools is like fast work, bing bang boom.

So, the easy stuff is a price of a fuel filter and test drive is that did the trick. OK, the filter is out of the way and installed, now pull a muffler and see if the drive-ability came back and now you can more or less find it a clog of air, not gas (changing the filter or checking fuel pressure).

yes may be your cat but when they really get plugged it will turn cherry red a burn up you car if you don't catch it in time. i've seen a few. take it to muffler shop they stick a rod in there and it will tell you pret much about cat.if not it check plugs and wires and of course fuel pressure like he said.and maybe egr.

how would i check the egr and where is it and how much would they screw me for to look at the cat