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The catalyst is an element of the Jeep's exhaust system that is responsible for reducing the toxicity of exhaust gasses. Nowadays, all new Grand Cherokees are equipped with catalysts, as this is a legal requirement.

In addition to fulfilling environmental regulations, the catalyst is an integral element of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, as without it, it won't be able to work normally. Moreover, fuel consumption will increase, the engine will fall into emergency mode, and its service life will be decreased.

The catalytic converter performs an important task in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, only some people care about it. Because there are many valuable metals in the catalyst, dishonest citizens steal them from other people's vehicles to sell them and get money.

Unfortunately, by its design, the catalyst is not protected in any way by itself. It's located in an accessible place, and thieves take advantage of it. It only takes a few minutes for you to get expensive repairs.

This article will describe the most effective ways to protect your Jeep Grand Cherokee's catalytic converter from theft and save you from losing money.

Remember! Catalyst theft is a crime punishable by a fine and even imprisonment.

What cars are having the catalytic converters stolen the most?





Every owner of a car manufactured after 1975 can become a potential victim of catalyst theft. However, thieves are much more interested in newer and more expensive vehicles.

The more environmentally friendly the car is, the more technological its catalyst is, and the more precious elements are used in it. Therefore, there is a higher probability of theft of catalysts in new Jeep Grand Cherokees, especially if they are equipped with several catalysts.

The statistics could be better. The number of catalytic converter thefts has increased dramatically and continues to rise - as of 2022, there were 64,000 catalytic converter thefts in the US, up from 16,000 in 2020. Therefore, no one is protected from theft.

Catalyst thefts were most often recorded in the following cars:

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series;
  
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord;
  
• 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot;
  
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline;
  
• 1997-2018 Ford Explorer;
  
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado;
  
• 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox;
  
• 1997-2020 Honda CR-V;
  
• 1987-2019 Toyota Camry;
  
• 2011-2017 Chrysler 200;
  
• 2001-2021 Toyota Prius.
  

How to protect your Jeep Grand Cherokee`s catalytic converter from being stolen?

The cost of replacing the catalyst ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Additionally, consider the damage to your Jeep Grand Cherokee and the time you'll have to be without it while it's being repaired. You may agree with us that it`s easier to prevent theft than to deal with the consequences later.

Install protection for the catalyst




As mentioned earlier, the catalyst is not protected from theft from the factory. Therefore, it is up to you to do it. Install a special iron frame on the catalyst, preventing its movement.

Choose a reliable frame - it must be securely fastened to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and be strong enough to withstand cutting, tearing, or bending. Such a device costs 400 to 800 dollars, but this is nothing compared to possible repair costs.

Paint the catalyst in a bright color



Paint the catalyst with bright, heat-resistant paint. This will make your catalyst more noticeable, and there is a chance that it won't be accepted at the pick-up point, where the thief will take it after the theft.

However, this method is only a partial guarantee - even such a catalyst can be accepted. Still, it`s better to do at least something that can protect you.

Apply the Jeep Grand Cherokee license plate info and VIN code to the catalyst



Make a deep engraving on the catalyst with the number plate of your Grand Cherokee and the VIN code. This will perform several functions at once - it will make the catalyst more visible while giving a chance that it won't be accepted and serve as a clue to the police.

If they start searching for it, the marked part will be much easier to find among thousands of similar parts - there is a chance that your catalyst will be found.

Like the previous method, this one doesn`t guarantee that your catalyst won't be stolen. However, it can stop a thief. The main thing is to make the inscription deep and visible so it cannot be destroyed.

Weld the catalytic converter to the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s body



The catalyst is often fixed with bolts or clamps, which does not provide reliable protection against theft. You can weld the catalytic converter to the Jeep’s body. Make fasteners from thick layers of metal and in such places that won`t be immediately visible to a thief.

However, don't overdo it. Remember that over time, the catalyst, like any other part, can fail and must be replaced. And then you`ll have to think about removing the catalyst from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, given that it is now welded tightly.

Therefore, if you decide to choose this method, remember: you need to do it in such a way that it breaks the plans of the thief and not put sticks on the wheels for yourself in the future. Know the measure.

Install an alarm on the Jeep Grand Cherokee



Almost all Jeeps from the factory are equipped with an alarm system, but more is needed.

You need an alarm with a tilt sensor. To steal the catalyst, the Jeep Grand Cherokee must be jacked up in any case, you need to prevent it.

Install the most sensitive alarm system with a tilt sensor so that the slightest change in position sounds trigger an alarm. It is advised that when such an alarm is triggered, a sound signal occurs, and a notification is sent to your phone / key fob.

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Park the Jeep in the right places



When your Jeep Grand Cherokee is in plain sight, it is much less likely that something will be stolen from it. Park the car in crowded places, within the reach of video surveillance cameras, in large parking lots with security. At night, leave the Jeep in the garage, where there will be no outsiders.

Read the terms of your insurance



Unfortunately, even using all of the above methods does not guarantee that your catalyst will stay in place. Therefore, it`s worth thinking about the possible consequences.

Even if such a disaster happens, you should be prepared for everything. Read your insurance contract. Talk to company representatives.

Will your insurance cover catalytic converter theft? It is worth paying extra for such a service. Sometimes it is better to pay immediately and feel safe than to overpay 3-4 times more if something happens.

The options listed above can protect your catalyst, but be prepared for any unforeseen situations.

How to understand that your Jeep’s catalytic converter is stolen:



If something happens to the catalyst, you`ll notice it immediately. We hope you won't need this information. However, the following things are signs of the missing catalyst.

Loud Engine Operation:

If your catalytic converter is stolen, you'll hear an increased noise from the engine.

This occurs because the catalytic converter plays an important role in reducing the exhaust gasses as they pass through, so without it, your engine's roar becomes more audible.

Error on the Dashboard:

When no catalytic converter exists, a check engine light or emission control system error may appear on your Grand Cherokee`s dashboard.

The reason is that modern Jeep Grand Cherokees are equipped with sensors that monitor the operation of the catalytic converter.

The system won't work as it should without it, resulting in an error indication.

Exhaust Gasses in the Cabin

A faulty catalytic converter permits exhaust emissions to enter the cabin. These gasses are harmful to human health.

If you notice a smell of exhaust emissions inside your Grand Cherokee, it's an evident sign that your catalytic converter is malfunctioning or missing.

Loss of Dynamics

The catalytic converter contributes to the proper balance of backpressure in the exhaust framework, which is critical for engine efficiency.

Without it, you may notice a major decrease in power and diminished controllability of your Jeep. 

Increased Fuel Consumption

If the catalytic converter is stolen or missing, it can lead to wrong fuel combustion.

It means that your Grand Cherokee has to burn more fuel to produce the same power, resulting in higher fuel consumption.

If you notice that the fuel gauge needle moves to "Empty" fast, the reason might be in a stolen catalytic converter.

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Conclusion

The catalytic converter is important to Jeep Grand Cherokee`s exhaust system. It decreases toxic emissions, making them less harmful to you and the environment.

At the same time, catalytic converters include valuable elements, making them a desirable aim for potential thieves.

To protect your catalytic converter from being stolen, follow the steps and advice mentioned in our article.