Let us spray. 1  When you're at the perfume counter, buying something smelly for your nearest and dearest this Christmas, just don't ask what's in it. 2  When you're at the perfume counter, buying something smelly for your nearest and dearest this Christmas, just don't ask what's in it. Hannah Betts argues you may get a nasty surprise.
Best Answer: When a catalytic converter goes bad it will restrict the flow of exhaust gases through the exhaust system. Basically, if the exhaust won't come out easily, air won't be taken into the engine easily to mix with the fuel to be burnt and give you power.
A problem with the catalytic converter often causes an error code in the vehicle's onboard computer, which illuminates the check-engine light. One method of checking for catalytic converter problems is to remove it to see if the engine continues to backfire. A second method is to disconnect the oxygen sensor. If either solves the performance problems, the converter requires replacement.