Yes it does. In most states it is required by law that vehicles must be equipped with the factory emissions control parts in order to pass inspections.
If someone has not removed it, Then yes it is before the muffler.
no
Catalytic converter plugged.
If it came from the factory with a converter then it needs a converter.
It is part of the y pipe and must be cut out to remove without taking the y pipe
Yes it will
Fuel filter may be plugged. Catalytic converter may be plugged. Engine may be in need of a tune up.
It is either clogged and needs replacing or you have one or more cylinders that is not firing properly and unburnt fuel is being ignited in the converter. On an 18 year old car I would suspect the converter is clogged.
It is screwed into the exhaust manifold before the catalytic converter.
Yes, if it is clogged.
Inside the distributor.
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