They can become clogged or they can burn out.
No, the catalytic converter is downstream from the EGR valve so it has no effect on it.
There can be a few reasons for a catalytic converter to go bad. One of the causes could be clogs. Other reasons include plugs not working right, and bad exhaust valves.
A bad coil can damage a converter. If the engine is misfiring, it will cause raw fuel to get into the converter and that can cause failure.
There's no possible way to pass inspection with a bad catalytic converter, if if you find out you have a bad catalytic converter during your inspection you have a chance after you after you have replaced the catalytic converter and the inspection no no charge/free!!
Yes. If a coil is bad causing one or more cylinders to not fire, this allows raw unburned fuel to enter the catalytic converter, where it is burned. This can ruin a converter.
the shop I go to said that my 2000 Jetta would not pass the smog check when the catalytic converter went bad.
It is possible but highly unlikely.
Yes, the unburnt fuel from poor timing will enter the converter and slowly destroy it.
A catalytic converter should NEVER go bad unless something causes it such as a RICH or a LEAN condition. What is a "RICH OR A LEAN CONDITION"?
Transmission torque converter or an exhuast catalytic converter?
A bad catalytic converter can cause hard starts if it has become clogged. This produces excessive back pressure in the engine.
A foul smell is the most common sign of a bad catalytic converter. If you smell what seems to be a rotten egg and it gets stronger over time, the catalytic converter is not working properly. A large drop in your fuel economy may be a sign that your catalytic converter is going bad or is blocked. A lack of power, especially at high speeds, may be a sign that the catalytic converter is going, or has gone, bad.A vehicle that stalls during idle, or idles rough, may have a blocked or bad catalytic converter. Your catalytic converter may be blocked if you experience bucking or hesitation while trying to accelerate. Additionally, your vehicle may run at a higher than normal temperature. A catalytic converter typically doesn't go bad without an underlying cause. A mechanic should be able to find the original problem and may not have to replace the converter.