How to tell if my catalytic converter is stolen?

Well not sure, but they are cutting away your exhaust pipe, so I presume it would sound a little like a older Boeing 747.
However, I am not sure the car would even start without errors because you would lose your temperature and O2 readings the hybrid system is looking for.

 

That excuse is not good enough. I was in a push-up position and couldn't even visually see the converter either.

 

That excuse is not good enough. I was in a push-up position and couldn't even visually see the converter either.

 

How about a mirror on a pole.

Should be able to do the trick.

 

Great idea. I thought about after a drive, put marshmellow, chocolate, grahmcracker mounted to stick then hold it near the converter location. If it's still there, it should be a least 1000F and make instant s'mores

 

Just start it. It will be very loud. No need to look at it. There are steel cages becoming available to protect the cat if desired. The exhaust pipes are easy to cut with a battery recip saw. Steel is not.

 

"and couldn't even visually see the converter either"

Is there a way to see other than visually?

 

I use a cell phone on a self stick at times to see under the car. That’s another way to see it visually not using my eyes.

 

I guess technically using a thermal camera will allow you to see beneath in a way that is not visual. The Infrared the camera picks up does not fall under the visual light spectrum. (Now of course the image representation is visual). Does that count?

 

You beat me to it. Just start it. You'll know it the instant the ICE fires up. Absolute quickest way to tell if someone cut a chunk out of your exhaust system in front of the muffler. But if you're deaf, it might take a little longer before a neighbor finally comes over to see what the heck you're doing.

 

Buy your cat shield here
Catalytic Converter Protection - GetCatSecurity

 

I would assume that the exhaust note would be very loud. Another clue would be no exhaust pressure at the tail pipe when the engine is running.

 

Turn it on. It'll sound like a tractor. Give it gas, and your neighbors will open their windows and throw tomatoes at you.