I've got a 2001 Civic and when I'm driving in stop and go driving my car seems to overheat although the gauges are normal. The car starts rattling and when I hit the accelerator my car just shakes and barely moves. This only happens in stop and go traffic, my friend said it was the catylytic converter so we replaced it and still have the same problem. Are there 2 catylytic converters? Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

 

check your motor mounts maybe. could be part of the problem.

 

There is only one catalytic converter, and it's highly unlikely that it is the cause of the issue. I would suggest checking coolant coloration, Idle Air Control Valve cleanliness, when the vehicle last had it's water pump/timing belt replaced, etc...

 

is a check engine light coming on and when u changed the Catalytic converter did the rattling go away?

 

First thing to check is to see if the radiator fan comes on when it's idling. If it doesn't, disconnect the fan connector and apply battery power to one terminal and ground to the other. As soon as both wires are connected the fan will run. If it doesn't run, replace it. If it does run, plug it back in and jump the temp switch to see if the fan runs. If the fan runs when you jump the switch, replace the switch.

 

To add to what's already been said...

What makes you believe that the car is overheating? Are there any visible signs? Steam or spray from under the hood? Overflowing coolant reservoir?

If it were the catalytic converter, it'd do it all the time, not just in stop-and-go traffic.

Have you scanned the car for any stored codes? (even if the light never came on)

Is it an automatic or manual transmission?