The catalytic converter plays a crucial role in treating your vehicle’s exhaust so your automobile passes any emissions test that it takes. The converter switches harmful emissions to ones that are safe to be released into the environment. Mike’s Auto Service & Repair advises that you can expect about 10 years of service out of the factory-installed catalytic converter. After this time, the converter may get clogged or fail and you will need to have a new one installed. Here are signs you have a bad catalytic converter.
1. Reduced Acceleration
If the converter is clogged, the exhaust being produced by the engine is not exiting the engine. Rather, it is stuffing the combustion chamber and preventing fresh air and fuel from being ignited. This will cause a reduction in your vehicle’s ability to accelerate and might even make it difficult to start it.
2. Sputtering Engine
The performance problems do not stop with the acceleration. When the combustion chamber is filled with exhaust, your engine will sputter and struggle to run. It may stall frequently and you will notice a significant reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy because the engine is not running efficiently.
3. Emissions Failure
As we mentioned above, your automobile’s exhaust needs to be converted by the catalytic converter in order for your vehicle to pass an emissions test. If your vehicle fails the emissions test, it’s possible you have a malfunctioning or clogged catalytic converter underneath the vehicle.
4. Excess Exhaust
Another sign that your exhaust is not being treated properly is excess exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe that is black. This is an indication that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning and/or that your engine is burning too much fuel. Unfortunately, the converter can indirectly cause this problem.
5. Rotten Egg Smells
Rotten egg smells accompany a malfunctioning or clogged catalytic converter. This is an indication that sulfur is being burned by the converter and being released into your vehicle’s exhaust. You will smell the rotten egg odors in the exhaust.
6. Excessive Heat
Finally, excessive heat underneath your automobile can be an indication that the catalytic converter is overheating. This happens when the converter gets clogged or malfunctions. This heat can also cause your engine to overheat when you drive your automobile.
A bonus symptom is that your check engine light will come on. A clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause this. Call Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, MA, today if you are having problems with your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
