If your catalytic converter is partially blocked, you may still be able to drive your
vehicle; however, doing so could damage both your engine and cause failure of
emissions testing.
Catalytic converters sit near the tailpipe in your exhaust system and convert harmful
gases to less-hazardous ones via chemical reactions. Although reliable parts,
catalytic converters eventually wear out over time.
Symptoms
The catalytic converter is an essential component of your vehicle’s exhaust system
that reduces toxic gasses and pollutants emitted from it. Working together with
parts such as spark plugs and exhaust valves, it ensures proper fuel-air ratio before
ignition. A malfunctioning catalytic converter will produce higher emissions than
state regulations allow; your car won’t pass inspection.
There are a number of telltale symptoms to look out for that could indicate your
vehicle has a failing catalytic converter, including reduced engine power and
acceleration, an unpleasant sulfurous or rotten egg-smelling exhaust fumes smell
and dark exhaust smoke emitted from its tailpipes – these could all indicate that
harmful gases have leaked past and been released into the environment.
Check Engine Light
Catalytic converter problems may be more obvious, such as poor fuel economy and
rattle noises; however, other indicators could be harder to spot. If your check engine
light comes on in your vehicle however, this may indicate it’s time for inspection of
that catalytic converter.
If your check engine light is constantly illuminated, that indicates one or more
sensors have alerted the ECU that something is amiss with your vehicle’s engine.
Based on that information, the ECU determines whether it’s just minor issue such as
loose gas cap that needs attention quickly or whether there’s an urgent matter that
must be dealt with immediately.
If your check engine light is flashing, this indicates that your catalytic converter is
failing and should be replaced immediately. Ignoring such an issue may damage
your engine, decrease fuel efficiency and cause failures during emissions tests or
smog checks. If replacement costs exceed what’s reasonable for you, there are
alternatives which may provide relief – for instance resetting emissions controls
could help.
Fuel Efficiency
Signs that your catalytic converter may be starting to fail include an apparent
decrease in fuel efficiency. A catalytic converter’s primary purpose is ensuring
adequate levels of oxygen are mixed with gasoline before combustion takes place; if
an O2 sensor detects your engine running without sufficient airflow, the O2 sensor
may halt fuel flow to compensate. As a result, more frequently refills may be
necessary than usual and you might notice rotten egg odor in your exhaust may
indicate its failure.
Avoiding accidents by having a working catalytic converter installed is both
dangerous and illegal, so regularly inspect it and get it replaced when worn out by
finding a great mechanic who can do repairs quickly and affordably.
Safety
Once a catalytic converter goes bad, it ceases to burn away hydrocarbon deposits
that accumulate inside of it. To clear away clogged hydrocarbons and to help burn
them off faster, drive long distances occasionally to heat your car up enough and
cause sufficient heating of its emissions to burn them off.
An improperly functioning catalytic converter can also lead to misfire in an engine,
leading it to heat up abnormally and possibly burn you if touched directly.
Broken catalytic converters can cause you to fail emissions tests and smog checks
required in many states and countries. If you experience loss of power, plugged
catalytic converter, dark exhaust smoke or extreme heat under your vehicle it is
advisable to immediately stop driving and seek professional repair from a muffler
shop, as continuing without taking corrective actions can lead to even more costly
and severe vehicle problems later on.