The catalytic converter sits near the end of your vehicle’s exhaust system and uses
chemical reactions to convert harmful gases to less hazardous emissions.
Unfortunately, thieves often target catalytic converters because they contain
precious metals like platinum, rhodium and palladium that make it an attractive target.
Bad catalysts can produce various symptoms such as an unpleasant odor, decreased
fuel economy and higher back pressure than usual – these signs point towards a
failing catalytic converter that needs immediate repair.
1. Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Observing a significant decrease in gas mileage could be an indicator that your
catalytic converter is failing. While this metal canister should reduce emissions from
your engine, a damaged one could restrict airflow, forcing your engine to work
harder than necessary and decreasing fuel efficiency.
An improperly functioning catalytic converter will not only damage your gas mileage
but may also prevent you from passing state inspections. Therefore, it’s crucial that
this issue be taken care of promptly in order to keep driving legally and passing
inspections without incident. A rattling noise under your car could indicate physical
damage, overheating, or clogging in the converter, all which must be considered
when diagnosing its health.
2. Increased Emissions
A catalytic converter assists your engine by changing hydrogen sulfide to sulfur
dioxide, leading to reduced emissions that save money at the pump while protecting
our planet’s ecology.
An inefficient catalytic converter restricts airflow in your exhaust system and
increases emissions, producing higher than usual levels of pollution and setting off
your check engine light – an indicator that it’s time for repairs on your catalytic
converter.
An obvious telltale sign of a failing catalytic converter is hearing a rattle when
starting up your vehicle, caused by its honeycomb structure disintegrating and
creating loud clattering when turning it on.
3. Excessive Heat
Check Engine Light illumination is often the first and clearest indicator of catalytic
converter failure; however, reduced fuel economy, rotten egg smell, and rattling noises also indicate its failure.
An obstruction in the flow of exhaust fumes from your vehicle’s catalytic converter
restricts exhaust fumes, leading to your air-fuel ratio becoming too rich and leading
to excess heat and an unpleasant sulfur smell similar to that found in rotten eggs.
Driving with such a bad converter will also feel hotter for your engine and you should use a thermometer to test its temperature.
4. Loss of Power
An inadequate catalytic converter will cause your engine to lose power when you
press on the gas pedal, as its obstruction restricts airflow to the exhaust system and
alters its balance of air to fuel ratio, leading to slower acceleration.
Other symptoms of a bad catalytic converter may include the smell of sulfur (similar
to that found in rotten eggs) or dark exhaust smoke, and/or hearing an irritating
rattle when turning on your engine; this noise comes from precious metals inside
breaking down and becoming clogged, signalling that replacement needs to take
place immediately. These signs should serve as clear indicators that your current
catalytic converter requires immediate replacement.
5. Rattling Noises
An improperly functioning catalytic converter may make rattling noises while
running your engine, similar to when shaking a metal can filled with rocks. This
noise results from honeycomb-shaped pieces within the catalytic converter breaking and shaking;
Broken or clogged catalytic converters can often lead to the check engine light
flashing on a vehicle. Their backpressure causes engine to work harder than
necessary, leading to decreased fuel economy and emissions.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that your car be brought in
immediately for repair. A broken catalytic converter could pose serious danger while
continuing to drive with it could escalate the problem further.
6. Check Engine Light
The catalytic converter is an essential part of your vehicle’s exhaust system,
converting harmful emissions to safer elements for humans and the environment.
While not an expensive car part to replace, malfunctioning ones can damage fuel
efficiency and hinder acceleration.
An improper catalytic converter will increase emissions and make passing emissions
tests impossible. If you notice any clogging, foul smell, or reduced engine
performance in your Chevy vehicle, get in touch with a skilled mechanic as soon as possible.
An illuminated check engine light that remains lit is another telltale indicator of a
failing catalytic converter, likely as the result of misfiring engines that leak unburnt
fuel into the exhaust system.