Your truck’s catalytic converter helps turn toxic emissions into less dangerous
byproducts. However, its effectiveness may become compromised for various
reasons including subpar spark plugs, insufficient scheduling or an abundance of fuel
in its composition.
If your vehicle’s performance deteriorates significantly, an experienced mechanic
can use an infrared thermometer to diagnose its problem and recommend necessary repairs.
Rattling Noises
If your car makes rattling noises when accelerating, this could be a telltale sign of its
catalytic converter going bad. A defective converter not only cannot filter harmful
emissions effectively, but can also lead to misfires and darkened engine exhaust emissions.
This rattling noise is caused by pieces of ceramic honeycomb structure coming loose
within the converter due to heat or damage, often as a result of acceleration.
Rattling can be heard at all temperatures but typically becomes loudest when speed
increases rapidly. Higher-octane fuel or fuel additives may help alleviate this issue
by improving airflow and eliminating the rattling sound altogether.
If your Ford F150 exhibits any of these symptoms, it could be in need of a catalytic
converter replacement. When this occurs it is wise to schedule an appointment with
your mechanic who can diagnose and determine the appropriate course of action for repair.
Loss of Power
An improper catalytic converter can quickly drain power while driving, most
commonly by unburnt fuel entering it unburnt – such as when spark plugs misfire or
the engine runs too rich – leading to incineration of its ceramic catalyst and eventual
blockage of it by excessive heat.
Finding an authorized shop with expertise in diagnosing vehicle issues quickly is the
ideal way to identify them quickly and provide accurate repair estimates.
An ineffective catalytic converter can significantly diminish your Ford F150’s
performance and be very frustrating when driving on the highway. If you notice
power loss while driving, it’s essential to visit a professional immediately as they will
help identify any underlying issues before it worsens – this will save money in the long run!
Gas Mileage
Clogged catalytic converters can significantly decrease gas mileage by restricting
exhaust gases from entering your engine and forcing your engine to work harder in
order to keep moving at the same pace, ultimately using more fuel. Furthermore,
blocking harmful pollutants will exacerbate existing issues with oxygen sensors or
spark plugs in your car.
Catalytic converters are composed of ceramic material folded inside an impervious
protective cover, but unfortunately, their ceramic core can crack under pressure
from unburnt fuel entering your engine due to substandard spark plugs, improper
air/fuel ratio or an inoperable oxygen sensor. When this occurs, unburnt fuel enters
and damages or clogs up the catalytic converter’s ceramic coating and becomes
trapped within your engine, rendering it ineffective against emissions control
systems or becoming air pollution.
Your catalytic converter’s functionality can be tested with an OBD code reader or an
infrared thermometer. An OBD code can also help identify any inner restrictions that
might be contributing to backpressure issues in your vehicle, so to conduct the latter
test you must start your vehicle and wait until its normal operating temperature
level has been reached before measuring inlet and outlet temperatures with an
infrared thermometer and comparing results.
Check Engine Light
If the check engine light on your Ford F-150 is flashing, it is time for service. Any
issue could potentially be serious and lead to costly damage down the line, including
catalytic converter failure and subsequent engine replacement costs.
Catalytic converters transform toxic hydrogen sulfide gas into innocuous sulfur
dioxide emissions system pollutants, however if one becomes clogged it can
interfere with proper functioning resulting in foul, foul egg smell being expelled by exhaust pipes.
Clogs in catalytic converters may cause diagnostic trouble codes in your truck’s
computer, and testing them for this can be done with a pressure gauge near the
oxygen sensor and measuring back pressure using its hose fitting near this oxygen
sensor. Once engine temperature reaches its operating condition, measure
temperature differential between inlet and outlet of catalytic converter. If reading is
higher than 3 PSI then most likely your catalytic converter is blocked.