Numerous
issues could arise from a faulty catalytic converter. If you believe your
catalytic converter may be faulty, keep an eye out for these symptoms.
Catalytic
converters are notorious for breaking down and are sometimes very expensive to
replace, particularly if you're searching for a brand-new one.
To
address a problem with your car before it becomes worse, it's critical to
recognise the early warning signs of a problem and book your car in with a car services and repair
garage.
To
avoid replacing a catalytic converter that is in good working order, it is
crucial to diagnose a damaged catalyst. What are the most typical symptoms of a
damaged catalytic converter, then?
These
are the most typical symptoms, though there are many more.
It
is advised to check MOT
expiry date of your car and, if you are having any problems, have it fixed
before your next MOT test to avoid a failure. A defective catalytic converter
can also result in an emissions test failure.
If
you think your catalytic converter may be malfunctioning, schedule a complete
inspection by searching online for a car service near me garage. When the engine is warm
and the check engine light is on, the sulphur smell is the most common sign of
a failed catalytic converter. In addition, you can observe engine performance
difficulties like misfiring, fuel economy issues and sluggish
acceleration.
The
following are 9 faulty catalytic converter symptoms:
1. Check Engine Light
Illuminated - This is one of the most blatant signs that something is
wrong with your car, is also one of the best signs that your catalytic
converter is failing. It will display a catalytic converter-related issue code
when checked with a suitable OBD scanner, which you must
be interpretated with the aid of the owner's manual. The P0420
trouble code is the one that is most frequently associated with a faulty
catalytic converter. If you check MOT history
for your car and establish that a previous MOT test failed due to the
engine management light, this could well have been linked to a faulty or
clogged catalytic converter. Refer back to any old car repair invoices (if
available) to confirm exactly how this issue was fixed.
2. Acceleration Lag - If all
other components, such as spark plugs, filters, sensors, etc., are working
properly but you notice delays when accelerating or a loss of power when
driving up hills, the problem may be with the catalytic converter. Many times,
mechanics will confuse a malfunctioning catalytic converter with other parts,
such as a bad oxygen sensor or any other sensor.Keep your hand near the end of
the exhaust pipe while having someone else press the accelerator pedal to raise
the car's RPM to 2000 to check the catalytic converter. You can have a blocked
catalytic converter if your exhaust output is insufficient. If you can, compare
the flow to a comparable car.
3. Fluctuating Fuel
Consumption - One of the signs of a bad catalytic converter is high or low fuel
consumption, higher or lower fuel mileage. Even though getting greater fuel
mileage can seem like a good bargain, it can harm your engine and lead to even
more costly repairs. Your car's engine will be much less efficient and require
more effort to produce the same level of power due to inefficient combustion of
the fuel when the exhaust is clogged. Therefore, even if lower fuel consumption
is occasionally feasible, a defective catalytic converter will typically result
in higher fuel use.
4. Smell of Sulphur – A
blocked catalytic converter will hinder the airflow of exhaust fumes, causing
the air-fuel ratio of the engine to become rich (too much fuel, leading to
unburnt fuel). The smell of burnt sulphur or rotten eggs is produced when this
extra air-fuel mixture burns, which is a clear sign that your catalytic
converter is broken.
5. Discoloured Housing – If
you notice that the catalytic converter's housing has taken on a blue or other
colour, it may be clogged and producing too much heat. Unburned fuel may enter
the catalyst if your engine is not operating as it should, which is another
possibility. Due to the heat, this combination then ignites in the converter
and melts the inner material, resulting in even additional obstructions. You
should not drive your vehicle if you believe that the catalytic converter is
faulty since it may be clogged and generate excessive heat inside the
engine, which might quickly harm other components.
6. Starting Issues - The
engine receives too much fuel, which it cannot burn, due to a blocked catalytic
converter. Back pressure will also be created, which will increase the effort
required by the engine to expel the exhaust gases. If your car starts for a
few seconds before dying, a blocked converter can be to cause. This is
because it could take a few seconds for the pressure in the exhaust system
to rise enough to choke the engine and force it to shut off.
7. Increased Emissions -
There is a chance that your catalytic converter is no longer performing its
function as it should if it is broken or clogged. The emissions from the car
engine will increase as a result. This is presumably quite evident as the
catalytic converter's primary function is to reduce harmful emissions. During
acceleration or at idle, you will frequently discover this by observing dark
exhaust smoke emanating from your exhaust pipe. Your vehicle will probably fail
an emission test on your next MOT test.
8. Engine Misfires - A
blocked catalytic converter reduces the oxygen flow in engines, which need a
lot of oxygen for efficient fuel combustion. Due to the overabundance of
unburned gases produced by the restricted airflow, the engine may misfire and
overheat. If your engine is misfiring, you should have it addressed as soon as
possible because ignoring the problem could result in more costly repairs down
the road.
9. Rattling or Other
Noises - Inside the catalytic converter is a "honeycomb" that can
wear out and fragment as a result of wear and tear. When you rev your car's
engine, this will make the catalytic converter rattle. While you try to hear
underneath the car to determine whether the rattling sounds are coming from the
catalytic converter or somewhere else, you can ask a buddy to press the
accelerator pedal.
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