Generally, a catalytic converter will start to malfunction when it gets clogged. The engine’s exhaust flows through the converter so that it can be treated before it flows out of the tailpipe. Over the years, carbon builds up inside the converter and eventually clogs it. It usually takes 10 years for this to happen. Once the catalytic converter is clogged and malfunctioning, Collins Auto Care advises that it must be replaced. Here are signs that your car’s catalytic converter has reached the end of its life.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light will turn on because, as you will see below, there will be a lot of other things going on in the engine and underneath your automobile that will cause errors. Once these errors are sent to the main computer chip, it turns on the check engine light to alert you of a problem. In this case, the problem is being caused by the malfunctioning catalytic converter.
Constant Overheating
One thing a faulty catalytic converter will do is overheat. It will get so hot, that the heat will rise into the engine and your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine will overheat. Unfortunately, the engine will overheat constantly until you replace the catalytic converter. You might think the problem is in your cooling system but it’s actually too much heat underneath the vehicle.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that your catalytic converter is going bad is dark exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe. This can be caused by a faulty catalytic converter that cannot treat the engine exhaust before it is released. It’s also possible that the clogged catalytic converter has indirectly affected the balance of fuel and air in the combustion chamber and made it fuel-rich.
Rotten Egg Smells
A clogged catalytic converter that is malfunctioning will introduce burning sulfur into your vehicle’s exhaust. As a consequence, you will notice that your car, truck, or C/SUV’s exhaust has the discussing odor of rotten eggs. This odor may also rise up from the catalytic converter and infiltrate the engine bay.
Sluggish Performance
Finally, the clogged catalytic converter will cause problems with your vehicle’s performance. Specifically, the engine and acceleration will lag because the combustion chamber is filled with exhaust. The exhaust makes it difficult for the spark plugs to fire fresh air and fuel in the cylinders.
Collins Auto Care in Houston, TX, is here to help, so call us today to set up a service appointment for your automobile. We can replace the catalytic converter if it is malfunctioning.
