A Clogged Catalytic Converter Produces the Following Problems

The catalytic converter is the exhaust system part that treats your vehicle’s exhaust to make it safe to release into the environment. It takes about 10 years for the catalytic converter to go bad. When we say that the catalytic converter goes bad, we mean that it gets clogged with carbon deposits and sulfur deposits. Here are signs that you have a clogged catalytic converter underneath your automobile.

The main computer chip will be made aware that there is a problem with the catalytic converter. Because your dashboard does not have a specific light for the catalytic converter, the computer chip will turn on the check engine light to let you know your vehicle needs some professional attention.

In addition to the dashboard warning, you will start to notice a difference in your engine’s performance. Unfortunately, your performance and acceleration will become sluggish. This is a sign that the catalytic converter is blocking the exhaust flow out of the tailpipe. Your engine is full of exhaust.

Unfortunately, this poor performance will affect your fuel economy. You will notice a reduction in the gas mileage you get out of the full tank of gasoline or diesel fuel. This can make things difficult if you are on a tight budget and cannot afford to fill the tank more often than you normally do.

Another thing that is going to affect your fuel economy is excess fuel being burned in the combustion chamber. This can happen if the main computer chip decides to add fuel to the chamber in an effort to resolve the engine performance problems. This will produce black exhaust smoke.

In addition to the odd color, you may also detect strong and rancid odors in the exhaust. In fact, the odors may also fill the engine bay. The specific odor is that of rotten eggs, which is a sign that the catalytic converter is clogged with sulfur deposits. In other words, you need a new catalytic converter.

Finally, you may notice a ton of heat underneath your automobile. This happens when the catalytic converter is not functioning properly. In most cases, this heat will make its way into the engine and overheat the engine. You may have an overheating problem every time you drive.

We would be happy to help. Call us today to schedule a service appointment for your automobile so we can inspect the catalytic converter.