Without a functional catalytic converter, your car, truck, or C/SUV will not pass an emissions test. We will talk more about this below. The catalytic converter takes the toxins in your vehicle’s exhaust and converts them into safe emissions. Demore’s Automotive advises that the catalytic converter lasts about a decade before it gets clogged and goes bad. Here are signs that your catalytic converter is not operating the way it should be and needs to be replaced.
Burning Sulfur Odors
One sign that your exhaust is not being treated because the catalytic converter is clogged and malfunctioning is the odor of burning sulfur. This odor smells like rotten eggs. You will pick up this odor in your vehicle’s exhaust. It might also make its way into the engine bay.
Dark or Black Exhaust
Another sign that your exhaust is not being treated is dark or black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is an indication that the exhaust is filled with emissions that needed to be converted by the catalytic converter. It can also be a sign of a rich fuel mixture indirectly caused by the converter.
Engine Performance Loss
Unfortunately, the faulty catalytic converter can also affect how well your engine performs. You will lose acceleration and engine power if the catalytic converter is clogged and pushing exhaust back into the combustion chamber. This clogs the chamber and prevents fresh combustion.
Extreme Heat
The catalytic converter will also overheat when it is going bad. In fact, there will be extreme heat wafting from underneath your automobile. If this heat makes its way into the engine, your engine will overheat, as well. Replacing the catalytic converter cools everything down.
Failed Emissions Test
As we mentioned above, your automobile cannot pass an emissions test if the catalytic converter is bad. The emissions test will reveal that there are excess hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust that have not been converted to safer emissions.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of the above signs of a bad catalytic converter might be accompanied by a check engine warning on the dashboard. The check engine light will turn on because of the engine and emissions problems discussed above.
Demore’s Automotive is the best auto service shop in Palmer, MA, so call us today if you believe your catalytic converter is clogged and malfunctioning. We will inspect the converter and replace it if it needs it. Unfortunately, replacing the catalytic converter is the only solution for catalytic converter problems.
