For your catalytic converter to perform efficiently, it needs to be heated to a specific temperature. Now, most drivers don't push their cars hard enough for the converter to get to that temperature. The converters can fail to do their job when not running at the right temperature. Just by pushing your car a bit harder, you can burn off all the excess performance-robbing deposits in the intake, cylinder head, exhaust, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter.
Another way people often fix a clogged catalytic converter is by changing fuel or using fuel additives. These are usually very effective in cleaning out catalytic converter deposits. If you usually use low-octane fuel, then try using high-octane fuel for a few days.
Your catalytic converter should be unclogged after a few days. Another option for unclogging your catalytic converter is by adding one gallon of lacquer thinner to ten gallons of gas. Doing these two things should help you fix a clogged catalytic converter. Use these methods along with the "Italian Tune-Up" method for the best results. Your car will often show that you have a catalytic converter problem even though you might not have it. Other engine problems can be misdiagnosed as a catalytic converter problem.
So make sure you check and fix lingering engine problems. One of the commonly misdiagnosed problems is an oxygen sensor might falsely indicate a catalytic converter problem instead of setting a DTC for itself. Other problems like fuel trim running too rich or too lean, oil or coolant burning, or engine misfire problems can lead to premature converter failure or blockage.
So always make sure you check all the lingering problems and have them fixed. Taking care of these engine problems will ensure that your catalytic converter doesn't meltdown. Exhaust leaks are prevalent, and these leaks can mess up the oxygen level readings. So just fixing this simple thing will restore your catalytic converter's performance. Some other common problems that might hamper your car's performance are worn out exhaust gaskets and corroded flex pipes.
So be sure to check them out as well or talk to a mechanic. In this article, you will learn about the most common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter, location, function, and replacement cost. The most common symptom of a bad catalytic converter is a sulfur smell when the engine is warm together with a check engine light on your dashboard. You may also notice engine performance issues like acceleration lag, higher or lower fuel consumption, and a misfiring engine.
Here is a more detailed list of the 8 most common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. The check engine light , one of the most obvious indicators of a malfunction in your car, is also one of the indications of a bad catalytic converter. When checked by a compatible device, it gives a catalytic converter trouble code which must be decoded with the help of the operating manual. The most common trouble code when it comes to a bad catalytic converter is the P code.
If you observe delays when accelerating or notice that your car does not accelerate properly and loses power when driving in steep areas, while all other parts like spark plugs , filters etc. Mechanics usually misdiagnose the fault of the catalytic converter with other components that need to be replaced unnecessarily. You can also check this yourself. Keep your hand close to the exhaust pipe end and ask someone to push the acceleration pedal to increase your RPM to If you get a meager amount of exhausts coming out, it might be a bad catalytic converter.
Compare the flow to a similar car. High or low fuel economy is one of the symptoms of a poor catalytic converter. Due to improper combustion of the fuel, it reduces or increases the overall fuel efficiency of the car, resulting in increased costs. The most common reason is high fuel consumption due to the lower power of your car. When catalytic converters clog, they restrict the airflow of exhaust gases so that the engine of your car runs on a rich air-fuel mixture. The combustion of this excessive mixture causes an odor like rotten eggs.
This mixture then burns in the converter and melts its inner material, causing blockages. On the other hand, if the catalytic converter is completely bad, you might not be able to drive your vehicle, and you must have it inspected and replace it immediately.
The catalytic converter can last between 7, and , miles, according to automobile experts. However, this number differs significantly by your driving style and the environment that you are driving it.
As we mentioned earlier, and under normal operations, the catalytic converter is expected to last for about ten years. Once the catalytic converter goes bad, you must replace it to avoid further complicated issues with the engine that could lead to high repair costs. While experts suggest that the catalytic converter can last up to 10 years, there are a couple of actions that you can do to extend the lifetime of the catalytic converter. Since the catalytic converter converts harmful emissions into less harmful pollutants, having a bad converter results in clogging the exhaust system with toxic gases.
Therefore, it's never a good idea to ignore a bad catalytic converter. Finally, if your vehicle has a bad catalytic converter, there's no way you can pass the emission test. Even if repairing the catalytic converter can cast costs a lot of money and effort, think about how much effort and time and money will be spending to fix complicated problems like complete engine failure.
The catalytic converter plays a major role in your vehicle. It converts the bad missions coming out of the combustion system into less harmful pollutants that can be safely released to the environment. Your vehicle must have a working catalytic converter to ensure a high fuel economy, good acceleration, and to pass the emission test. Like any other components, the catalytic converter can break over time of use, usually around ten years period.
The catalytic converter would tell you that it is about to fail soon by showing some signs. These signs include issues with exercising, problems when the vehicle starts, a significant reduction in fuel economy, and others.
If your vehicle experienced any of their listed signs, you must get it inspected by a professional mechanic to avoid farther complicated mechanical problems that could cost a lot of money. While you can still drive your vehicle with a bad catalytic converter, ignoring the problem for a longer time is never a good idea.
Why Us? All Rights Reserved. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Benjamin Jerew Benjamin Jerew. Benjamin Jerew is an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician with over a decade of experience in auto repair, maintenance, and diagnosis.
Learn about our Editorial Process. Featured Video. Engine Vacuum Leak: Symptoms and Solutions. Signs and Symptoms of Spark Plug Problems. What Gasoline Does to a Diesel Engine. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for LiveAbout. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.
0コメント