The catalytic converter can go bad after about 10 years. In terms of mileage, you will have clocked 100,000 miles on the odometer. When the converter goes bad, you will start to have problems with your engine performance among other things. We are going to list the problems that are caused by a faulty catalytic converter below. This helps you know what to look for in your vehicle.
Check Engine Warning
Generally, when the catalytic converter starts to malfunction, the engine control unit will turn on the check engine warning. This is a dashboard light that covers problems that are not covered by specific lights. For example, you do not have a catalytic converter light on your dashboard.
Sputtering Engine
In addition, your engine will start to sputter if the converter is getting clogged, which is the common reason why it malfunctions. Unfortunately, in order for your engine to perform efficiently, you need the exhaust to flow through the converter and the rest of the exhaust system. A clogged converter will stop the exhaust in its tracks and back it up into the combustion chamber.
Reduced Fuel Economy
This will cause your engine to sputter yet use more fuel. Any time an engine is running inefficiently, it consumes more fuel than it normally would. This will leave you heading to the service station more often in order to keep your tank full.
Black Exhaust Smoke
You may also see an increase in exhaust smoke flowing out of your tailpipe. If the converter is unable to treat the exhaust or the engine control unit as fuel to the combustion chamber, your engine will burn more fuel and release black exhaust smoke out of the tailpipe.
Rancid Exhaust Odors
One specific thing that will point to the catalytic converter directly is that the black exhaust will smell like rancid eggs. This is a sign that the catalytic converter is clogged with sulfur deposits. The deposits build up as the converter treats your vehicle’s exhaust.
Hot Undercarriage
You may also wind up with a hot undercarriage if the converter gets too hot. This can happen when it malfunctions. If you keep an eye on your temperature gauge needle on the dashboard, you may also see that your engine is starting to run hotter than normal. This can be caused by the undercarriage heat.
Call us today to schedule an appointment so we can inspect your converter to see if it needs to be replaced. If it does, we will do so.
