We know the title of this blog post says there are six signs that indicate when a catalytic converter needs to be replaced, but we are going to give you a bonus sign in this introduction. If your car, truck, or utility vehicle fails its emissions test, it’s possible that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning and not treating the engine exhaust. Shums Auto Repair advises that this is the catalytic converter’s primary function.
1. Dashboard Warning
Another sign your catalytic converter is going bad is an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard. The catalytic converter falls under the umbrella of the check engine light, which means if it is malfunctioning, the engine control module will turn on the check engine light to alert you of the problem.
2. Sluggish Engine
You may also notice a significant reduction in your engine’s performance and acceleration if the catalytic converter is faulty. Usually, what causes a catalytic converter to go bad is clogs. Once the converter is clogged, your vehicle’s exhaust may get trapped in the combustion chamber. This prevents the firing of fresh air and fuel.
3. Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, as your engine struggles to run, it will burn through more gasoline or diesel fuel. Consequently, you will notice a significant reduction in your automobile’s fuel efficiency. You will continue to get poor gas mileage until we replace the catalytic converter to restore your engine’s performance.
4. Black Exhaust Smoke
Aside from a failed emissions test, another sign that the catalytic converter is not treating the engine’s exhaust is black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe. This can be a sign that the engine is burning too much fuel and the catalytic converter cannot treat the exhaust.
5. Burning Sulfur Smells
You may also notice that your vehicle’s exhaust has a strange smell to it. Specifically, this odor is rotten eggs. This is an indication that there is burning sulfur in the catalytic converter that is being released into the vehicle’s exhaust.
6. A Ton of Extra Heat
Finally, the catalytic converter can produce a ton of extra heat underneath your automobile if it is malfunctioning. You may not realize that there is too much heat under the car until your engine starts to overheat.
Shums Auto Repair is the best auto service shop in Philadelphia, PA, so give us a call today if you believe your automobile’s catalytic converter needs to be replaced. We can inspect this exhaust system part and recommend the proper course of action.
