The catalytic converter is an exhaust system part that has a long lifespan. On average, this part will last 10 years. If you drive an older automobile, you may end up with a faulty catalytic converter underneath the vehicle. Don’t worry. Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair is going to list the signs of a malfunctioning catalytic converter below, and we can also replace the converter in your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Check Engine Warning
The catalytic converter does not have a way to warn you of problems except via the check engine light. Consequently, if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning or gets clogged, your check engine light will turn on. It’s important to have the check engine light diagnosed as soon as possible because a recent study showed that it is extremely accurate in reporting unseen engine problems.
Sputtering Engine
Another symptom of a malfunctioning catalytic converter is a sputtering engine. Many times, the reason why the catalytic converter fails is that it has become clogged by hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust. Once clogged, the exhaust can’t go any further than the catalytic converter, i.e., it doesn’t exit out of the tailpipe. This can affect your engine’s performance and make it sputter.
Acceleration Hesitation
It can also affect how well your vehicle accelerates. With the exhaust backed up into the combustion chamber, your car, truck, or utility vehicle will hesitate every time you press down on the accelerator. Unfortunately, you will continue to have this problem until the catalytic converter is replaced.
Black Engine Exhaust
A faulty catalytic converter may fail to treat your vehicle’s exhaust before it exits through the tailpipe. When this happens, you may end up with black exhaust smoke. The catalytic converter can also indirectly affect the balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Consequently, a rich fuel mixture will also release black exhaust out of the tailpipe.
Rotten Egg Odors
Any time the catalytic converter experiences problems, you might end up with rotten egg odors in your vehicle’s exhaust. Unfortunately, you will continue to smell this disgusting odor until you replace the catalytic converter. Again, we can do that here at our shop.
Too Much Heat
Finally, the catalytic converter will generate too much heat if it is clogged or malfunctioning. The heat will be primarily located underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle. This being said, it can also move into the engine and overheat it.
Cergizan’s Auto and Truck Repair in Chesterton, IN, is your one-stop shop for all of your automotive service and repair needs. Call us today if you are having catalytic converter problems.