Signs of catalytic converter issues

What happens when a catalytic converter goes bad? Considering the role the part plays in a vehicle’s exhaust system, a range of symptoms can arise when it starts to experience wear and tear.

Some examples to watch out for include:

Decliningfuel efficiency: Ifa catalytic converter becomes clogged, it can reduce the amount of air flow through your engine. To compensate, your engine might start to burn more fuel than usual, resulting in a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.

Check warning light: A check engine light can indicate a range of things. However, there is a diagnostic system on cars manufactured after 1996 that will test the catalytic converter. If your converter is malfunctioning, the air-to-fuel ratio sensors might trigger the warning light to come on.

Smelling rotten eggs: The catalytic converter might experience internal damage that causes it to have ahard time converting exhaust gases. The result can be a sulfuric “rotten egg”smell.

Issues starting the engine: The exhaust gases in your vehicle have to escape. A clogged catalytic converter can prevent this from happening as effectively. This can result in increased exhaust pressure and cause your car to sputter or stall when you’re trying toget it going.

Poor acceleration: Again,the exhaust gases have to escape somehow. Trapped exhaust and increased pressure from a clogged converter might cause you to have trouble accelerating your car. You might notice jerking or stalling when you try to do so.

Failede missions test: Many states require regular emissions testing on vehicles, and if you don’t passyours the culprit very well could be your catalytic converter. Failing this test might be coupled with the other symptoms mentioned above.