One problem that will turn on the check engine light is a malfunctioning catalytic converter. This exhaust system part treats the engine’s exhaust before it is released out of the tailpipe. On average, the catalytic converter needs to be changed every 10 years. If your check engine light has come on and you notice any of the problems listed below, J&S Auto Repair advises that your catalytic converter may have gone bad.
Reduced Engine Performance
The most common reason why catalytic converters malfunction is that they get clogged by hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons include sulfur and carbon. If the catalytic converter is clogged, the engine exhaust may head back to the combustion chamber because it cannot be released out of the exhaust system. This will reduce your engine performance and cause your acceleration to lag.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, the reduction in engine performance will also cause a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. The engine cannot run inefficiently if there is exhaust filling the combustion chamber. This prohibits fresh combustion and the engine will use more fuel in an effort to produce power. Replacing the catalytic converter will restore both your engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Black Exhaust Smoke
If you see black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe, this is a sign that the catalytic converter has not treated the exhaust. It can also be a sign that your engine is burning excess fuel because the exhaust is clogging the combustion chamber. Bring your vehicle to our shop right away if it is releasing black exhaust out of the tailpipe. If the exhaust is excessive, have the automobile towed.
Rancid Exhaust Smells
Another sign that your catalytic converter has gone bad is exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Burning sulfur releases this odor, and this odor fills the exhaust when the hot exhaust runs over the sulfur deposits in the catalytic converter’s interior. The inside of the catalytic converter looks like a honeycomb, so it makes sense that sulfur can build up on the surface.
Excessive Heat
Finally, a malfunctioning catalytic converter will produce excess heat underneath your automobile. Unfortunately, this heat can make its way into the engine. When this happens, your engine will overheat. In fact, your engine may overheat every time you drive your automobile until you get the catalytic converter replaced. We can do that here at our shop.
Call J&S Auto Repair in Warwick, RI, today to schedule an appointment for your car, truck, or utility vehicle if you suspect that the catalytic converter has gone bad.
