If you see a ton of black exhaust coming out of your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s tailpipe, it’s possible that the catalytic converter has gone bad. This exhaust system part is responsible for treating your vehicle’s exhaust so that it is safe to be released into the environment. Exhaust smoke that is a dark color is an indication that it has not been treated. This is just one sign that your catalytic converter is going bad. J&S Auto Repair is going to list the other signs below.
Check Engine Warning
You might end up with a check engine light warning if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. This is because other sensors, such as the oxygen sensor, detect that there is something wrong with your vehicle’s exhaust. The catalytic converter does not have a light of its own, so the engine control module turns on the check engine light.
Performance Problems
Your vehicle may also suffer from engine performance problems if the catalytic converter has gone bad. For example, if the catalytic converter is clogged, exhaust will back up into the combustion chamber and cause your engine and acceleration to lag and sputter.
Poor Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, this will reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy. When the engine is struggling to run inefficiently, it burns more diesel fuel or gasoline. Until you replace the faulty catalytic converter, you will need to fill the tank more often.
Burning Sulfur Odors
Another problem that points to the catalytic converter is the odor of burning sulfur in your vehicle’s exhaust. You may recognize the odor if you are familiar with it. If you aren’t, it smells like rotten eggs. This odor may also waft from underneath your automobile and fill the engine with the unpleasant smell. Replacing the catalytic converter can resolve the problem.
Hot Undercarriage
Finally, a catalytic converter that is malfunctioning will produce too much heat underneath your automobile. As you learned in science class, heat rises. Consequently, you may end up with an overheating engine every time you drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle. We will need to install a new catalytic converter into your automobile to restore normal engine temperatures.
J&S Auto Repair in Warwick, RI, would be happy to help if your vehicle is suffering from any of the symptoms of a malfunctioning catalytic converter listed above. Call us today to schedule a convenient service appointment for your automobile.
