The catalytic converter is important to your vehicle’s exhaust system because it treats the exhaust to make it safe to be released out of the tailpipe. After about 10 years, carbon and sulfur deposits have built up inside the catalytic converter. When this happens, the catalytic converter gets clogged and the exhaust gets pushed back into the combustion chamber.
The CEL Turns On
Unfortunately, this is going to affect the exhaust system and your engine’s ability to produce combustion. Consequently, various system sensors will report errors to the engine control unit and it will turn on the check engine light. This dashboard warning light will remain illuminated until we remove the clogged catalytic converter and replace it with a new one.
The Engine Performs Poorly
As we just mentioned, you are also going to notice a reduction in your engine’s performance. This is because the exhaust is filling the combustion chamber and affecting the engine’s ability to produce combustion. Consequently, the engine will lag when you accelerate and when you are driving at higher speeds. You are also going to notice a reduction in your fuel economy.
The Exhaust Turns Black
One reason why the fuel economy is affected is that the engine control module may add fuel to the combustion chamber in an effort to improve the engine’s performance. Consequently, the engine will burn away the excess fuel and produce black exhaust smoke. You will be able to see this exhaust smoke flowing out of your tailpipe while your engine is running.
You Can Smell Rotten Eggs
Another sign that the catalytic converter is clogged is the smell of rotten eggs. This is an indication that there are too many sulfur deposits inside of the catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter cannot be cleaned. Rather, when this exhaust system part gets clogged, it needs to be replaced with a new one. As we mentioned above, it should take about 10 years for your converter to get clogged.
The Undercarriage Gets Hot
Finally, the catalytic converter will get too hot if it is clogged with sulfur and carbon deposits. Unfortunately, you learned in science class that heat rises. This means that the heat being produced by the catalytic converter will make its way into your vehicle’s engine and overheat the engine.
We are here to help, so call us today to schedule a service visit for your automobile. If it needs a new catalytic converter, we will install one.