Your engine may start to overheat if the catalytic converter goes bad. The reason why is that the catalytic converter overheats underneath your vehicle and this heat rises into the engine. If you have noticed the temperature gauge needle is much higher than it normally is, it could be that your catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Here are other signs that this is the case.
Check Engine Warning
Your vehicle’s main computer chip will warn you that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning by turning on the check engine light. It uses this light because your dashboard does not have the catalytic converter light. Consequently, the check engine light will stay on until you replace the catalytic converter.
Performance Trouble
You will also start to have problems with your engine’s performance. Specifically, the engine performance will sputter and lag. The reason why is that the catalytic converter is clogged with sulfur and carbon deposits. Consequently, you have exhaust backing up into the engine.
Acceleration Trouble
You will also notice that your acceleration sputters and lags. It does this for the same reason that you are having engine performance problems. The engine cannot produce combustion efficiently if it is filled with exhaust. Consequently, again, you will need to replace the catalytic converter.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
You may want to do this sooner rather than later because the engine performance problems will affect your fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, you will see a reduction in the fuel mileage that you get out of a full tank. This can be problematic with gas as expensive as it is these days.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Your engine may also burn excess fuel because the engine control unit may add excess fuel into the combustion chamber in an effort to resolve the performance problems. This will reduce your fuel efficiency and cause black smoke to flow out of the tailpipe.
Strange Exhaust Odors
Finally, your exhaust may start to smell like rotten eggs if the catalytic converter is clogged. The sulfur deposits that have built up inside the converter can release a rotten egg odor when hot exhaust flows over them. You may also smell rotten eggs in the engine bay.
We are here to help, so give us a call today to set up a service visit for your car, truck, or utility vehicle. We will inspect the catalytic converter and replace it if necessary.
