Does a Faulty Three-Way Catalytic Converter Increase Fuel Consumption?

[Corinne]

If the three-way catalytic converter in a car is damaged, it will affect the normal operation of the oxygen sensor, causing the engine ECU to inaccurately control the fuel injection volume. This, in turn, leads to abnormal increases in vehicle fuel consumption. Below are the specific manifestations of a damaged three-way catalytic converter: 1. Increased exhaust pollution. Without the catalytic reduction of harmful gases in the exhaust emissions by the three-way catalytic converter, vehicle exhaust pollution will worsen. 2. Engine malfunction light illuminates. When the engine's electronic control ECU cannot detect or detects abnormal signals from the oxygen sensor, the engine malfunction light will turn on. 3. Increased fuel consumption and decreased power. Damage to the three-way catalytic converter will affect the normal signal of the oxygen sensor, leading to inaccurate fuel injection control by the engine, resulting in increased fuel consumption and decreased power. 4. Poor exhaust flow and engine overheating. The reason for the damage to the three-way catalytic converter is blockage, as the accumulation of high-temperature exhaust gases can easily cause the engine temperature to rise excessively. 5. Carbon deposit buildup. With a severe imbalance in the air-fuel ratio of the combustible mixture in the cylinder, incomplete combustion will produce large amounts of carbon deposits that accumulate in the cylinder, increasing the engine's "chronic" symptoms.