How to Tell if the Catalytic Converter is Clogged?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if the catalytic converter is clogged: 1. Check if the voltage of the front and rear oxygen sensors of the catalytic converter is consistent. If they are the same, it indicates that the catalytic converter is damaged, meaning it is either clogged or burned due to engine misfire. 2. Place your hand near the exhaust pipe to feel if there is airflow. If you cannot feel any, it indicates a blockage. 3. Remove the air filter and rapidly press the accelerator while stationary. If black smoke comes out from the air filter, it indicates a blockage. 4. Feel the temperature difference between the front and rear of the catalytic converter to determine if it is clogged. 5. During a test drive, if the vehicle cannot reach its maximum speed and has poor acceleration, it may indicate a blockage. The catalytic converter is a device that converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions.
I remember that winter when I was driving back to my hometown, my car suddenly felt like it had no power, accelerating sluggishly, especially struggling on slopes. The most obvious sign was the smell of rotten eggs coming from the exhaust pipe, and I didn’t dare to close the car windows tightly even with the heater on. Fuel consumption also skyrocketed—normally, driving 100 kilometers would cost me only 60 yuan in fuel, but at that time, the frequent refueling was nerve-wracking. I also heard a clunking sound under the engine, as if something was blocked. Later, at the repair shop, it turned out the catalytic converter was completely clogged, with particles blocking the converter’s channels, causing poor exhaust flow. This incident reminded me to pay more attention to changes in power and unusual smells while driving, as early intervention can save a lot of money.
