Is It Necessary to Replace a Faulty Catalytic Converter?
2 Answers
A faulty catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Here are the relevant details: 1. Symptoms: If the catalytic converter is clogged, the rear oxygen sensor will detect insufficient oxygen in the exhaust, mistakenly interpreting it as an overly rich air-fuel mixture. This leads to reduced fuel injection, causing the mixture to become too lean, resulting in symptoms like poor acceleration. Typically, the engine warning light will also illuminate in such cases. 2. Timely Repair: A damaged catalytic converter significantly impacts engine performance, so prompt repair is essential. If it's merely clogged, cleaning may suffice. However, if it's poisoned, failed, or broken, replacement is mandatory.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered issues with the catalytic converter before. At that time, I noticed a significant drop in the car's power, the throttle felt sluggish, fuel consumption increased, and the check engine light stayed on. It's not always necessary to replace it immediately—if it's just a minor blockage, a professional cleaning can solve the problem and save you a lot of money. However, if the internal ceramic is broken or contaminated by oil, not replacing it would be too risky. You might face fines for excessive emissions if checked by the police or fail the annual inspection. I suggest first going to a reliable repair shop to test the exhaust values—the mechanic can quickly diagnose it with their equipment. Replacing a new catalytic converter is more expensive, but it's durable in the long run. Remember, delaying repairs can lead to increased carbon buildup in the engine, affecting its lifespan. Safety first!
