Is the Engine Malfunction Light Indicating the Need to Clean the Three-Way Catalytic Converter?
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The engine malfunction light in a car may illuminate because the three-way catalytic converter requires timely cleaning, which is performed using an intravenous drip method. This method involves connecting a plastic hose to the engine's vacuum solenoid valve and utilizing the air pressure in the hollow tube to draw the cleaning agent from the infusion bottle into the engine. As the cleaning agent exits through the exhaust pipe, it cleans the three-way catalytic converter. Composition of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The three-way catalytic converter generally consists of four parts: the shell, damping layer, substrate, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent oxide scale from detaching, which could clog the substrate. The damping layer is composed of padding or wire mesh padding, serving to seal, insulate, and secure the substrate. To protect the substrate from damage due to vibration, thermal deformation, and other factors, the padding is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. The substrate is made of honeycomb-shaped ceramic material, though many are also made of metal (including stainless steel). The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The service life of a three-way catalytic converter ranges between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The actual lifespan depends on the vehicle's usage conditions, as well as the quality of fuel used and the driving environment.
