Is the Engine Malfunction Light On Due to the Need for Catalytic Converter Cleaning?
2 Answers
The engine malfunction light in a car may illuminate because the catalytic converter requires timely cleaning, which is performed using the '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 cleaning agent from an infusion bottle into the engine. As the cleaning agent exits through the exhaust pipe, it cleans the catalytic converter. Composition of the Catalytic Converter: A catalytic converter typically consists of four main components: the shell, vibration damping layer, substrate, and catalyst coating. The shell is made of stainless steel to prevent oxidation scale from peeling off, which could clog the substrate. The vibration damping layer is composed of gaskets or wire mesh pads, serving to seal, insulate, and secure the substrate. To protect the substrate from damage due to vibration, thermal deformation, and other factors, the gasket is made of expanded mica and aluminum silicate fibers, bonded together with adhesive. The substrate is constructed from honeycomb-shaped ceramic material, though many are also made from metal (including stainless steel). The catalyst consists of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which are sprayed onto the substrate to form the purifying agent. Lifespan of the Catalytic Converter: The service life of a catalytic converter ranges between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The exact lifespan depends on the vehicle's usage conditions, as well as the quality of fuel used and the driving environment.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen many cases of the engine warning light coming on. A faulty catalytic converter can indeed cause the light to illuminate, as it's responsible for treating exhaust gases. If its efficiency drops or it gets clogged, the sensors will detect this and trigger an alarm. However, it's not just about cleaning; issues like a faulty oxygen sensor, problems with the fuel system, or ignition system malfunctions can also cause the light to come on. Simply cleaning might not always solve the problem—sometimes parts need to be replaced or other components repaired. I recommend not trying to fix it yourself blindly. Instead, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible to have the trouble codes read with a diagnostic computer to pinpoint the exact cause before taking action. For regular maintenance, periodically check the condition of the catalytic converter to reduce the likelihood of such issues and avoid affecting emission performance and the overall health of your vehicle.
