What are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter?

[OIsabela]

Symptoms of a damaged catalytic converter include difficulty starting the engine, increased fuel consumption, lack of power during acceleration, abnormal noises from the exhaust pipe, foul-smelling exhaust, and severe carbon buildup in the cylinders and spark plugs. Below are specific details about the catalytic converter: 1. Function: The catalytic converter is an emission control device in the engine, and its proper operation determines the engine's fuel consumption, power, and emission performance. 2. Cleaning interval: Generally, the catalytic converter should be cleaned every 30,000 kilometers. It is also advisable to clean the catalytic converter before an annual vehicle inspection to ensure passing the emissions test smoothly.

[KingstonLee]

I remember last time my car's catalytic converter failed, it was so frustrating. At first, I felt the car had no power, acceleration was particularly sluggish, and even with the gas pedal floored, it crawled up hills slowly. Fuel consumption skyrocketed - where 200 yuan worth of gas used to get me 300 kilometers, now the low fuel light came on before 250 kilometers. There was a pungent rotten egg smell from the exhaust, especially noticeable when parked, and neighbors asked if there was a gas leak. The check engine light on the dashboard stayed illuminated in yellow, and a diagnostic scan confirmed it was indeed a catalytic converter issue. The mechanic said when this part fails, it clogs the exhaust pipe, making the engine work as hard as if it couldn't breathe properly. If not repaired promptly, it could damage the oxygen sensor or cause emissions to exceed standards, failing the annual inspection. I opted to replace it with a new one - cost some money but the car runs great again. Gotta be careful about fuel quality in the future.

[LawsonMarie]

If you notice a significant lack of power in your car, such as slow response when accelerating or struggling to climb hills, it's likely that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. When it fails, the exhaust system gets clogged, restricting gas flow and putting immense pressure on the engine. Fuel consumption will noticeably increase—you might find the distance you can travel on a full tank halved. The exhaust often emits a foul sulfur smell or black smoke, indicating pollutants aren't being properly treated. An illuminated check engine light is a classic warning sign. The main causes are usually damage to the ceramic structure inside the converter, possibly due to poor fuel quality or engine oil leaks. Don't delay repairs, as this can affect other components' performance—replace it if diagnosed as faulty. Regular maintenance and exhaust system checks can help prevent such issues.

[MacTimothy]

When I encountered a failed catalytic converter, the symptoms were quite noticeable: the car had no power during acceleration, and stepping on the gas pedal felt sluggish. The engine warning light on the dashboard stayed lit yellow. Fuel consumption also increased significantly. The exhaust had a sulfur smell like rotten eggs. After checking, it was said that the catalytic converter's function had failed, leading to poorer emissions. It's recommended to get it checked immediately to prevent other issues. Replacing it with a new one in time won't be troublesome.