What are the symptoms of a failing catalytic converter?
4 Answers
The symptoms of a failing catalytic converter are: 1. Unpleasant exhaust odor; 2. Engine overheating and premature excessive wear; 3. Loss of engine power and abnormal noises. The catalytic converter is an external purification device installed in the vehicle's exhaust system, which converts harmful carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. The causes of catalytic converter failure include: 1. Blockage due to deposits from ethanol gasoline, sulfur-phosphorus chemical complexes, lead-manganese metal deposits, or melting of the ceramic substrate caused by engine exhaust flames; 2. Loss of activity of the surface precious metals, rendering them ineffective for catalysis; 3. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to thermal deactivation.
I've been driving for over 20 years and personally experienced catalytic converter failure. The main symptoms are the persistent illumination of the yellow engine light, which is really annoying. The car feels sluggish during acceleration, lacking power when pressing the gas pedal, and struggles when climbing hills - this significantly affects daily driving experience. Fuel consumption increases noticeably, for example from 8 liters per 100km to over 10 liters, wasting more money on gas. The exhaust often emits a pungent rotten egg smell, which is a dangerous sign of hydrogen sulfide leakage. If severely clogged, starting the car may become difficult, or the engine might overheat during summer driving, nearly causing breakdowns. If not addressed promptly, this problem can affect the entire exhaust system, making repairs more expensive. I recommend regular maintenance, using higher quality gasoline, and not letting an old car drag you down.
As a car enthusiast, I always pay attention to the condition of the catalytic converter. The symptoms of failure are obvious: the check engine light comes on and flashes, indicating that the emissions exceed the standard and are detected by the computer; the performance is greatly reduced, such as slow response when accelerating, sluggish throttle response, and driving like an old ox cart. The exhaust may emit black smoke or have a strange odor, indicating incomplete combustion, and clogging is even worse—increased backpressure causes the engine to suffocate, even overheating and damaging other components. I use diagnostic tools to read fault codes myself to confirm if it's a catalytic converter issue, avoiding unnecessary expenses. Paying attention to these signals during daily driving can prevent major repairs and keep the car in top condition.
I place great importance on environmental protection. The direct symptom of a failed catalytic converter is doubled exhaust pollution, emitting large amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, which are highly harmful to the environment. The engine warning light flashing is an alert, and the vehicle's fuel consumption also surges dramatically, wasting resources. When I detect strong unusual odors or see smoke while driving, I know there's a problem. This not only reduces air quality but may also result in fines or failed annual inspections. Regularly checking for these symptoms helps protect our planet. Simple maintenance can reduce pollution—it's everyone's responsibility.
