What Happens When the Catalytic Converter Gets Clogged?

[SanEmersyn]

When the catalytic converter becomes clogged, the following symptoms often occur: 1. The car experiences weak acceleration, and it becomes difficult to increase engine speed and vehicle speed. Restricted exhaust flow reduces air intake, leading to decreased engine power. 2. Automatic transmission vehicles frequently force downshifts. Exhaust blockage causes reduced engine power, prompting drivers to press the accelerator harder for more power output. The ECU controls the automatic transmission to force downshifts based on the throttle opening state. 3. Slight backfiring occurs during sudden engine acceleration. When exhaust flow is obstructed, some exhaust gases remain in the cylinders, diluting the air-fuel mixture and slowing combustion. With the intake valve open, the still-burning mixture can flow back into the intake manifold, causing backfiring. 4. A rattling sound can be heard from the exhaust system during sudden acceleration or deceleration. This is often a symptom of a damaged catalytic converter, and a broken converter can easily cause engine exhaust blockage.