What symptoms will a car exhibit if the three-way catalytic converter has issues?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a faulty three-way catalytic converter in a car: 1. Decreased engine power performance and increased fuel consumption; 2. Disordered air-fuel mixture concentration leading to ignition difficulties or incomplete combustion; 3. Increased exhaust channel resistance and worsened emissions; 4. Engine overheating, lack of power, and unpleasant exhaust odor. The three-way catalytic converter is an important external purification device installed in the automotive exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOX emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. Since this converter can simultaneously transform the three major harmful substances in exhaust gases into harmless substances, it is called a three-way catalytic converter.
I've been driving for 30 years and have experienced situations where the catalytic converter failed. The car noticeably lacked power, the throttle response was sluggish, and the engine would roar when climbing a slope. Fuel consumption increased significantly, burning much more gas for the same distance compared to normal. The exhaust fumes had a particularly pungent odor, like burnt rubber or plastic, unbearable even with the windows down. The check engine light on the dashboard stayed on constantly, indicating it wasn't a minor issue. Once, stuck in traffic on the highway, black smoke poured from the tailpipe, causing other cars to steer clear. I recommend getting it checked at a repair shop immediately—don't delay. Otherwise, it could clog the entire exhaust system or even damage the oxygen sensors, leading to much higher repair costs later. Regular maintenance of the emission system is crucial to prevent small issues from turning into big headaches. For maintenance, I make it a habit to inspect the tailpipe and sensors every six months to keep the car in good condition.
