What to Do When the Car's Three-Way Catalytic Converter Glows Red?
2 Answers
If the car's three-way catalytic converter malfunctions, it should be taken to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. The following explains the reasons why a car's three-way catalytic converter may glow red: 1. Exhaust system blockage: This prevents the engine's exhaust gases from smoothly exiting after passing through the three-way catalytic converter, leading to poor heat dissipation and causing the ceramic core inside the catalytic converter to turn red under high temperatures. 2. Broken ceramic liner inside the three-way catalytic converter: This prevents exhaust gases from passing through smoothly, generating high temperatures. If the front intake part of the catalytic converter is red while the rear exhaust part is normal, the issue lies with the catalytic converter itself. Otherwise, the problem is with the exhaust pipe.
I encountered a similar situation last year when I noticed the exhaust pipe glowing red hot while driving home, which really startled me. As an ordinary car owner, I immediately pulled over to a safe area, turned off the engine, and checked for any oil leaks or unusual smells, as high temperatures can easily cause a fire. The reason is usually an overly rich air-fuel mixture in the engine, where unburned gasoline flows into the exhaust system and ignites, possibly due to a faulty ignition coil or oxygen sensor. I promptly called for a tow truck to take the car to a professional repair shop, where the technician diagnosed the issue and replaced the sensor to fix it. Preventive measures include regular maintenance, checking the ignition system and air-fuel ratio, and avoiding low-quality fuel, which can reduce the risk of catalytic converter overheating and save on costly replacement fees. Reflecting on it afterward, I realized how dangerous this situation could be—it’s crucial not to push through and keep driving but to address it promptly for safety.
