If the catalytic converter is going bad, it will produce excess heat that will gather underneath your car, truck, or C/SUV because this is where the catalytic converter is located. Unfortunately, this extreme heat can also make your engine overheat as it rises while it dissipates. Mike’s Automotive can replace your catalytic converter if it has gone bad. Aside from too much heat, here are other signs that you have a clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter under the car.
Burning Sulfur Odors
You will also smell rotten eggs if the catalytic converter is going bad. This pungent smell will be primarily in the vehicle’s exhaust. The burning sulfur odor will infiltrate the engine bay and, naturally, waft from underneath the automobile because, again, the catalytic converter is located there. If you smell rotten eggs around your car’s battery, the battery is leaking.
Check Engine Light Warning
The engine control unit, the main computer chip, may also turn on the check engine warning light if the catalytic converter is faulty. The light will remain lit until you replace the converter. Generally, the converter clogs, which leaves untreated exhaust in the engine. This can affect your engine’s performance and the fuel and air in the combustion chamber.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
For example, if there is too much fuel in the chamber, the engine will burn it and you will see black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe. This dark color can also be a sign that the exhaust is exiting the tailpipe without being treated by the catalytic converter. If this is the case, your vehicle will have high emissions levels in the exhaust and fail any emissions test that it takes. If you live in a state that conducts emissions checks, you may have to replace the catalytic converter first in order for your car, truck, or utility vehicle to pass the test.
Sluggish Engine Performance/Acceleration
Finally, if the converter is pushing the exhaust back into the engine, your engine’s performance and acceleration will suffer. It’s difficult for the combustion chamber to ignite fresh air and fuel if the chamber is stuffed with exhaust. Consequently, your engine may lag when you press down on the accelerator or sputter as you drive. Replacing the faulty catalytic converter will resolve this problem.
Mike’s Automotive is the best auto service shop in Del City, OK, so give us a call today to set up a service appointment for your automobile. We can inspect the catalytic converter and replace it if necessary.
