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The increasing limitations on vehicular emissions made vehicle manufacturers deploy several means of reducing emissions. One of such means employed by manufacturers is the catalytic converter. A catalytic converter converts harmful compounds from an engine's emissions into environmentally safe gases.

While the catalytic converter can last well over ten years, it could become clogged, contaminated, or physically damaged, causing its failure. A failed catalytic converter results in environmental pollution and could also lead to long-term engine damage.

Signs of a Defective Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter filters the unsafe molecules from the engine's harmful exhaust emission through a catalyst chamber before releasing them into the air. The following are easy telltale signs that your vehicle might be experiencing a catalytic converter failure.

• Difficulty starting your vehicle: The catalytic converter filters the exhaust emission before it is released through the tailpipe. A clogged catalytic converter hinders the removal of the engine emission from the exhaust system, thereby increasing exhaust pressure and causing the engine to sputter.
• Illuminated check engine light: Several issues, including a faulty catalytic converter, could trigger the check engine light. Whenever the check engine light is on, you should contact a professional technician for a proper diagnosis to detect the root cause of the issue.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: A clogged catalytic converter could affect the airflow into your engine. Consequently, your engine may burn more fuel to compensate for the reduced airflow resulting in a decline in fuel economy.
• Delayed acceleration: A clogged converter affects the smooth exit of the exhaust fume from the engine, increasing engine pressure. Increased engine pressure affects your engine performance leading to delayed or poor acceleration. 

Causes Of Catalytic Converter Failure

A catalytic converter is a vital part of your vehicle's exhaust system. Despite improvements in catalytic converter technology, it is not uncommon for them to fail. The following factors could cause the failure of your catalytic converter:

Faulty spark plugs

When the spark plugs fail to fire or misfire, unburned fuel enters the exhaust system. Since the catalytic converter operates under heightened temperature, the unburned gas from the engine combustion could ignite within the system, damaging a part of or the whole ceramic catalyst.

Failed oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen level in the combustion mixture to determine whether it is running rich or lean and communicates with the ECU to make the appropriate correction. When this sensor fails, the capacity to transmit accurate information to the vehicle computer is impacted, resulting in an imbalanced combustion mix. An imbalanced combustion mix could damage the ceramic catalyst or clog the catalytic converter.

Worn engine

The state of your vehicle engine could affect the longevity of the catalytic converter. An old engine or one due for service will burn oil, resulting in by-products that could damage the catalytic converter.

Overheating

When unburned fuel makes it past the combustion chamber into the exhaust system, it has the potential to ignite once it reaches the catalytic converter. This could, in turn, heighten the converter's operating temperature, causing it to overheat and break down.

Structural damage

The catalyst honeycomb within the converter is made from fragile ceramic material. A significant impact on the catalytic converter could cause the catalyst to shatter. Once this happens, the emission exits the exhaust system without filtering.

Contaminated exhaust system

When oil or antifreeze makes it into your system, they produce a thick layer of carbon and soot that coats and ultimately clog the air passages in the converter's ceramic honeycomb catalyst. These deposits prevent the catalytic converter from functioning effectively.

Once the pores in the ceramic catalyst get clogged, exhaust flow is reduced, and backpressure increases. Excessive back pressure can cause damage to internal engine components.

Huron Automotive at Your Service

At Huron Automotive, we have expert mechanics skilled in rectifying failed catalytic converters. We provide affordable and reliable service to Green Bay, WI drivers. Our facility is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to find out the problem with your car and carry out appropriate repairs as quickly as possible. Please call or visit us today to schedule your next service appointment. We look forward to winning your repeat business to continue to care for your car.