Is it possible for a catalytic converter to fail?
Catalytic converters are known to fail and they are often very expensive, especially if you are looking for a brand new one. The diagnosis of a defective catalyst is very important to ensure that you do not replace a fully functioning catalyst because of the replacement cost.
What should the downstream HC reading be for a catalytic converter?
For example, if the upstream HC reading is 120 ppm and the downstream HC reading is 12 ppm, the downstream reading is 10% of the upstream reading — which means the converter is working at 90% efficiency. That’s probably good enough to keep emissions within limits.
What can cause an emissions test to fail?
USUAL CAUSEThere are numerous components that if not working properly, can cause high emissions or an emissions test failure. You should read each of the components description and operation in the emission control system section of the manufacturer’s manual covering your vehicle in order to gain a working knowledge of each system.
What are the contaminants in a catalytic converter?
Contaminants include phosphorus from burning oil (worn valve guides or seals, or worn piston rings or cylinders), silicone from internal coolant leaks (bad head gasket or cracks in combustion chamber) and high levels of sulfur in gasoline. Since there’s no way to clean a contaminated converter, replacement is the only repair option.
Can a bad catalytic converter fail an emissions test?
Some states in the U.S. require a diagnostic check of the engine’s computer to pass an emissions test. A trouble code will be stored in the car’s computer if it has a faulty catalytic converter. Should this pop up, the car will fail the test.
For example, if the upstream HC reading is 120 ppm and the downstream HC reading is 12 ppm, the downstream reading is 10% of the upstream reading — which means the converter is working at 90% efficiency. That’s probably good enough to keep emissions within limits.
What kind of warning light does a catalytic converter need?
Vehicle warning lights. An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter problem indicator.
Contaminants include phosphorus from burning oil (worn valve guides or seals, or worn piston rings or cylinders), silicone from internal coolant leaks (bad head gasket or cracks in combustion chamber) and high levels of sulfur in gasoline. Since there’s no way to clean a contaminated converter, replacement is the only repair option.
Catalytic converters are known to fail and they are often very expensive, especially if you are looking for a brand new one. The diagnosis of a defective catalyst is very important to ensure that you do not replace a fully functioning catalyst because of the replacement cost.
How much does it cost to replace a catalytic converter?
It’s under the hood on some cars, and on other cars, it is located almost in the middle of the car. The catalytic converter’s cost is often between 100$-1500$, depending on whether you are looking for a universal catalyst or an OEM part. The labor cost for the replacement is often between 50$-400$.
What kind of catalyst is used in catalytic converters?
Normally Platinum, besides being one of the most expensive products, is used as a catalyst in catalytic converters. While in some cases Rhodium and Palladium are also used.
What happens when a catalytic converter is choked?
When your catalytic converter is choked, there almost no working by it. Emissions done by car do not go through catalyst present in the converter and hence converting of high pollutant gases to low pollutant gases is not observed resulting in high emissions.