What makes a catalytic converter so valuable?
A catalyst is a material which will cause a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction. This is critical, because the materials used for the reaction are incredibly expensive, precious metals. The most common of these metals are Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Cerium.
What can cause a catalytic converter to fail?
Unburned Fuel 1 Unburned Fuel Heat can be damaging to almost any engine component, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most common causes of catalytic converter failure. 2 Coolant Leaks Coolant leaking into your engine’s combustion chamber is a serious problem that can eventually do significant damage to your motor. 3 Oil Consumption
Where is the catalytic converter on a car?
Your car’s catalytic converter (also known as a “cat”) is an emissions control device located in the exhaust system, between the engine and the muffler. Dangerous exhaust gases from the engine enter the catalytic converter, where they are turned into harmless water and carbon dioxide.
Can a lazy oxygen sensor cause a catalytic converter problem?
You may need to fix other engine problems in order to solve your catalytic converter problem. A lazy oxygen sensor might falsely indicate a catalytic converter problem, yet not set a DTC for itself. A technician can determine if the sensor is responding as it should.
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.
What does a bad catalytic converter do?
8 Signs of a bad catalytic converter It will be hard to start your vehicle. Your vehicles fuel efficiency will drop drastically. The check engine light will illuminate. The vehicle will fail the emission test. It will be hard to accelerate. You you will smell a rotten-egg-like smell. A cloud of black smoke will come out of your vehicle’s tail top.
How often should I replace my catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter, which converts harmful emissions into harmless gas, often lasts 10 years or longer and should be replaced only when needed.
What happens when a catalytic converter fails?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Catalytic Converter Reduced Engine Performance. One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing catalytic converter is a reduction in engine performance. Rattling Noise. Rattling noises from under the vehicle are another symptom of a bad or failing catalytic converter. Sulfur Smell from Exhaust. Check Engine Light Comes On. Failed Emissions Test.
Why is a catalytic converter fails?
Heat can be damaging to almost any engine component, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most common causes of catalytic converter failure. Engine exhaust is already quite hot, so when you add in a contaminant like unburned fuel, which can find its way into the exhaust system when your motor is running too rich, you compound the effect, as that fuel typically ends up burning inside the converter itself.