When a catalytic converter becomes clogged, it can significantly affect a vehicle’s performance, including impacting power, fuel economy, and pollutant emissions.
Because it can be expensive to replace the catalytic converter on a vehicle, being able to recognize the symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter early can help prevent damage.
This guide will outline some of the telltale signs of how can you tell if catalytic converter is clogged and signs of a clogged catalytic converter and what to do about it if the converter needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Topic Summary
How Can You Tell If Catalytic Converter is Clogged
Whether your vehicle is running poorly but you can’t diagnose the problem or a warning light appears on your dash, knowing these signs and solutions can help you stay on top of your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
If the catalytic converter becomes blocked, your car will perform less well and get fewer miles to the gallon. These are the symptoms to look out for:
1. Reduced Engine Power
A serious problem will show up as a major decrease in the acceleration curve or underfoot and is a reminder that you have a clogged catalytic converter.
2. Poor Fuel Economy
As the fuel doesn’t pass through the converter, the engine must work harder, and it becomes fuel inefficient.
If you feel like you’re filling up your tank more than usual, it could be a sign of a clogged converter.
3. Check Engine Light
In modern engines, the catalytic converter’s performance is monitored by a sensor on the engine, which activates a check engine light that will probably come on in your dashboard.
4. Strange Noises
Noise from the exhaust system, especially when accelerating, might signify that the internal components of the catalytic converter are disintegrating and blocking the catalytic converter.
5. Transmission Too Hot
The fluid seeps out of the converter and onto the transmission, potentially scorching it and causing damage and failure.
6. Failed Emissions Test
When a catalytic converter is clogged and not doing its job of eliminating harmful exhaust gases, the vehicle will fail an emissions test.
7. Overheating Engine
An engine that overheats can be due to a catalytic converter clogged so badly that it causes enormous back pressure.
8. Difficulty Starting
Clogged catalytic converters can contribute to poor starting or stalling, particularly once the engine has warmed up.
However, if you feel it is plugged up, take it to a competent mechanic for repair immediately so as not to damage other parts of the car. With proper maintenance and repairs, your car can run well for a longer period of time.
How To Fix A Clogged Catalytic Converter
Fixing a clogged catalytic converter involves several steps:
Diagnose the Issue
Once the diagnosis is complete, the technician will need to fix the catalytic converter.
Clean the Catalytic Converter
There is a specific cleaner for the catalytic converter, so follow the instructions on the product label. Pour the cleaner into the fuel tank and run the engine.
Inspect and Replace
The engine light is on, but the car doesn’t start. Try idling the car for 15 minutes to clean out the exhaust system.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, you need to do some inspection and replacement. If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, replace the catalytic converter.
Installing a New Catalytic Converter
Eliminating the old catalytic converter (typically, that includes lifting the vehicle and unbolting the exhaust system). Ensuring the new part is properly aligned and secured.
Look for Other Problems
A clogged catalytic converter is increasingly likely to be symptomatic of other issues, such as bad oxygen sensors, engine misfires, or leaks in the exhaust pipe. Deal with the root causes to prevent the problem from arising again.
Seek Professional Help
If you are not comfortable doing these things, or the problem persists, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out and fixed.
To keep your catalytic converter in good shape for the long run, you should follow regular maintenance, like changing your oil on a frequent basis and resolving any engine problems in a timely manner.
Can I Drive with a Clogged Catalytic Converter?
This can be prevented by ensuring that the catalytic converter is unclogged before driving. The catalytic converter should be kept free to ensure proper workflow in the car’s exhaust system.
Failing to keep the converter clean could result in severe penalties, as a damaged catalytic converter will lead to many other problems.
Indeed, in a car with a clogged catalytic converter, there’s usually a sharp drop in performance, the engine runs sluggishly, it becomes difficult to make the car move fast, and fuel economy becomes poor.
Furthermore, the increased back pressure may lead to engine overheating and internal damage.
In the long run, a dirty cat can make your car drive poorly, and if the engine is running excessively rich, it will throw off other sensors.
Running your car like this for any length of time can raise emissions levels, and in some areas, cutting edge car diesel could lead to a failed emissions test.
And the wear and tear on the engine could result in other parts failing prematurely. You could be treating your car mechanically because other parts are breaking. This will drive up your repair costs down the line.
As such, if you suspect a dirty catalytic converter, it merits resolving right away and that means taking the vehicle to your mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair or replacement, if necessary. Putting it off could lead to further costly damage.
FAQs on How Can You Tell If Catalytic Converter is Clogged
How Can I Tell If My Catalytic Converter is Clogged?
These symptoms include loss of power, diminished gas mileage, a check engine light, odors from the exhaust, or trouble starting the car.
Can I Clean a Clogged Catalytic Converter Myself?
Yes, we recommend you try out a catalytic converter cleaner, but if cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, then you might have to replace it.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Catalytic Converter?
It depends on the make and model of the vehicle but generally costs from $1,000 to $2,500 for parts and labor.
What Causes a Catalytic Converter To Become Clogged?
For one, knowing the most common causes of clogs such as engine misfires, oil and coolant leaks, or fuel system problems can help catch those issues before they clog anything.
Can a Clogged Catalytic Converter Damage My Engine?
Indeed, a plugged system is potentially dangerous as this can cause the engine to overheat and increase back pressures into the system, which can, if not rectified in time, cause engine damage.
Conclusion
It is important to deal with the clogged catalytic converter as soon as possible to avoid damaging your vehicle and to keep the best fuel economy.
Identifying the problem on time and taking action, whether cleaning it or replacing it, can prevent other major damages and expensive repairs to your vehicle.
Keep your vehicle running efficiently and smoothly with timely repairs and regular maintenance of all the underlying issues.
If you experience any problems, see a mechanic to identify the problem and get it fixed in order to keep your vehicle running in the best condition for as long as possible.