How do you detect a blocked catalytic converter? What are the signs of a blocked catalytic converter? How can you detect catalyst blockage
More than 90% are powered today by internal combustion engines (ICE). It will probably remain this way until electric car technology improves and takes over. But, the harmful gases they emit into our environment are too serious to ignore.
Catalytic converters can be used to reduce the harmful effects of these toxic gases by converting them into non-toxic substances. This component of the exhaust system is one of the most important in automobile history.
The catalytic convert is as vital for vehicles as the liver for a healthy individual. The liver’s main function is to detoxify chemicals, metabolize drugs and keep the blood healthy. The liver was designed to last a person’s lifetime. If you don’t pay attention to what your body eats and drinks, the liver can become fatty and clogged. This can lead to serious health problems.
Your vehicle’s catalytic convert functions in the same way. The catalytic converter is an integral part of your vehicle’s emissions system. They are designed to last for the entire life of the vehicle but can be damaged if they become clogged.
It is essential to know the difference between a blocked catalytic conversion and a faulty catalytic Converter. Also, the check engine light that comes on when the onboard computer generates an error code for the catalytic convertor does not necessarily indicate that the catalyst is blocked. Catalytic converters can also lose efficiency due to clogging.
A clogged catalytic convert can cause excessive exhaust gas backpressure, which is the biggest problem. The restriction of exhaust gas causes the engine to not breathe properly, which can lead to a variety of performance issues.
The most obvious signs of a blocked catalytic convert are:
- – Illumination for check engine lights
- – Engine stalling or hard starting
- – Idle fluctuations
- – Lower engine performance
- – Engine hesitation during acceleration
- – The vehicle can’t exceed a certain speed, even if you press the accelerator pedal.
- – Engine overheating, overheating and excessive heat due to kickback
- – High fuel consumption
- – Emissions values high
Note: These symptoms could also be caused other malfunctions.