Catalytic converter issue?
car has a strong gasoline smell and engine light cut om and the computer read it was the caytalitic converter but now it's having issues cranking. and now my engine light is blinking and my car is skipping what could be the problem??
My car has 170 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This may be a sign of a clogged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When this is clogged, this causes these gases to be backed up into the exhaust system not allowing the engine to breathe properly. When this happens, the engine is forced to work much harder to expel these gases. This often results in the engine bogging down, hesitating, shaking and causing very poor fuel economy. This should also cause a check engine light to come on as the O2 sensors should be reading the incorrect amounts of oxygen in the exhaust gases if this is your problem. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and replace your catalytic converter.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
If you`re experiencing a slow engine ability, lowered acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat coming from under the vehicle, they are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should get replaced soon.
The short answer is yes. Temporarily driving without a catalytic converter won`t damage your cars engine in any way.
Hi there – you are correct that there are 2 catalytic converters on your vehicle; one (sometimes called a pre-catalyst) that is part of the exhaust manifold, and a 2nd converter further “downstream” in the exhuast system.
Driving with A Failed Catalytic Converter
If you`re noticing slow powertrain performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat from under the vehicle, these are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should be replaced quickly.
Driving with Bad Catalytic Converter
If you`re noticing sluggish engine performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat coming from under the vehicle, these are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should be repaired soon.
Most catalytic converter failures fall under one of three categories: Overheated, melted or broken converters.
Catalytic converters help reduce the vehicle`s emissions output by using precious metal or ceramic oxides on the inner walls of the converter to prevent harmful exhaust gases from passing uncontrolled into the engine. An engine`s cat or converter`s lifespan is typically ten to fifteen years.
The average cost for a Nissan Altima Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,918 and $1,967. Labor costs are estimated between $148 and $187 while parts are priced between $1,770 and $1,780.
Catalytic converters help reduce the vehicle`s emissions output by using precious metal or ceramic oxides on the inner walls of the converter to prevent harmful exhaust gases from passing uncontrolled into the engine. An engine`s cat or converter`s lifespan is typically ten to fifteen years.
Your Altima`s catalytic converter is an essential part of the exhaust system`s emissions control mechanism. Sometimes referred to simply as a “cat”, it`s responsible for converting nasty emissions like carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide into harmless oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water instead.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Changed catalytic converter, no lights on dashboard, but codes for catalytic converter & O2 sensor still remain
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I am not sure why you changed your catalytic converter. Assuming you had a P0420 code, replacing the catalytic converter should of resolved that code. The codes originally stored need to be cleared. The fact your check engine light remains off tells me, you may have fixed the problem. Try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 2 minutes, reconnect. Start and drive the vehicle for 10-15 miles. Re-check for codes. If a code returns on the first drive cycle (pending code), a problem still exists. The check engine light should come back on (the next drive cycle) if, the fault is recognized by the computer. An exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor will cause O2 sensor and catalytic converter codes. If you are having trouble identifying the fault, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
Hi Mr. Nicholas: Engine light of my Accord Lx 2010 comes on. I want to be sure the problem is with the catalytic converter or O2 s
ANSWER : Hi there. In short, yes – it is highly probable that the check engine light is not 100% caused by the catalytic converter. Most OBD-II trouble codes related to this system are actually caused by O2 sensor failure, electrical harness failure to O2 and the catalytic converter or other emissions systems. On your Honda, there is one catalytic converter, that is comprised of a few individual sections. When it it replaced however, it is replaced as a single unit. In most cases, when a Honda dealership tells you that the catalytic converter is the source, 80% of the time they are correct. I would recommend reading this article and asking yourself if you are experiencing more than 50% of these are occurring.
Does traction control depend on catalytic converter functioning properly?
ANSWER : You are right, the traction control system is not related in any way to the exhaust system (e.g., the catalytic converter) in the vehicle. Traction control involves wheel speed sensors, the ABS system, and electronic controllers. If there is a problem with the traction control system on your vehicle, it is likely that diagnostic trouble codes have been stored and those codes will provide the key clues to finding, and repairing, the fault in the system. A certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform a traction control system diagnostic and let you know of the required repairs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
New catalytic converter
ANSWER : Aftermarket converters are fine to use. Catalytic converters must meet federal emission standards in order to be sold. California and New York have even higher standards, so there may be some aftermarket converters that do not meet those standards. If you would like to purchase a catalytic converter from an outside source, one of our certified mobile technicians can install the catalytic converter for you if you need assistance.
What would happen if the wrong catalytic converter was installed in my 2001 Toyota Camry
ANSWER : Hello. The wrong converter will cause your check engine light to come on and will cause you to not pass emissions. It can also cause some performance and efficiency issues over time. There are specific converters built for all vehicles and that is what needs to be used, especially in California. You need to take it back to the shop that installed the wrong one as it is against emission regulations to install the wrong converter in California.
For a 2012 Mazda CX5 Diesel, Model# LDA-KE2FW: Will I have problems if I remove the insert of the blocked Catalytic Converter?
ANSWER : If the DPF filter is plugged up and the DPF light is on, then the DPF filter needs to be replaced. If you were to remove the filter and not use it, then the emissions output will be higher than normal and the DPF light will not go out. I recommend replacing the DPF filter, but if you are still having an issue, then I suggest replacing the catalytic converter system. If you need further assistance with your DPF light being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
My catalytic converter is rattling and there is smoke coming from my car. Is the catalytic converter faulty?
ANSWER : It is possible the catalytic converter got hot enough to fail on the last trip you took before this started. No pressure from the exhaust is a good sign that the car can’t breath. This may be because it cannot get enough air or because it cannot exhale.
The only way to confirm definitively is to perform all of the tests the previous mechanic performed to confirm the diagnosis. There are a few other sensors that may cause similar issues, but the scan for diagnostic troubleshooting codes would have alerted you at that point. A muffler shop will be able to confirm if the cat is bad. You can knock on it and see if you hear a rattle of some sort. This is a sign the filter inside has become heated, brittle, and broken off on the inside.
I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to you to determine if the catalytic converter needs to be replaced and why smoke is coming from the car.
Fixing catalytic converter low threshold issue
ANSWER : I fix that every week on people’s cars because they have got to get their cars inspected and they get that stupid code "catalytic converter below efficiency threshold."
There are so many things that can do it, but I’ve had fantastic luck by putting a very good cleaner in the gas tank and then driving it around. There are certain ones out there like Cataclean and different brands.
I have had good luck using lacquer thinner. I go to an automotive paint store and buy a gallon of lacquer thinner and mix it with at least nine gallons of gasoline and drive it around. I just did that with a guy’s car that failed in emissions and I said "you drive it." He came back the next day and I plugged my computer and put a test and got it fixed. Pray that will fix it, because if it doesn’t, it is very expensive. You don’t just want to get out and guess with the new catalytic converter, because if the catalytic converter goes bad, normally, it’s because something made it go bad and if you are replacing it with a new one might not fix the problem.
If you are sure the catalytic converter is the problem, you’d better find a mechanic to replace the catalytic converter for you. Otherwise, I would have a comprehensive inspection done on the car to ensure that you are replacing the right part.
