The catalytic converter is an important part of the car that uses a catalyst to convert toxic by-products in the exhaust into harmless compounds. It needs to be always functioning and to achieve this, check for engine misfiring, record the performance and keep a track of the sounds from various parts of the car. See the below slides and you will find the proper methods for troubleshooting a clogged catalytic converter.

1. Troubleshooting
Clogged catalytic
converter

2. A catalytic converter is a
device that uses a catalyst to
convert toxic by-products in
car exhaust into harmless
compounds.

3. In a catalytic converter, the
catalyst is coated onto a ceramic
honeycomb or ceramic beads
that are housed in a muffler-like
package attached to the exhaust
pipe.

4. The catalyst helps to convert
carbon monoxide into carbon
dioxide, hydrocarbons into
carbon dioxide and water,
and the nitrogen oxides back
into nitrogen and oxygen.

5. It is not a normal occurrence for
a catalytic converter to wear out
as they are usually more subject
to external damage like road
impact or internal engine damage
caused by overheating.

6. When you start
troubleshooting a clogged
catalytic converter, it is
advisable to check the system
to diagnose the problem.

7. Here is a list of methods for
easy troubleshooting a
clogged catalytic converter in
your car.

8. Find the origin of the issue

9. While finding the cause of a
clogged catalytic converter,
normally you get traced to a
fuel system problem.

10. A typical sign of this would be a
restriction on the behavior of
the exhaust system caused by
the melting of catalyst
materials inside the converter.

11. The catalyst material can
become contaminated with
silicon, which requires you to
check the body of the
converter for signs of wear or
breakage.

12. Check for engine misfiring

13. The catalyst can overheat
due to the misfiring, or due
to an excessively rich fuel
mixture in the engine.

14. When an extra rich fuel mixture
occurs, raw fuel enters into the
catalytic converter and gets
ignited to result in melting of
the catalyst components.

15. In case, your car has a
carburetor, you can test the
catalytic converter by
removing the air cleaner.

16. If you see signs of fuel vapor
hovering over the top of the
carburetor, you can safely
conclude that the catalytic
converter is clogged.

17. Check the performance

18. When there is a clogged
catalytic converter, it creates
a back pressure which
hampers the smooth running
of your engine and prevents
it from breathing.

19. This increase in back pressure
could also cause your engine to
stall and making the car jerk or
feel that no fuel is reaching the
engine when the accelerator
pedal is pressed.

20. The result is you will notice a
serious deterioration in fuel
economy and overall
performance of the car.

21. Sounds

22. When the accelerator is applied
and there is a whistling sound,
this indicates a restriction in
exhaust flow and a possible
catalytic converter problem.

23. There can be also rattling
noises when your vehicle is
idling and that gets louder as
you rev the engine or drive
at high speeds.

24. Sounds like this is a clear
indicator of a faulty
converter and If it is clogged,
you will have to replace the
entire unit because catalytic
converters cannot be
repaired.

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