how to clean out a catalytic converter

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter?

by Shelley Moore

yellow car, a honda japanese sport car model image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com

It's not easy to diagnose without a mechanic, but numerous symptoms can point to a bad catalytic converter. The catalytic converter's purpose is to change hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in vehicle emissions into the harmless compounds of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen and water. Catalytic converters don't typically fail, but they can become clogged.

Tachometer

Decreased engine power--indicated by low revolutions per minute (RPMs) on the tachometer--is a symptom of a bad catalytic converter.

Acceleration

Another sign of decreased engine power is hesitating or bucking when you try to accelerate.

Driving Uphill

The car may seem to lose some power when going uphill.

Temperature

If the engine runs hotter than usual but the cooling system is up to par, that may indicate catalytic converter problems.

Exhaust

Black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe may be a symptom of a bad catalytic converter.

Smell

A failing catalytic converter can cause a rich fuel mixture that makes the exhaust smell like rotten eggs from the hydrogen sulfide.

Writer Bio

Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.