You cannot afford to have your light-duty truck’s catalytic converter go bad. If it does, Midline Truck & Trailer Repair advises that the vehicle will fail the emissions test. The catalytic converter treats the exhaust so it is safe to exit the vehicle. If it is malfunctioning, you will notice one or more of the following signs that the catalytic converter has gone bad.
Check Engine Warning
Generally, the catalytic converter clogs and then malfunctions. When this happens, you may end up with the check engine warning on the dashboard. This is to alert you that the catalytic converter is not functioning as it should be, and, consequently, the exhaust is not being treated before it is released out of the tailpipe. In fact, the exhaust may be unable to exit the tailpipe if the catalytic converter is clogged.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
Untreated exhaust can be dark in color. This is also a sign that the clogged catalytic converter is disrupting the balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Any time the combustion chamber burns too much fuel, you will end up with black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe. Unfortunately, you will continue to have this problem until you replace the malfunctioning catalytic converter.
Heat Under the Truck
If you notice that it is unusually hot underneath your light-duty truck, this is another sign that the catalytic converter is going bad. Unfortunately, when the catalytic converter gets clogged, it starts to overheat. Consequently, you will end up with excessive amounts of heat underneath the vehicle because the catalytic converter is located there.
Performance Problems
If the catalytic converter is clogged and the exhaust is not flowing out of the combustion chamber, you will end up with engine performance problems such as hiccupping and sputtering. You will also find it difficult to get your truck to accelerate when you press down on the accelerator. These engine performance problems will affect your fuel economy.
Rotten Egg Odors
Finally, the odor of your exhaust can be extremely revealing. Do not inhale the exhaust purposely, but if you pick up on rotten egg odors, the catalytic converter is going bad. You will also detect rotten eggs underneath your automobile and in the engine bay. This odor definitely points to a problem with the catalytic converter.
Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair is the best truck service shop in Eugene, OR, so call us today to schedule an appointment for your light-duty truck if the catalytic converter is going bad.