Does Your Ford Need a New Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter, or cat as it’s also called, is part of the exhaust system that converts harmful substances into safer emissions to reduce air pollution. When there’s a problem with your Ford’s converter, it will have a considerable impact on your vehicle’s performance. The following symptoms will help you determine if your Escape, Explorer, or F-150 needs a new converter from your Ford dealer.

The Check Engine Light Is On

The gas levels in your car’s exhaust are monitored by the air-fuel ratio and oxygen sensors. If these sensors detect that there’s a problem with the converter and your car’s exhaust gasses are not properly catalyzed, it will trigger the check engine light on your dashboard.

You Smell a Sulfurous Odor

Gas contains tiny amounts of sulfur which turns into hydrogen sulfide during combustion. The converter turns the hydrogen sulfide into sulfur dioxide, an odorless substance. When the cat is not working correctly, it will not convert the gas properly, and the unburnt fuel in the exhaust will give off a sulfurous odor that smells a lot like rotten eggs.

Your Car Feels Slow and Idles Roughly

Your car’s converter is a metal canister with honeycomb mesh inside. Carbon buildup within the mesh or melting due to the heat from unburned fuel will cause a blockage inside the cat. A blocked converter restricts the exhaust flow and will cause your car to idle roughly and respond slowly when accelerating.

Your Car Is Heavy On Gas

Another symptom of a failing cat is high fuel consumption. When you step on the accelerator, your car will respond slowly but burn more gas. A blockage in the converter will reduce the airflow in the exhaust and cause your vehicle to burn more gas than is needed.

You Hear Rattling Noises

Due to age, damage, or excessive heat, the mesh inside the converter starts to break apart. The old or damaged converter will make rattling noises from under your car when your car’s idling or driving.  

Your Car is Hard to Start and Stalls

When you start hearing rattling noises, it’s vital to replace the converter as soon as possible to prevent the deteriorating material from getting into the muffler. Once this happens, it will cause stalling and starting issues.

A converter lasts approximately 100,000 miles or ten years. Following your Ford’s recommended maintenance intervals will reduce the risk of converter problems and prolong the life of your car’s cat. Call Conway Ford today to schedule a maintenance appointment. The qualified technicians will perform a thorough vehicle inspection and ensure that every system and component is working properly and your car is in top running condition.

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