On the outside, your catalytic converter might seem a rather simple car component. But the catalyst inside your cat is remarkably clever and complex, with all sorts of precious metals coating a ceramic honeycomb structure. If this internal structure becomes clogged or broken, you’ll usually need to visit your local VW dealer for a new cat. Here are eight signs that your converter’s in trouble.
Does Your VW Need a Catalytic Converter?
Misfiring Engine
When the mesh inside your cat becomes clogged by leaking oil, fluids, or fuel, then air and fumes can no longer flow easily through the meshwork. This backs up the airflow so that even your engine cannot draw in sufficient oxygen.
When starved of oxygen, combustion chambers start to falter and misfire. You’ll experience this as a jolting, shaking sensation and coughing, sputtering sounds from the front of your car.
Reduced Engine Power
A misfiring engine is less powerful. You won’t be able to accelerate as rapidly as before. When pausing at traffic lights, your engine will idle roughly, struggling to stay alive. It might even stall.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
With a less powerful engine, you won’t be traveling as far for each gallon of gas. You’ll have lower fuel efficiency, and so you’ll find yourself stopping more often at gas stations.
Blinking Check Engine Light
These engine problems will cause your dashboard’s check engine light to blink on. But in this case, the problem doesn’t lie with your engine. Your cat is to blame.
Metallic Knocking Sounds
Because they hang under your car, cats can sometimes become jolted loose or dented by a curb or pothole. If your cat is loosened, you’ll probably hear it knocking around when you corner. If the meshwork inside the cat is damaged, you might hear the broken pieces rattling around inside.
Strong Sulfury Smells
When a malfunctioning cat stops properly cleaning emissions, you’ll soon start to smell dirty fumes. The most distinctive of these smells is a rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide, which is dangerous to breathe.
Excessive Heat From Your Undercarriage
When fumes cannot escape through a damaged cat, there’s a buildup of pressure in the exhaust system upwind of the cat. This pressure creates an enormous amount of heat.
If you suspect problems with your converter, you can use an infrared thermometer or a pyrometer to measure the heat on either side of the cat. Never touch the metal with your bare hand, as you’re likely to burn yourself.
Your VW Dealer Detects Cat Trouble
If you lack these special tools, it’s best to take your car to a trusted dealership. A technician can run various tests to determine if the problem lies with your cat or something else. But if they find that your cat is faulty, you’ll often need to have it replaced.
Have your cat inspected by qualified professionals today at Tony Volkswagen. We believe in the importance of no-pressure sales and service with honest, forthright communication.
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