A Catalytic converter converts harmful substances into safer emissions. When a converter fails or breaks, it causes poor gas mileage and hard starts and affects your vehicle’s overall performance. Below are ways to determine if your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram needs a new converter from your Chrysler dealer.
The Job of a Converter
A converter is a metal canister between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. The converter’s internal structure consists of a honeycomb mesh made of palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which are reduction catalysts that cause a chemical reaction to turn harmful substances such as nitrogen oxide into less harmful gasses. These gasses are then safely released through the exhaust.
Signs of a Failing Converter
A failing converter will cause all sorts of vehicle issues. The signs below will alert you when there’s a problem with the converter.
The Check Engine Light Is On
Exhaust gasses must be adequately catalyzed, and when there’s a problem with the converter, this doesn’t happen. The air-fuel ratio and oxygen sensors will detect the problem and trigger the check engine light.
Poor Gas Mileage
When there’s a blockage in the converter, it constricts airflow, causing your car to burn more gas. Your vehicle will feel slow when you step on the accelerator, and you’ll have to stop for gas more often.
Loss of Power and Rough Idling
When carbon builds up inside the mesh or the mesh melts from the heat of the unburned fuel, it blocks the converter. The reduction in exhaust flow causes your car to feel slow and sluggish and idle roughly.
Rattling Noises
When an old or damaged converter’s mesh breaks apart due to excessive heat or damage, it will start making rattling noises while your car’s idling or you’re driving.
Hard Starts
It’s essential to replace the converter as soon as possible when it starts making rattling noises. The deteriorating mesh can get into the muffler, making it hard to start your car.
You Smell Sulfur
There are tiny amounts of sulfur in gas that turns into hydrogen sulfide during combustion, and the converter changes it into sulfur dioxide, which doesn’t smell like anything. A failing converter will not convert all the gas, and the unburnt fuel in the exhaust will emit a sulfurous odor that smells a lot like rotten eggs.
The Lifespan of a Converter
A converter has a lifespan of approximately 100,000 miles or ten years. If you regularly take your car for maintenance at your dealer, it will reduce the risk of the converter failing or breaking unexpectedly, saving you money on repair costs and replacements. Regular maintenance will also prolong the life of the converter.
If your converter is not doing its job, call Brinson Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today to schedule an appointment. The qualified and experienced technicians will expertly replace your car’s converter and ensure your vehicle runs optimally.
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