Other Ways of Diagnosing Catalytic Converter Failure. Repair and replacement of a catalytic converter must only be done by a licensed mechanic. A catalytic converter rattle is a common experience for most car users. Though after driving it for 50 some odd miles the check engine light came back on and is showing the code for low efficiency. A bad catalytic converter could create a rattling noise, especially if the converter is internally damaged or just old. By Mia Bevacqua. This is the most common symptom associated with a bad catalytic converter. Below are the top 5 symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. If your catalytic converter has failed, it may be worthwhile to inspect various engine components to ensure proper performance before installing a new cat. Now, if your car fails the semi-annual or annual emission test, then the catalytic converter isn't doing its job, and that means you need to check your catalytic converter. Your car will not pass emissions testing if your converter is bad. Question: I just had my catalytic converter changed as it was bad as it had all the symptoms (bad fuel consumption, loss of power, problem shifting gears, etc) since I got it replaced the car runs perfect like it did when I first got it. Drill a small hole at each location and put a large drywall screw in it. Your catalytic convertor will show signs of failing when the engine misfires, or if there’s an excessively rich oil and fuel mixture that can ignite in the convertor, causing the damage to the components on the ceramic lattice. Here's what to watch for: An illuminated check engine light. The symptoms of a faulty catalytic converter include: Blockage in the exhaust system leading to poor engine performance caused by the core melting (due to persistent engine misfire or unburned fuel reaching the catalytic converter) Rattling sound caused by the core disintegrating No obvious symptoms but failing an exhaust emissions test. The following are potential symptoms of a failed catalytic converter: The Check Engine Light is illuminated. Driving a car with a clogged catalytic converter can be a pain in the butt. Probably, rattling noise is the most noticeable factor that you can understand a failing catalytic converter. The rattling noise can mean that you have a broken catalytic converter, and it can cause severe damage to your engine if you are not careful. It is often difficult to notice problems with a catalytic converter since it is part of your car's exhaust system and, technically, your car could function perfectly fine without the converter installed at all. Watch out for symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. It is located between the exhaust system and the muffler. 1. Poor Acceleration . Catalytic converter test. Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter ... Those little honeycomb parts can break off and crumble over time and they will rattle around inside like a stone in a tin can. 1. Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons are all toxic to humans and can cause smog. As we mentioned, the inside of a catalytic converter has this ceramic honeycomb powder that's coated with the Catalyst metal. If you see the symptoms listed above, including decreased fuel economy, stalling while driving or misfiring, take your car to your mechanic to have the catalytic converter checked. Here are the major symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. If these symptoms occur simultaneously, then it is definitely the catalytic converter at fault. Symptom(3): The catalytic converter was rattling bad so I new it was toast… Also it through an efficiency code. 7. A catalytic converter is a device meant to reduce the extent of impurity in a vehicle's emissions. While it’s not advisable to work on this part on your own, there are several signs that can help you determine when you should have it checked by a professional. Over time your catalytic converter may become worn or faulty and will be in need of service, though there are usually key symptoms to look for to alert you that you may want to seek service for your catalytic converter. When you turn on your vehicle, these pieces will vibrate and make a rattling sound. These pollutants are converted into harmless gases by catalytic reaction. Catalytic Converter Failure Symptoms by Alexis Writing . You need to watch for signs of a clogged catalytic converter going bad. The catalytic converter is a critical component in the exhaust system of your vehicle. Read more The engine runs rough or stalls . The converter can fail because of internal damage or external factors such as mishandling, improper fitting or accidents. It is illegal in many states to remove your catalytic converter, and your mechanic will have electronic diagnostic machines to help pinpoint exactly what is wrong with your catalytic converter. The most common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter are check engine light, sulfur smell, performance problems, and high fuel consumption. 1. Each car takes emission tests. Rattling noises are another symptom of a bad or failing catalytic converter. Thankfully, some symptoms pop up when a car has a clogged catalytic converter. A strong sulfur or rotten egg smell. The Symptoms of Failure . A rattling sound coming from your car is never a good sign. 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