Other

Can a clogged catalytic converter cause a check engine light?

Can a clogged catalytic converter cause a check engine light?

A clogged catalytic converter can certainly cause this, but this symptom requires some additional investigation before you jump to an expensive repair. Check Engine Light —There are lots of problems that can cause a check engine light, but many of them are related to your emission control system, which includes that catalytic converter.

Can a lazy oxygen sensor cause a catalytic converter problem?

You may need to fix other engine problems in order to solve your catalytic converter problem. A lazy oxygen sensor might falsely indicate a catalytic converter problem, yet not set a DTC for itself. A technician can determine if the sensor is responding as it should.

Why does my catalytic converter make my cat glow?

This is not at all normal and means that your converter is very, very hot! A catalytic converter that is partially or fully clogged (also referred to as “plugged”) will get so hot that it will begin to glow. An engine that is running too rich can also create excessive heat in the cat, causing it to glow.

What can I put in my catalytic converter to clear it up?

Adding one gallon of lacquer thinner to ten gallons of gas at your next refuel may also be effective clearing out catalytic converter deposits. You can try either of these methods in combination with the Italian Tune-Up method.

You may need to fix other engine problems in order to solve your catalytic converter problem. A lazy oxygen sensor might falsely indicate a catalytic converter problem, yet not set a DTC for itself. A technician can determine if the sensor is responding as it should.

What does it mean when a catalytic converter glows red?

If the catalytic converter is glowing red hot, the first thing that most people think is that the catalytic converter is clogged. Don’t rush into this conclusion. We have seen cases when a mechanic changed the catalytic converter thinking that is was clogged because it glows red.

Adding one gallon of lacquer thinner to ten gallons of gas at your next refuel may also be effective clearing out catalytic converter deposits. You can try either of these methods in combination with the Italian Tune-Up method.

What are the signs of a clogged catalytic converter?

1 Engine accelerates poorly or is hard to start. These issues could indicate a clogged catalytic converter, restricting the flow of exhaust out of the engine. 2 A sulfur or “rotten egg” smell. 3 rattling noise when starting the engine 4 Failing the annual or semi-annual emissions test 5 Vehicle warning lights.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle