Catalytic Converter Failure
A catalytic converter is a device installed in automobiles that is designed to reduce harmful emissions released from the vehicle’s exhaust. All vehicles produced after 1975 in the United States are required to have a catalytic converter. This is part of an attempt to reduce air pollution. A catalytic converter uses a catalyst to convert three harmful compounds in car exhaust into harmless compounds: It converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide; hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water; and nitrogen oxides back into nitrogen and oxygen.
A catalytic converter will rarely fail without a problem or malfunction occurring somewhere in the emission system in front of the converter. It is important to determine what caused the converter to fail, so that the problem can be fixed and prevented from recurring. This is where the professionals at Gregory Hyundai step in. We will identify the problem and resolve it!
Catalytic converter failures typically fall into these categories:
- Converter Meltdown
- Carbon Deposits
- Catalyst Fracture
Converter Meltdown: The too-rich condition that led to converter meltdown could be caused by a number of malfunctions including: faulty oxygen sensor, an incorrect fuel mixture, worn spark plugs or plug wires, a faulty check valve, incorrect ignition timing, sticking float, faulty injectors or other ignition malfunctions.
Carbon Deposits: This may be the result of faulty valves, worn piston rings, worn or leaking gaskets or lead in the fuel.
Catalyst Fracture: The initial cause for this could be physical damage, caused by running over road debris, collisions and other impacts. If the protective mat that holds the catalyst in place is directly exposed to exhaust gasses; it could deteriorate and allow the catalyst to fracture.
We at Gregory Hyundai provide our own customers with an 8-YEAR/80,000-MILE FEDERAL EMISSION DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTY that covers emissions control components, especially the Catalytic Converter, Engine Control Module, Onboard Emissions Diagnostic Device. However, our repair experts are able to also address issues concerning the failure of the catalytic converter in other makes and models. Don’t hesitate to call Gregory Hyundai today to have this problem fixed. If your vehicle is at the root of the failure, you are going to want to know, because it could cause the NEW CONVERTER to fail as well. That is why you need professionals like the ones at Gregory Hyundai to diagnose your problem and not a bunch of amateurs who might miss the cause of the problem entirely!
