Catalytic converter helps to remove carbon monoxide (and other toxic gases) that your Audi produces. It performs this function by converting harmful emissions into safer compounds. Catalytic converters rarely fail, but it does happen occasionally, and it has to be replaced. Failure to replace the catalytic converter will not only cause your Audi to pollute the environment but also will prevent it from passing smog check and being registered. In extreme cases, engine damage may result from driving with a failed catalytic converter.
Signs your Audi needs converter replacement
While it’s unlikely that your vehicle’s catalytic converter will fail, it helps to know the warning signs of a failing converter:
Rotten egg smell
The number one way to know that your catalytic converter is failing is when you notice a pungent, nasty odor that can be likened to rotten eggs. Sulphur is one of the compounds in gas, which is converted to odorless compounds. When the component is bad and the conversion doesn’t take place, the smelly compound may exit your exhaust.
Check engine light is on
The check engine light could mean a wide variety of things and one of them is faulty catalytic converter. Your Audi comes with oxygen sensors that monitor the performance of the catalytic converter. When its efficiency has dropped drastically, the check engine light may be triggered.
Poor acceleration
When catalytic converters fail, your engine will also take a hit. This is because the engine depends on good exhaust flow to work properly. So, if the catalytic converter is unable to work as it should, your engine will struggle to deliver acceleration when you press the pedal.
Bad gas mileage
When the catalytic converter is clogged or damaged, it results in poor airflow, which may make your vehicle burn more fuel than usual to compensate for insufficient air. When you notice bad fuel economy alongside other symptoms listed above, it’s likely a case of bad catalytic converter that should be replaced.
Failed catalytic converter is a serious issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. If you notice your Audi is exhibiting the signs above, call Diablo Auto Specialists – our nationally ASE certified technicians can diagnose the health of your Audi’s catalytic converter, and if it needs to be replaced, we can obtain California-legal (California has very strict regulations) catalytic converter and have it installed in your Audi. All repairs performed by our technicians come with 36 month / 36,000 mile nationwide warranty. Call us to make an appointment.