The catalytic converter on Nissan is designed to remove dangerous products from the combustion process before they exit your car via the exhaust. The converter alters these chemicals into less harmful ones, and this process reduces the amount of pollution the engine generates. If your converter develops a problem, your Nissan dealer can repair or replace it. These are some signs that you have a converter problem.
The Converter Is Blocked
The conversion process generates carbon, and carbon can build up and block the converter. If the converter is blocked, exhaust gases can’t exit your car. The exhaust gases will be drawn back into your engine, and this increases the fuel concentration and pressure in your engine. A blocked converter is noticeable, as your car will develop starting problems, and produce almost no exhaust smoke.
You can test for a blocked converter by placing your hand near the tailpipe and getting someone to rev your engine to around 2,000 RPM. If you feel almost no air from the exhaust, your converter is blocked. Our technicians will examine your converter and clear away the carbon buildup to fix this problem.
Damaged Oxygen Sensor
Every driver knows approximately how much fuel they use regularly. If you’re suddenly using more fuel than you were, this can be a sign of a converter problem. The converter has two oxygen sensors installed in it, one at the entrance to the converter and the other at the exit. These sensors monitor the level of air in the exhaust gases.
A damaged converter can lead to the sensor misreporting the level of oxygen in the exhaust gases. Combustion requires more fuel than air, and the damaged sensor means the converter won’t supply enough air into the engine. The lack of air will prevent efficient combustion, and your engine will use more fuel until the problem is fixed. We can easily replace a damaged sensor to solve this problem.
Black Smoke From the Exhaust
Black exhaust smoke can be caused by several unrelated problems, but one of the most common is a damaged converter. The black exhaust smoke will have a strong smell of fuel and other toxic chemicals. This smell is due to the converter failing to convert the residue from combustion in the cylinders. The foul-smelling smoke can also get you a citation for pollution caused by a failed converter.
We’ll need to examine your converter to find the cause of the problem, and repair or replace it depending on the level of damage. Once the converter is working correctly again, the black smoke will disappear.
If your converter is failing, call us right away at Ed Martin Nissan.
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