You rely on your Mazda’s catalytic converter to treat the vehicle’s exhaust before it exits the tailpipe. This keeps your emissions within the state’s mandated levels. Unfortunately, a catalytic converter does not last forever, although it does last for at least 10 years. If you drive an older Mazda and notice any of the following problems, Mazcare advises that it could be time to replace the catalytic converter.
Sluggish Engine Performance
Usually, the catalytic converter goes bad when it gets clogged by sulfur and carbon deposits. This, unfortunately, pushes the vehicle’s exhaust back into the combustion chamber where it affects engine combustion. As a consequence, your engine’s performance will lag and you will have problems getting your car, truck, or utility vehicle to accelerate when you press down on the accelerator.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
These engine problems will cause a reduction in the fuel economy that your Mazda gets. The harder the Mazda’s engine needs to work to produce power the more fuel it will use. Unfortunately, you will see poor gas mileage until you replace the catalytic converter. This will restore the exhaust flow out of the combustion chamber and improve your Mazda’s engine performance.
Dark or Black Exhaust Smoke
One sign that your Mazda’s catalytic converter is not treating the engine’s exhaust is if the exhaust color is dark or black. This is also an indication that the Mazda is burning too much fuel in the combustion chamber. The exhaust should be clear; it should never be black.
Rancid Vehicle Exhaust Odors
You may also detect rancid odors in your Mazda’s exhaust if the catalytic converter is going bad. For example, your exhaust may smell like rotten eggs if the converter is clogged with sulfur deposits. This is a common sign of a clogged and malfunctioning catalytic converter.
Heat Underneath the Vehicle
If you are having problems with your Mazda’s engine overheating all the time, it’s possible that the catalytic converter is overheating underneath the vehicle. As you learned in science class, heat rises. Consequently, the excess heat produced by the catalytic converter will infiltrate the Mazda’s engine.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Finally, all of these things may cause your Mazda’s engine control module to turn on the check engine light. Your Mazda’s catalytic converter does not have a dashboard warning light specific to it. As such, the check engine light is used to cover problems caused by the catalytic converter.
Call Mazcare in Marietta, GA, today if you suspect that your Mazda’s catalytic converter has gone bad.