Catalyst clogged: symptoms, signs, underlying causes and recommendations

Catalytic neutralization systems are used.in order to reduce the amount of harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere from the exhaust pipe of the car. However, neutralizers work as long as the catalytic element is in good condition. Over time, it stops working effectively. Let's take a closer look at what a catalyst is, its malfunctions, how to solve it. It is also important for the diagnosis to know the signs when the catalyst is clogged, the symptoms of the problem.

Catalytic converter - what is it and why?

На современных автомобилях он является одним из most important exhaust system nodes. The device cleans the exhaust gases from harmful substances. These are nitric oxide, carbon, various groups of hydrocarbons. Inside the catalyst are special filters in the form of cells.

They are made of precious metals.It may be iridium or platinum. It is thanks to these metallic honeycombs that harmful substances are neutralized. In the design of the device, three main elements are a metal casing, a carrier block with honeycombs and a heat insulation layer. The main element is the carrier block. Its design is a base of refractory ceramic material. The composition includes a huge number of cells similar to honeycombs. They are designed to increase the zone of contact with gases. An alloy of platinum and iridium is applied to the honeycombs. Chemical reactions that take place in the process of the interaction of exhaust gases with a layer of platinum-iridium alloy, lead to a strong warming of the catalyst. As a result, all harmful unburned substances instantly burn when the metal surface touches the cell. In the combustion process, oxygen is used, which remains in the exhaust gases after leaving the combustion chamber. Then completely harmless substances go out into the exhaust system from the catalyst - N₂ and CO₂.

Substances used in the catalyst and their functions

In catalytic converters usedseveral substances. These are rhodium, platinum, palladium, iridium. The first element is a reducing catalyst. Its task is to restore NO and convert it to the most ordinary nitrogen.

Platinum and palladium serve as oxidizing agents. They should stimulate the acceleration of the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons, and then convert them to steam. CO is converted to carbon dioxide.

Signs and symptoms of a clogged item

If the catalyst is clogged, the symptoms will help.define it. Naturally, such symptoms may speak about other faults. But with more detailed diagnostics, everything speaks about the catalyst. If the element is completely clogged, the engine will start, but immediately after that, stall. The car accelerates worse. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, there may be a feeling that the car is holding something behind the bumper. This indicates the presence of a blockage inside the neutralizer. How else can you know that the catalyst is clogged? Symptoms include increased fuel consumption. But this can be taken into account only in the case when the machine has lost power and responsiveness to the accelerator pedal. That is, the car stopped driving, and fuel consumption has increased significantly. Also, during the start of a cold engine, a pungent and unpleasant smell may appear.

"Check Engine"

Это универсальный признак, поэтому предварительно you need to know the error code that the system issued. The decoding of these codes is in the instructions for the car. But it should be borne in mind that such a lamp will light up only if two lambda probes are installed in the exhaust system of the vehicle. The first is usually located before the neutralizer. It is designed to adjust the amount of fuel fed to the engine.

A second sensor is needed to monitor the operation.neutralizer. It is this lambda probe that will generate an error. For example, if there are all the above described symptoms of a clogged catalyst on a Ford Focus 2, and the computer gives an error P0420, then this indicates problems with the neutralizer. Error means low gas removal efficiency.

Features of clogged items on various cars

Рассмотрим разные автомобили, которые оснащены catalytic converters in order to diagnose a breakdown more accurately. You should start with domestic models from AvtoVAZ. This is the VAZ-2110, -2114, “Kalina”. Besides the fact that the car will slowly accelerate, there are other signs and malfunctions of a blocked catalyst. So, there is a sound that appears from under the car. There is a feeling that rubble was poured into the body of the neutralizer. This sound is a signal indicating the mechanical destruction of the ceramic base.

If we talk about imported cars, then"Ford Focus" observed identical symptoms of a clogged catalyst. VAZ-21124 is also equipped with such a cleaning element. If we talk about the domestic "dvenashka", then here is exactly the same reduction in power and noise inside the element. In general, it is very difficult to identify and determine blockage or fusion of catalysts. All these signs also talk about problems with sensors, problems in the power system, malfunctioning of the ignition. Note that faults in the last two systems are the reason why the catalyst is clogged. Symptoms confirm this. If the car refuels with low-quality fuel, the fuel mixture is prepared incorrectly. If there is misfire, the mixture does not burn completely in the combustion chambers. Because of this, the exhaust gas contains a large amount of soot. She is the reason why you have to change these nodes frequently. Cells in the catalyst quickly become blocked and melted.

Causes of malfunction

Узел служит более 200 тыс. км.But in the Russian conditions, this period is reduced. Catalysts fail due to poor fuel quality, high oil consumption, incorrect ignition system, mechanical damage.

How to diagnose?

Let's see how to determine if the catalyst is clogged.The methods are accessible to everyone and do not require special skills and knowledge. It is necessary to start the car and accelerate the engine to its maximum. Also, the engine is twisted at low, medium and high frequencies. In each of the modes, the pedal is sharply pressed into the floor. The motor should not fail, but rather react sharply. If there is a weak response or the engine does not want to spin up to more than 5000 rpm, you should think about replacing the neutralizer. Here is another way to check the catalyst.

Signs and symptoms confirmed and it's timeexactly make sure the item is broken. For the diagnosis of putting a hand to the exhaust pipe. Exhaust gases move in pulses. You can accurately feel the hand, as in turn from each cylinder, they are pushed out. If at idle the flow is even and constant, it directly indicates a clogged neutralizer. If you press on the trigger and then stop the engine, they will go out slowly. These are the gases that have accumulated due to a clogged catalyst.

Conclusion

So, we found out what symptoms can beidentify the fault. In order for the catalyst to work properly, experts recommend refilling the car only with high-quality fuel and in a timely manner to diagnose all systems in the car.