Volkswagen Catalytic Converter Failure: Common Symptoms & Warning Signs from Experts in Woodinville

The catalytic converter is one of the most crucial components in your Volkswagen that plays a pivotal role in controlling the emission of harmful gases from your Volkswagen. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the toxic gases produced during the combustion process into less harmful ones.

However, the failure of the catalytic converter in your VW can have catastrophic consequences for your car. Here we will discuss the common symptoms associated with catalytic converter failure as shared with us by expert mechanics in Woodinville.

Degraded Performance

Volkswagen is known for its superior performance and whenever there is an issue with the functioning of the catalytic converter the performance of your vehicle takes a hit. You will notice that when you press the accelerator pedal of your VW, the car won’t have the same punch in terms of acceleration that it used to have earlier.

Most of the time this poor performance in your car is related to a clogged catalytic converter that affects the functioning of the engine. The engine requires clean air and proper dispersion of toxic gases for its efficient functioning and the catalytic converter has a huge role to play in this whole process.

A clogged catalytic converter interrupts the process of mixing air & fuel and this affects the power output from the engine resulting in poor acceleration in your VW.

Poor Fuel Economy

Most of the time it is noticed that drivers are least interested in keeping a tab on the miles per gallon of their car thinking that as they are driving a powerful vehicle it is not going to have a decent fuel mileage. However, this misconception needs to be cleared right away because every car including your Volkswagen has a dedicated fuel mileage both while driving in the city and while driving on the highway.

Whenever there is an issue with the catalytic converter, the fuel economy of your car is going to get drastically reduced. This becomes apparent when you visit the fuel station frequently to fill up your gas tank. This is mostly caused due to a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

A failed catalytic converter adversely affects the functioning of the oxygen sensor in your car. The onboard computer relies on the data from the O2 sensor to adjust the flow of fuel to the engine of your car. Now, with erroneous data from the O2 sensor, there is more than the required amount of flow of fuel to the engine & this takes a toll on the fuel economy of the car.

Emissions Test Failure

Nowadays, there is a huge focus on reducing vehicular emissions and that is why the proper functioning of catalytic converter is very important. Besides that, there are various state and national laws that have made it mandatory for car owners to get their vehicles tested for emissions from their vehicles.

There are various laws that state how much emission can be permitted from your VW and if the catalytic converter goes bad, then your Volkswagen is going to fail the emission test. Now, if you have a doubt regarding the functioning of the catalytic converter, then you can opt for an emission test & if your car fails it then you can take remedial steps.

The catalytic converter is a very costly part of your vehicle and you need to consult with a Volkswagen specialist regarding steps you can take to deal with the issue. If your catalytic converter can be fixed by cleaning it of dirt & debris then you must go for it. However, replacing the catalytic converter is going to burn a hole in your pocket.

Illumination of Check Engine Light

Your Volkswagen comes equipped with various warning lights on the dashboard of your car and the check engine light is one such warning light that illuminates whenever there is something wrong in your vehicle. The failure of the catalytic converter would definitely lead to the illumination of the check engine light.

However, the problem with the check engine light is that it can flash due to a host of issues & you need the assistance of an ASE-certified mechanic who can use advanced diagnostic tools and a code reader to pinpoint the exact reason behind the illumination of the warning light.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the most common signs that are associated with the failure of the catalytic converter in Volkswagen. Most of the time drivers ignore the issues with the catalytic converter & this can prove costly in the long run for your VW as it will lead to additional damages to the engine.