The catalyst is clogged: symptoms, signs, underlying causes and recommendations

Catalytic neutralization systems are used to reduce the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere from the car's exhaust pipe. However, the neutralizers work as long as the catalytic element is in good order. Over time, it ceases to work effectively. Let's consider in more detail what is a catalyst, its malfunctions, solutions. Also for diagnostics it is important to know the signs when the catalyst is clogged up, the symptoms of the problem.

Catalytic converter - what is it and why?

On modern cars, it is one of the most important parts of the exhaust system. The device purifies exhaust gases from harmful substances. This oxide of nitrogen, carbon, various groups of hydrocarbons. Inside the catalyst are special filters in the form of honeycombs. They are made of precious metals. It can be iridium or platinum. It is thanks to these metal honeycombs that harmful substances are neutralized. In the design of the device, three main elements are a metal casing, a carrier unit with honeycombs and a layer of thermal insulation. The main element is the carrier unit. Its design is a base of refractory ceramic material. The structure includes a huge number of cells, similar to the honeycomb. They are designed to increase the area of contact with gases. An alloy of platinum and iridium is deposited on the honeycomb. The chemical reactions that take place during the interaction of the exhaust gases with the layer of the platinum-iridium alloy lead to a strong heating of the catalyst. As a result, all harmful unburned substances are instantly burned by touching the metal surface of the honeycomb. In the combustion process, oxygen is used, which remains in the exhaust gases after exiting the combustion chamber. Further into the exhaust system, completely harmless substances - N ₂ and CO ₂ - leave the catalyst.

Substances used in the catalyst and their functions

In catalytic converters several substances are used. This is rhodium, platinum, palladium, iridium. The first element is a reducing catalyst. Its task is to restore NO and convert it into the most ordinary nitrogen. Platinum and palladium serve as oxidants. They should stimulate the acceleration of the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons, and then convert them into steam. CO is converted to carbon dioxide.

Signs and symptoms of the clogged element

If the catalyst is clogged, the symptoms will help determine this. Naturally, this symptomatology can also speak of other malfunctions. But with more detailed diagnosis, everything is talking about the catalyst. If the element is plugged in completely, the engine will start, but immediately after that go out. The car accelerates faster. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, there may be a feeling that the car is holding something behind the bumper behind. This indicates the presence of clog inside the neutralizer. How can I tell if the catalyst is clogged up? Symptoms include increased fuel consumption. But this can only be taken into account when the car has lost power and responsiveness to the accelerator pedal. That is, the car stopped driving, and the consumption increased at times. Also, a caustic and unpleasant odor may appear during the start-up of the cold engine.

Check Angin

This is a universal feature, so you must first know the error code that the system issued. The decoding of these codes is in the instructions to 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 car. The first is usually found before the neutralizer. It is designed to adjust the amount of fuel supplied to the engine. The second sensor is necessary for monitoring the operation of the neutralizer. It is this lambda probe that will give out an error. For example, if there are all the symptoms of a clogged catalyst on Ford Focus 2, and the ECU gives an error P0420, then this indicates problems with the neutralizer. The error indicates a low efficiency of gas discharge.

Features of hammered elements on various cars

Consider different cars that are equipped with catalytic converters, in order to diagnose the breakdown more accurately. It's worth starting with domestic models from AvtoVAZ. This VAZ-2110, -2114, "Kalina." In addition to the fact that the machine will slowly accelerate, there are other signs and malfunctions of the clogged catalyst. So, there is a sound that appears from under the car. There is a feeling that crushed stone was poured into the body of the neutralizer. This sound is a signal that signals the mechanical destruction of the ceramic substrate. If we talk about imported cars, then on Ford Focus there are identical symptoms of a clogged catalyst. VAZ-21124 is also equipped with such a cleaning element. If we talk about the domestic "twelve", then there is exactly the same reduction in power and noise inside the element. In general, it is very difficult to identify and determine clogging or catalytic reflow. All these signs also indicate problems with sensors, malfunctions in the power system, malfunction of the ignition. Note that the failures in the last two systems are the reason why the catalyst is clogged. Symptoms are confirmed. If the car is fueled by poor quality fuel, the fuel mixture is not cooked properly. If there are misfires, the mixture burns incompletely in the combustion chambers. Because of this, the waste gas contains a large amount of soot. It is the reason why you often have to change these nodes. Cells in the catalyst are quickly clogged and melted.

Causes of malfunction

The node serves more than 200 thousand km. But under Russian conditions this period is decreasing. Catalysts fail due to poor fuel quality, high oil consumption, incorrectly adjusted ignition system, mechanical damage.

How to diagnose?

Let's see how to determine if the catalyst is clogged. The methods are available for everyone and do not require special skills and knowledge. It is necessary to start the car and gain engine speed to its maximum. Also the engine is twisted at low, medium and high frequencies. In each mode, the pedal is suddenly pressed into the floor. The motor should not fail, but, on the contrary, react sharply. If there is a weak response or the engine does not want to unwind to more than 5000 revolutions, it is worthwhile to think about replacing the neutralizer. Here's another way to check the catalyst.

The signs and symptoms were confirmed, and it's time to be sure that the element is broken. For diagnosis, put your hand to the exhaust pipe. The exhaust gases are driven by impulses. You can accurately feel with your hand, as in turn from each cylinder they are pushed out. If at idle the flow is smooth and constant, it speaks directly of the clogged neutralizer. If you press on the trigger, and then muffle the motor, they will go out slowly. These are the gases that have accumulated because of the clogged catalyst.

Conclusion

So, we found out what symptoms can be detected by the malfunction. In order for the catalyst to work properly, experts recommend that you fill the car with only high-quality fuel and timely diagnose all systems in the car.