A catalytic converter is a device that uses a catalyst to convert toxic by-products in car exhaust into harmless compounds.

In a catalytic converter, the catalyst is coated onto a ceramic honeycomb or ceramic beads that are housed in a muffler-like package attached to the exhaust pipe.

The catalyst helps to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water, and the nitrogen oxides back into nitrogen and oxygen.

It is not a normal occurrence for a catalytic converter to wear out as they are usually more subject to external damage like road impact or internal engine damage caused by overheating.

When you start troubleshooting a clogged catalytic converter, it is advisable to check the system to diagnose the problem.

Here is a list of methods for easy troubleshooting a clogged catalytic converter in your car.

Find the origin of the issue

While finding the cause of a clogged catalytic converter, normally you get traced to a fuel system problem.

A typical sign of this would be a restriction on the behavior of the exhaust system caused by the melting of catalyst materials inside the converter.

The catalyst material can become contaminated with silicon, which requires you to check the body of the converter for signs of wear or breakage.

Check for engine misfiring

The catalyst can overheat due to the misfiring, or due to an excessively rich fuel mixture in the engine.

When an extra rich fuel mixture occurs, raw fuel enters into the catalytic converter and gets ignited to result in melting of the catalyst components.

In case, your car has a carburetor, you can test the catalytic converter by removing the air cleaner.

If you see signs of fuel vapor hovering over the top of the carburetor, you can safely conclude that the catalytic converter is clogged.

Check the performance

When there is a clogged catalytic converter, it creates a back pressure which hampers the smooth running of your engine and prevents it from breathing.

This increase in back pressure could also cause your engine to stall and making the car jerk or feel that no fuel is reaching the engine when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

The result is you will notice a serious deterioration in fuel economy and overall performance of the car.

Sounds

When the accelerator is applied and there is a whistling sound, this indicates a restriction in exhaust flow and a possible catalytic converter problem.

There can be also rattling noises when your vehicle is idling and that gets louder as you rev the engine or drive at high speeds.

Sounds like this is a clear indicator of a faulty converter and If it is clogged, you will have to replace the entire unit because catalytic converters cannot be repaired.