The catalytic converter in your Nissan converts the dangerous byproducts of combustion into harmless chemicals. This process helps to reduce pollution from exhaust smoke and enables your car to run more efficiently. The converter can get blocked or damaged over time, and you’ll need a repair or replacement. As your trusted dealer and certified Nissan service center we’d like you to know some signs that we need to fix your converter.
Sulfur Smells
Fuel contains sulfur compounds, and the combustion process changes some of these compounds into hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless and toxic gas that smells like rotten eggs. When your converter is working as it should, hydrogen sulfide is converted into harmless sulfur dioxide. The conversion process uses chemical reactions, pressure, and extreme heat for chemical conversion.
If your converter is damaged, it won’t convert hydrogen sulfide and other toxic chemicals. Excess hydrogen sulfide will waft into your cabin, and you’ll also smell the stench of this chemical from the exhaust. Our technicians will check your converter and repair or replace it. Once your converter is working, the rotten egg smell should disappear.
Check Engine Light
Your check engine light provides a warning that something isn’t working correctly in your engine. The source of the problem isn’t immediately clear, as the light can illuminate in response to various possible issues. If your converter isn’t working correctly, two sensors that can trigger this light are the oxygen sensors and the fuel-air sensor in the engine.
The oxygen sensors in the exhaust monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust smoke. The fuel-air sensor in your engine monitors the ratio of fuel to air. If your converter is blocked, the exhaust gases will flow back into your engine and increase the amount of fuel in your engine. A lack of oxygen in the exhaust smoke will trigger the oxygen sensors. We’ll investigate and fix the cause of the check engine light.
Rattling Noises
The converter is a relatively small component, and a large surface area is required for gas conversion. The inside of the converter is composed of a honeycomb structure that provides the needed surface area. A honeycomb is strong, but it becomes brittle if it’s damaged. If your converter is damaged, cracks can appear in the honeycomb, and pieces can break off.
The broken parts of the honeycomb will rattle around in the converter as your car moves. They will also cause additional damage to the inside of the converter. Our technicians will investigate and replace the converter if it’s broken.
If you experience any of these symptoms of a converter problem, call our DARCARS Nissan service center at 301-969-4431 or click here to schedule a service appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.
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