Top 5 Audi A4 Catalytic Converter Problems from Experts in Thousand Oaks Among the various luxury cars that you get to see on the road, there are few that excite everyone with their sheer power and elegant design. Whenever one decides to buy a luxury car, the first brand that comes to mind is Audi. Audi is one of the most sought-after luxury cars in the world. The popularity of Audi can be gauged from the number of Audi A4 models that one gets to see on the road of Thousand Oaks. Audi A4 is an entry-level luxury sedan that comes packed with many advanced features that helps in the smooth running and better performance of the car. However, of late Audi A4 drivers have been complaining about the failing catalytic converter in their car. The catalytic converter is a crucial component that helps in reducing the harmful pollutants emitted by the car. These harmful pollutants are produced because of the combustion process. Here in this article, we will discuss the top 5 Audi A4 catalytic converter problems that will help you in identifying a malfunctioning catalytic converter.
Rotten smell from exhaust The catalytic converter is a part of the emission control system in your car. This is why whenever there will be something wrong with the catalytic converter of your Audi A4 and then you will smell something like rotten eggs coming from the exhaust. The gasoline in your car contains a small amount of sulfur that converts to hydrogen sulfide during the combustion process. If the catalytic converter is in fine working condition, then it will convert this smelly sulfide into odorless sulfur dioxide. However, with a bad catalytic converter, the conversion doesn’t take place and some of these unburnt gases containing the smelly hydrogen sulfide exit your exhaust.
Illumination of check engine light The check engine light in your Audi A4 is a warning light that illuminates whenever there is something wrong with your car. If the catalytic converter in your Audi A4 has gone bad, then the check engine light will illuminate on the dashboard. In addition to this, all modern cars are coming equipped with oxygen sensors that are able to monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter by checking the exhaust gas levels. If these sensors detect that the exhaust gases are not being catalyzed properly, then the check engine light will come on. However, the check engine light in your car can illuminate for a host of other factors and you will need to use a diagnostic scan and code reader for exact pin pointing the reason behind the illumination of the check engine light.
Poor performance One of the prominent signs of a failed catalytic converter that you are going to observe is a dip in the performance of your Audi A4. If the catalytic converter in your car is clogged, then the engine will not be able to provide adequate power for your Audi A4 to accelerate. When the carbon buildup inside the honeycomb design gets to be too much or when the internals starts to melt due to excessive heat from unburned fuel, then a partial blockage inside the catalytic converter takes place. The engine depends on good exhaust flow for generating peak power. When the flow is restricted due to a clogged catalytic converter, then you will notice a lack of power in your Audi A4.
Failed emissions test Nowadays, there are stringent emissions tests that one needs his vehicle to pass before getting the license to drive on road. Most parts of the United States will require your Audi A4 to pass a smog test every few years to make sure that your car is properly burning fuel and not expelling dangerous gases into the atmosphere. A malfunctioning catalytic converter is a common reason behind failing an emission test. The diagnosing will be done by either OBD2 port in your Audi A4 or with a hose connected to the end of your tailpipe that directly measures the level of toxic gases.
Unusual noise If the parts inside the catalytic converter break apart due to excessive heat or damage, then you likely notice a rattling sound coming from under your Audi A4 while idling or driving. This unusual noise will often be loudest while starting the car. You need to replace the catalytic converter when you hear these noises.
Finally The above-discussed factors about the top problems caused by a malfunctioning catalytic converter in your Audi A4 will definitely help you in the early detection of issues in the converter. Whenever you see any of these signs and then take your Audi A4 to a certified repair shop for replacing the catalytic converter.