Shop Ford Expedition Catalytic Converter

How to Tell If a Ford Expedition Catalytic Converter is Damaged

Your Ford Expedition catalytic converter is the one responsible for reducing impurities in your car's emissions. This is particularly what makes your vehicle pass the emission test. And as it constantly gets exposed to toxic chemicals during your drives, it's no surprise when it gets damaged. We have compiled the following indicators to help you tell if your Ford's catcon is compromised:

Rough idle

Rough idle is one of the most common symptom of a damaged catcon. It includes a loud noise and a slow engine. At times, this can cause an engine backfire because of the excessive backpressure.

High emission levels

High emission levels result when the converter has plugged or contaminated substrates. This in turn causes an inaccurate air-fuel ratio, increasing the amount of carbon deposits in the exhaust. And so, when the accelerator is stepped on, your Ford will be emitting high levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide. At this state, you cannot expect your vehicle pass the emission test.

Rattling

Rattling comes as a result when the catalytic converter comes in sudden contact with snow or anything of extremely low temperature just after reaching a full state of heating. The converter housing will contract as a result of the sudden temperature change, which in turn will cause the ceramic monolith to crack inside it. Try to tap the housing with a rubber mallet, and if you hear a rattling noise inside, there is a high possibility that the ceramic core is indeed broken.

Stalling

When stepping on the accelerator doesn't bring your car up to speed and you hear a whistling or choking sound at the same time, you can conclude that it is caused by the failure of the catalytic converter. A worse effect of this is loss of power, shutting off your engine altogether.

Blue-gray smoke and rotten odor

The gases that are supposed to be broken down by the catalytic converter are normally blue-gray and they usually contain sulfur. If you see this blue-gray smoke coming out of the exhaust, it's a sure sign that your catcon is compromised. Aside from this, if you smell something similar to a rotten egg, that's exactly how those toxic sulfur-containing substances smell like.