Stanley Ford Sweetwater

Call 833-939-0180 Directions

Catalytic Converter Replacement

close up view of a service tech inspecting a catalytic converter

How to Know if Your Catalytic Converter Needs Service

Your exhaust system is made up of multiple parts, but your catalytic converter is easily one of the most important. This is the primary way that your model deals with pollution, as this part works hard to convert carbon monoxide and other gases into less harmful compounds. If you notice a strange smell coming from your vehicle, or a drop in performance, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with us at Stanley Ford Sweetwater.

Schedule Service
Service Specials

How Your Catalytic Converter Deals with Pollution

Pollution is a problem that has plagued the car industry for decades. In the 1970s, engineers were scrambling to find ways to reduce the amount of harmful gases that come from engines. They ended up finding a solution through the newly designed catalytic converter. This part is essentially a filter that sits in your exhaust system. Once harmful gases like carbon monoxide reach it, they’ll be quickly converted into less harmful compounds. While this part won’t be able to catch everything, it’s able to process a majority of the gases that your engine puts out. It works silently in the background, and you usually won’t experience problems for quite some time, since it’s designed to last for about 100,000 miles. Catalytic converters are usually a target for thieves though, so if your model is suddenly experiencing significant issues from its exhaust, you may want to check that this part is still there.

Symptoms of a Damaged Catalytic Converter

Diagnosing a damaged catalytic converter isn’t always easy, as you’ll notice a slew of different problems that might not seem connected at first. While the check engine light is usually your first warning, you’ll want to look for the symptoms below.

  • You Can’t Pass an EPA Test: Your exhaust system works hard to reduce pollution, so you likely won’t be able to pass an EPA test if it isn’t working properly.
  • Your Engine is Having Trouble: If you notice a drop in acceleration, efficiency, or power, then it may be due to a busted catalytic converter.
  • You Smell Sulfur: If you notice a strong, rotting smell coming from your exhaust, you’ll want to immediately visit the mechanic. Your catalytic converter is most likely failing to process the harmful gases from your engine.
  • There’s a Rattling Sound: If the mesh of your catalytic converter has deteriorated, then you might hear a loud rattling sound from the back of your vehicle.

Inspecting Your New Ford in Sweetwater, TX

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, or you’re worried about the integrity of your exhaust system, you’ll want to visit us at Stanley Ford Sweetwater. If you’re near Snyder, Sweetwater, or Abilene, you’ll find that we’re only a short drive away. Your exhaust system isn’t something that you’ll want to ignore, as something like an exhaust leak can easily go unnoticed. This can be incredibly dangerous to your health, as it might allow harmful gases into your cabin. When you schedule a visit with us, our mechanics will be able to check out your entire system. If you’re having problems with your catalytic converter, we’ll be able to provide you with solutions. We’ll also check all the smaller parts of your exhaust system, like your oxygen sensors. This will ensure that you don’t run into any issues once you leave the dealership.

 If you’re having trouble with your model, you’ll want to schedule your next service with Stanley Ford Sweetwater.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.