Reasons Behind a Clogged Catalytic Converter in an Audi by Expert Technicians in Cary

Audis may experience issues with their catalytic converter. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The catalytic converter takes these harmful pollutants and turns them into less toxic pollutants by using catalysts and ceramic-coated beads. Among these harmful pollutants are unburned gases and nitrogen-oxygen.

The catalytic converter is found between the engine and muffler. The average lifespan of this component of your Audi’s emission system is approximately 10 years. However, you may experience problems prematurely due to various causes. Let’s look at those next.

Possible Causes of Catalytic Converter Problems

There are several possible causes behind the malfunction, failure, or even clogging of your Audi’s catalytic converter. Among these possibilities are the following most commonly reported problems:

Overheating: The catalytic converter may begin overheating due to a misfiring spark plug or leaking valve. This leads to an excessive amount of unburned gases building up potentially causing many other problems.
Physical damage: Due to the location of the catalytic converter, hitting speed bumps at a specific angle, hitting curbs, or even coming into contact with roadway debris causes physical damage to the catalytic converter.
Clog: Your Audi’s catalytic converter may become clogged due to motor oil or even engine coolant leaking into the combustion system. When this happens, exhaust gases cannot pass through resulting in a blockage. This blockage allows less and less air to pass through the motor itself leading to poor engine performance.

Common Symptoms of Audi’s Clogged Catalytic Converter

When Audi’s catalytic converter begins clogging, your vehicle will exhibit many warning signs including:

Poor engine performance
Excessive heat from underneath the automobile
A sulfur odor that can be noted coming from the exhaust system
Thick, dark smoke being emitted from the exhaust system
A sudden loss in acceleration
Illuminated check engine light

Common Contributing Engine Problems

There are some common factors that can contribute to your catalytic converter’s problems. Routine maintenance is important to catch these issues before they become a problem. Check out the list below for the most common problems that lead to the converter’s failure or malfunction:

Leaking fuel injectors
Corroded spark plugs
Leaking intake manifold
Bad ignition coil
Faulty O2 sensor
Oil leak
Coolant leak
Leaking fuel pressure regulator

Manfred’s Import Auto

At Manfred’s Import Auto, our highly trained technicians offer years of experience and are considered among drivers to be a trusted source for European auto repair. We provide the best services available in the area at the most affordable prices.

Why choose us? At Manfred’s Import Auto we pride ourselves on the level of customer service we provide. We know the inconvenience that bringing your automobile to an auto repair shop can bring, which is why we are happy to provide our customers with shuttle services to get you where you need to be. In addition to our complimentary shuttle services available, we also have free loaner automobiles available upon request, subject to availability.

Manfred’s Import Auto’s ASE Certified Technicians use factory-grade tools, computers, and equipment such as autologic scanners, autoland scanners for European vehicles, Leonardo scanning tools for exotic vehicles, and the Hunter alignment machine.

We have been helping drivers in and near Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, and Cary, IL since 1986. Our team performs services and repairs to European vehicles including:

We offer many convenient options for contacting our auto repair shop to schedule an appointment. You can either call, stop by, or utilize our conveniently located online form. To utilize this form you will simply need to visit our website and locate the “contact us” tab. You will be required to provide your name, email address, phone number, and vehicle year, make, and model. In addition, you can include any questions or concerns you may have at the time and we will get in touch with you to answer these questions to the best of our ability.

You must keep up with your European automobiles routine maintenance requirements as this will ensure the longevity of your vehicle and keep you on the road enjoying the luxuries your vehicle has to offer. Call us today to schedule an appointment.