7 Signs Your Audi's Catalytic Converter Is Giving Up

The part of your Audi's exhaust system that resembles a small cylinder is the catalytic converter. This is the part where advanced chemistry comes into play to reduce the toxicity of exhaust emissions. The catalytic converter isn't something that gets in trouble all the time... but when it does, it will have a noticeable effect on your vehicle's overall performance. And, guess what... your vehicle might even fail the emissions test.

So, what is this catalytic converter after all and what chemistry does it use to combat a vehicle's toxic exhaust emissions? Let’s find out…

Catalytic Converter: The Car Part That Deals With Toxic Exhaust Emissions

We all know what a catalytic converter does in a car. It reduces the toxicity of a vehicle’s exhaust emissions; making the vehicle a little more eco-friendly. But what goes on inside the catalytic converter remains a mystery to many. Well, the catalytic converter makes use of simple chemistry to reduce the toxicity of a vehicle’s exhaust emissions.

We are sharing some chemical reactions to help the readers understand the basic working of a catalytic converter. Have a look;

CxH2x+2 + (3x+1)/2O2 ---> xCO2 + (x+1) H2O

2CO + O2 --> CO2

2NOx --> xO2 + N2

Having trouble understanding those complex chemical reactions? In simple English, the catalytic converter makes use of reduction and oxidation catalysts such as Rhodium, Palladium and Platinum to convert unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen to environment-friendly substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen; with the help of oxidation and reduction reactions.

Faulty Catalytic Converter Symptoms in Audi

Symptom #1- Car exhaust smell like rotten eggs

The emergence of a rotten egg-like smell from the exhaust of your Audi can point to a catalytic converter problem. After all, the catalytic converter is responsible for converting hydrogen sulfide (that smells like a rotten egg) to odorless sulfur dioxide. A defective catalytic converter won't be able to do its job properly. The presence of foul-smelling sulfides will give the exhaust emissions a rotten egg-like odor.

Symptom #2- Car feels sluggish

Whenever you are driving on the highway and you notice that your car is having difficulty accelerating, it can be a major symptom that your catalytic converter is failing. Because a clogged or defective catalytic converter can restrict the exhaust flow. Restricted exhaust flow will make it hard for the engine to operate at peak power.

Symptom #3- Car has trouble starting

Does your Audi start for 2-3 seconds and then die? If so, the reason could be a defective catalytic converter. Increased back pressure due to a clogged catalytic converter will make it hard for the engine to come to life. Repair or replace the defective catalytic converter to fix the issue.

Symptom #4- Cylinder misfire

Yup… you read that right! A faulty catalytic converter can result in a cylinder misfire in a car. Wondering how's this even possible? Well if there is something wrong with your vehicle's catalytic converter, back pressure will rise significantly. Increased back pressure will make it hard for the engine to take in the requisite amount of air; which may result in a cylinder misfire.

Symptom #5- Strange rattling noise

If an unusual rattling noise is coming out of your Audi's exhaust- especially when you rev the engine, the cause could be a defective catalytic converter. Over time the noise will become more apparent. A rattling noise may also appear because of defective exhaust brackets. In any case, you must trace the problem to its root ASAP.

Symptom #6- Dashboard warning light

Is the check engine light flashing on your Audi? This light may signify one of many different things going on with your Audi; one of which is a failing catalytic converter. You must respond to this light ASAP. Because if you don’t, you may end up with a serious and expensive repair.

Symptom #7- Failed smog check

Since the catalytic converter plays an important role in reducing exhaust emissions; if it malfunctions, your Audi will fail the smog test. So, if you don’t want your Audi to emit a lot of dangerous gases into the atmosphere, ensure the upkeep of its catalytic converter.

So, Basically…

The catalytic converter is an important part of a vehicle's exhaust emissions control system. Its failure can contribute to a whole host of problems in your Audi. So, if you are experiencing any of the above-said symptoms when driving your car, get its catalytic converter tested.