* Fuel Injector Problems: Faulty fuel injectors can spray excessive fuel into the cylinders. This unburnt fuel then passes into the exhaust system, potentially damaging the catalytic converter and causing it to overheat due to the rich fuel mixture.
* Fuel Pressure Regulator Issues: A malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator can lead to excessive fuel pressure in the fuel rail, resulting in overly rich fuel mixtures and the same consequences as faulty injectors.
* Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Malfunction: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. A faulty sensor can send incorrect information to the engine control unit (ECU), leading to an overly rich fuel mixture.
* Oxygen Sensor Problems: Oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen levels in the exhaust stream. A faulty sensor can provide inaccurate data to the ECU, causing it to adjust the fuel mixture incorrectly, leading to a rich condition.
* Engine Control Unit (ECU) Problems: While less common, a malfunctioning ECU can cause improper fuel delivery, leading to excessive fuel in the exhaust system.
* Leaking Fuel Injectors: If fuel injectors are leaking fuel constantly, fuel could be entering the exhaust system even when the engine is off.
Why this is dangerous: Raw fuel in the catalytic converter is highly flammable. The excessive heat generated from the unburnt fuel can cause the converter to overheat, potentially melting it internally or even causing a fire.
Do not attempt to diagnose or fix this yourself. This is a serious issue that could lead to significant damage and potential safety hazards. Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic immediately for proper diagnosis and repair. Continuing to drive with this problem could cause extensive and costly damage to your vehicle.
