* Reduced Engine Power: This is often the most prominent symptom. The engine struggles to breathe because the exhaust gases can't escape properly. You'll feel a significant loss of acceleration and overall performance. The car might feel sluggish or hesitant.
* Poor Fuel Economy: Because the engine is working harder, it consumes more fuel to achieve the same results. You'll likely notice a drop in your miles per gallon.
* Engine Misfires: A clogged converter can cause backpressure that leads to engine misfires. This can manifest as rough idling, jerking, or a sputtering engine.
* Exhaust Smell: The exhaust gases might have a stronger, more pungent smell, potentially smelling like rotten eggs (due to sulfur compounds) or a general chemical odor. This is because the catalytic converter is not properly processing the exhaust.
* Check Engine Light: The car's check engine light will almost certainly illuminate. An OBD-II code scanner can pinpoint the problem more precisely.
* Loud Exhaust Noise: In some cases, a severely clogged converter might cause a rattling or rumbling sound from the exhaust system.
It's important to note that some of these symptoms might be caused by other issues, but if several of them appear together, a clogged catalytic converter is a strong suspect. Ignoring the problem can lead to further engine damage, so it's best to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
