Why Did your converter Fail?

Here are some common component failures
that can lead to converter damage:
• Intake leak
• Exhaust leak
• Fuel Injector leakage
• Defective front O2 sensor
• Defective Mass Air Flow Meter (MAF)
• Defective Coolant Temperature Sensor
• Defective Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP)

Following are the more common contaminants
that will affect O2 and Converter performance:

• Oil – Bad rings or Valve seals
• Sulfur – found in some low quality gasolines
• Silicone – found in most Gasket sealants unless marked “O2 sensor safe”
• Coolant – damaged head gaskets or Intake plenums

Here are some additional converter failures you may experience

• Broken or rusted out converter body or end tubes.
• Bits of substrate in other sections of the exhaust system. No rattle in a pelletized converter (If the converter doesn't rattle, the pellets may have melted together or fallen out.
• A rattle in a monolithic converter (A rattle in this kind of converter indicates the substrate has separated.)

When the OBD system determines that a problem exists, a corresponding "Diagnostic Trouble Code" is stored in the computer's memory. The computer also illuminates a dashboard light indicating "Service engine Soon" or "Check Engine" or displays an engine symbol. This light, usually yellow in color, serves to inform the driver that a problem has been detected and vehicle service is needed. When the vehicle is delivered to the repair shop, a technician can retrieve the stored diagnostic trouble codes from the computer memory of the vehicle. It is important to note that an illuminated dashboard light, as described here, is intended to inform the driver of the need for service, NOT of the need to stop the vehicle. However, service should be sought as soon as possible. Drivers may also wish to consult a repair shop or their vehicle owner's manual for further guidance.