Ford F-150 Catalytic Converter Failure Symptoms & Solutions


Whether you own a Ford F-150 or any other modern truck or car, your catalytic converter is as integral to your vehicle’s emissions control system as your Duralast battery is to your engine. It stops toxic carbon dioxide gases from entering the air and protects humans and other living organisms from contamination. In many states, it’s against the law to remove your catalytic converter and operate your vehicle without it. Most converters last as long as the vehicle, but failure is always a risk you take as a vehicle owner. Here’s a quick look at four failure symptoms and their solutions.

Your Truck’s Check Engine Light Is On

While your dashboard’s check engine light can alert you and your mechanic to many issues, it will illuminate if your catalytic converter is improperly processing the exhaust gases. To determine if the catalytic converter is the cause, use a diagnostic scan tool. If the issue turns out to be the catalytic converter, work with your mechanic to determine if they can fix or replace it. While replacing a converter will take your mechanic a little more time and effort than installing a replacement car battery, for example, a new system will help you avoid the following symptoms and their associated costs!

Your Truck Won’t Accelerate When You Step on the Gas

A lack of engine power when you step on the gas pedal can indicate a catalytic converter issue. Oftentimes, a buildup of carbon within the converter is the culprit. In most cases, you or your mechanic can solve the problem by using a catalytic converter cleaner. Similarly, if the honeycomb interior melts due to high temperatures, the debris may also cause a clog. Again, you can usually solve this by using a cleaner.

Your Truck’s Fuel Economy Drops

Clogged or bad catalytic converters mean reduced airflow through your exhaust system, which can cause your truck to burn more fuel. When this happens, you’re likely to step on the gas more often and burn even more fuel. If your truck won’t accelerate when you step on the gas, then it’s likely that the catalytic converter is to blame. First, check with your mechanic to see if your converter needs cleaning. If not, it may be that your converter needs replacing.

Your Truck Fails an Emissions Test

Most states require vehicles to undergo emissions testing every few years. If your truck fails an emissions test, it’s polluting the atmosphere with toxic gases. While a clogged catalytic converter could be the problem, in most cases a bad system is to blame. Consult with your mechanic to see if you need to replace the catalytic converter.

Browse Ford F-150 Catalytic Converters

If you’ve been experiencing any or all of these catalytic converter failure symptoms, it might be time for an upgrade to your beloved truck. Browse the best Ford F-150 catalytic converters on the market on auto retailers’ websites today. You’ll find an abundance of choice, prices that suit your budget, and thousands of other parts and accessories such as a Duralast battery.