Month: July 2021

How to Diagnose a Failing O2 Sensor in a Porsche

Posted on July 21, 2021 by - Porsche Repair

Porsche O2 Sensor

Cars become more reliant on technological advancements versus being entirely mechanical. These advancements in the automotive industry can be quite helpful for your drive and by alerting you to potential issues in your vehicle and aiding in high engine performance.

There are numerous sensors that can help diagnose and prevent failures in the mechanisms of your Porsche. One sensor that can prove vital to maintaining the overall health of your vehicle is the O2 sensor. This sensor is a vital component involved in the combustion process that keeps your engine running happily and reliably.

Combustion isn’t possible without oxygen, so your O2 sensor makes sure your engine has a healthy oxygen-to-fuel ratio. This important sensor also monitors the emissions the engine puts out and makes sure there are no harmful gases entering the environment.

If your vehicle begins to show signs of a failing O2 sensor, this is a severe issue that can negatively affect your engine’s performance and cause other problems if left to damage your components in your Porsche. You must take your vehicle to a trusted technician as soon as possible to get a diagnostic test and proper repair.

There are several symptoms that will indicate a failing O2 sensor in your Porsche. Below we’ve listed the most common signs of a failing O2 sensor:

Illuminated Check Engine Light

Modern vehicles are very good at giving you a heads up when there’s trouble under the hood. A failing O2 sensor will often trigger the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard of your car. When this indicator lights up or any other dashboard indicator, you should have your vehicle serviced by a qualified technician. Never drive a vehicle for long after the check engine light illuminates without ensuring your engine’s health to ensure the longevity of your Porsche.

Increased Exhaust Emissions

One of the functions of the O2 sensor is to monitor your car’s emissions. When an O2 sensor starts to malfunction, it may affect the amount of exhaust produced by your vehicle. You may notice increased emissions from your Porsche’s exhaust when idling. There may even be a noticeable bad smell while driving. While this might seem like a purely cosmetic concern, an increase in exhaust emissions indicates a severe problem with your engine and it should be checked out by a Porsche expert.

Irregular Engine Sounds

When your engine fails to function as intended, your car’s overall health and performance may suffer. You may be able to notice this kind of issue by listening to the sounds produced by your vehicle’s engine. If you begin to hear abnormal sounds from your Porsche, this is a clear sign that you should bring your vehicle to a qualified automotive technician.

Poor Vehicle Performance

Intricately-designed vehicles like your Porsche run well because of all the parts working together in sync. So when one part fails to perform its function, the whole system begins to struggle. An O2 sensor that fails to function may also be unable to maintain the correct oxygen/fuel ratio. This ratio is necessary for the combustion process.

A disruption to the air-to-fuel ratio may cause your engine to perform suboptimally. It goes without saying that poor engine performance causes your vehicle to struggle in its overall performance.

If you notice your vehicle struggling to accelerate at its regular rate, it could be a sign of a failing O2 sensor. If your Porsche is in any way deviating from its usual performance, bring it into a trusted automotive shop for a diagnostic test. You know how your Porsche is supposed to perform. Trust your instincts and have it checked out if you suspect a problem.

Find Skilled, Honest Help At Carotech Automotive

Regardless of what problems your Porsche O2 Sensor Inspection vehicle might have, our ASE-certified technicians can find solutions for you. Rest assured that at Carotech Automotive, your Porsche will be in skilled and qualified hands.

We have proudly serviced cars all over the Los Angeles, CA area for over 50 years. We are eager to help you with your Porsche’s problems, too. Bring your vehicle in for service today and allow us to prove what makes us the #1 trusted garage for Imports in the L.A. area.

The Best Auto Repair Shop in Los Angeles to Replace a Catalytic Converter in an Audi

Posted on July 5, 2021 by - Audi Repair

Audi Used Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is a critical aspect of the exhaust system in your Audi. Shaped similar to the muffler, the catalytic converter features a ceramic honeycomb that is made up of elements that can clean exhaust gases that would alternatively be expelled from the exhaust system. It’s typical for Audi vehicles to have two to four of these devices.

Catalytic converters function to get rid of toxic gas from your Audi’s exhaust. They are divided into three sections called beds. Each bed performs a certain function to clean the exhaust coming from out of your car.

The first section is the reduction bed. It is covered in rhodium and reduces nitrous oxide gas to its separated form: the elements of oxygen and nitrogen.

The second bed, in the middle of the catalytic converter, is the oxygen storage bed. It is covered in cerium, which functions to maintain the best oxygen levels for use in the last chamber of the converter. It keeps and puts out oxygen that is separated from nitrogen in the first bed.

The last chamber is called the oxidizing bed. It is coated with palladium and platinum. Combustion of any leftover CO2 is completed in this bed. Oxygen is also used in this bed to burn off any remaining hydrocarbons in your Audi’s exhaust gas.

Causes Of Catalytic Converter Failure

There are a couple of typical causes of catalytic converter failure, mostly relating to other parts of the engine, as the part usually doesn’t malfunction by itself. If the engine overheats due to coolant leaks or other problems, the internal parts of the convertor can melt and thus clog the passage of gas. Aside from overheating or a problem with the engine, the only remaining cause of catalytic converter failure is significant damage caused by accidents or other impacts on your Audi.

Causes of Overheating in the Engine

Because overheating is essentially the only reason a catalytic converter can fail, let’s go over some causes of an overheated engine. Catalytic converters overheat and melt if there is an engine problem resulting in too much gas being put into the exhaust system. Typical problems with the engine that can result in this problem are:

  • fuel injector leaks
  • spark plug corrosion
  • air leak in the intake manifold
  • bad ignition timing or coil
  • failed oxygen sensor
  • oil or coolant leaks
  • fuel pressure regulator leaks

Symptoms of Catalytic Converter Failure

There are a few symptoms to look out for when suspecting that your catalytic converter has failed.

  • Check engine light: The most apparent symptom of a failed catalytic converter is an illuminated check engine light. Though this can indicate any engine problem, an issue with the catalytic converter is one of the possible options.
  • Failed emissions test: If your catalytic converter isn’t functioning properly, you will have dangerous exhaust coming from your Audi. This will cause you to fail an emissions test and require an inspection.
  • Rotten egg smell in the exhaust: If the exhaust system is not working the way that it should, there will sometimes be an odd smell coming from your exhaust pipe due to unregulated gases.
  • Rattling sound under the car: Sometimes there are broken parts of the honeycomb system that make noise. If you hear a strange rattling sound, it could mean that the honeycomb parts of the catalytic converter are broken.

Carotech Automotive: Your Premier Auto Service Center

Located off of West Pico Boulevard in Audi Catalytic Converter Replacement Los Angeles, California, Carotech Automotive is your area’s premier automotive repair shop. We service any model of Audi along with a variety of other types of vehicles.

At Carotech Automotive, we only use the latest factory-grade tools and equipment. Our team consists of highly-trained mechanics ready to help you get your Audi back up and running as fast and as cost-efficiently as possible.

If you notice any of the above issues with your Audi relating to your catalytic converter or anything else, bring it in to see us. We’ll be more than happy to help you get back on the road quick, with confidence in your Audi. Let us show you why we are the best garage for your Audi’s maintenance and repairs. Call us today.