what are symptoms of catalytic converter failure

Asked by condorhangars Oct 04, 2016 at 09:16 PM about the 2002 Buick LeSabre Custom Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I apply the brakes, the car interior smells like a burnt candle! It doesn't do it every time, but it is happening more often. I wondered if this could be the catalytic converter going out or something with the exhaust system.

3 Answers

3,215

If it happens when you apply brakes than it's not related to the CC in any way. Symptoms: Oxygen sensor code coming up more often- Car rugs rough- CC would get hot and sometimes cherry red. Please click on "Mark helpful" if you're happy with the respond. Good luck :-)

4 people found this helpful.
3,215

Check for leak on your wheel bearing! bad grease would leak on hot brake system (this is dangers! address as soon as possible). Please click on "Mark helpful" if you're happy with the respond. Good luck :-)

1 people found this helpful.
101,575

While I agree you should look over your brakes for source of burning smell, it still could be a bad CC. They give off more of a rotten egg smell though, and when you slow or stop, the fumes can waft into the car instead of being left behind. You can test for a bad CC; http://www.aa1car.com/library/converter.htm

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

LeSabre

Looking for a Used LeSabre in your area?

CarGurus has 168 nationwide LeSabre listings starting at $1,895.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2002 Buick LeSabre

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    4,040
  • #2
    txbarney
    Reputation
    3,170
  • #3
    joes098
    Reputation
    2,700
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick Park Avenue
44 listings starting at $3,990
Used Buick Regal
51 Great Deals out of 683 listings starting at $550
Used Ford Crown Victoria
12 Great Deals out of 155 listings starting at $1,000
Used Honda Accord
1,513 Great Deals out of 29,433 listings starting at $600
Used Lincoln Town Car
23 Great Deals out of 391 listings starting at $1,899
Used Mercury Grand Marquis
11 Great Deals out of 295 listings starting at $1,399
Used Buick Century
77 listings starting at $800
Used Toyota Camry
2,091 Great Deals out of 37,807 listings starting at $575
Used Honda Civic
1,371 Great Deals out of 29,067 listings starting at $600
Used Toyota Avalon
196 Great Deals out of 2,040 listings starting at $725
Used Lexus LS
111 Great Deals out of 1,734 listings starting at $3,300
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,193 Great Deals out of 131,957 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Impala
261 Great Deals out of 3,935 listings starting at $795

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.