Regular maintenance is the key to a long and productive life for your Ford. It ensures that worn parts are replaced before they fail and cause additional problems. As your Ford dealership, we'd like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us for maintenance.
Blocked Catalytic Converter
Combustion produces large amounts of toxic chemicals, and the catalytic converter changes them into harmless chemicals and water. It does this using chemical reactions, extreme heat, and crushing pressure. Once the conversion is complete, the now-safe chemicals are forced out of the tailpipe. Carbon is produced as a byproduct of conversion, and over time, it can block the exit from the converter.
A blocked converter forces the gases back into the engine. They raise the pressure inside the engine, which can cause your engine to shut down. A blockage can also cause your engine to fail within seconds of starting, as the exhaust gases can't leave the engine. We fix this problem by clearing the blockage, and the converter will work again.
Starting Problems
Most starting problems are caused by a weak battery that can't supply enough power to crank the engine. They can, however, also be caused by issues like a failing alternator or a damaged starter. In addition, worn wiring can prevent the electrical charge from reaching the starter, or the starter solenoid, which receives the electrical charge from the battery and passes it to the starter, could fail.
If you listen carefully when you hit the start button and hear a tiny click, this means the starter is working but not receiving the electricity it needs. If you don't hear a click, the starter has failed, and your engine can't start until it's repaired or replaced. Our technicians will investigate and fix the cause of the problem.
Rotten Egg Smell
The foul odor of rotten eggs isn't something you expect to smell from your engine compartment. It's caused by a gas called hydrogen sulfide, which can form in the engine if your battery is failing. The battery uses sulfuric acid in chemical reactions that enable it to store electricity as chemical energy. The acid breaks down naturally, releasing hydrogen gas as it does so.
Hydrogen molecules escape the battery and combine with sulfur molecules in the engine to produce hydrogen sulfide. This gas is toxic and corrosive and will corrode the battery terminals. We can clean the corrosion, but it will return as the battery is failing and can't be repaired. Once we install a new battery, the rotten egg smell will disappear.
If you have a problem, our Ford-trained technicians can fix it. Contact us today at Northwoods Ford in Minocqua, WI .
