Does Your Ford Need a New Catalytic Converter?

March 17, 2023 · 3 min read

2020 Ford Explorer in Rochester, MN | Car Dealership in Rochester, MN

Your catalytic converter changes dangerous chemicals produced by combustion into safer, non-toxic ones. This conversion helps to reduce pollution. Converters, on average, last for ten years. When your converter shows signs of wear, it's time for a replacement, and your Ford dealer can fit it for you. These are a few signs that your converter is failing.

Signs You Need a New Catalytic Converter From Your Ford Dealer

Rattling Noises

The interior of your converter is a honeycomb structure. This provides a large surface area for conversion. Once inside the converter, the gases move from section to section where the combination of heat, pressure, and chemical reactions changes them. The newly created chemicals then move to the exhaust system where they're removed from your car.

Rattling noises underneath your car could be a sign that your converter is failing. If your converter has suffered damage, parts of the honeycomb can break off. These broken pieces weaken the structure and can lead to further damage. These noises you're hearing could be made by broken pieces of the converter moving around as you drive. We can't repair a broken honeycomb, but we can replace your converter.

Your Engine Dies Almost Instantly

Sometimes your converter might not be damaged, it's just become blocked. A blocked converter can cause your engine to die in seconds. This happens as the blockage in the converter prevents the exhaust gases from leaving. When you start your engine, combustion begins, and this produces gases. These gases can't escape via the exhaust, so they flow back into your engine.

These gases increase the amount of fuel and decrease the air in your engine. The lack of air will cause your spark plugs to misfire, and your engine will shut down almost immediately. Our technicians will examine your converter and remove that blockage. Once exhaust gas can freely leave your engine, this problem will disappear.

Sulfur Smell

If you smell the rotten-egg odor of sulfur, you could have a converter problem. The sulfur smell is produced by hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous chemical byproduct of combustion. It's also one of the chemicals that a working converter should convert. Its presence means something has gone wrong with your converter.

Another clue that your converter has a problem is your exhaust smoke will change from thin white smoke to thicker black smoke. This change is due to the converter failing to remove the toxic chemicals before they exit your car. Our technicians will examine the converter, and we can repair or replace it depending on the problem.

If your converter is showing signs of trouble, call our service department right away at Rochester Ford. Our highly-trained technicians will fix the problem, and your converter will be working again in no time.

Posted in:

Mar 13, 2024 in Activities Rochester MN

A Buyer's Guide to the 2023 Ford Expedition

Luxurious inside and out and with strong engine performance alongside four-wheel-drive capabilities, the 2023 Ford Expedition is a stylish SUV that's ideal for all occasions. more A Buyer's Guide to the 2023 Ford Expedition at Your Ford Dealership Power Meets Versatility With a twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 400 horsepower under its hood, the 2023 Expedition is ready to tackle both highways and off-road trails with stunning performance. If you should need more muscle, there's also a high-output variant of this engine available that delivers 440 horses, and towing campers or heavy trailers is made simple with the 9,300-pound maximum towing capacity. An Intelligent 4WD system comes standard, allowing you to take on snow, dirt, mud, sand, and other demanding terrains without having to do anything, as it automatically adapts to its surroundings. This is offered in addition to the seven-mode Terrain Management System, which lets you optimize the vehicle's engine output, handling, and traction with the push of a button as you're encountering different terrains. A Tech-Integrated Cabin You have your choice between both two- and three-row designs with this edition, and seating options include heated second-row seats, both heating and ventilation settings for those in the front row, and a 60/40 rear bench seat that quickly folds down in different configurations to accommodate cargo. Securing items in the back is easy with the Cargo Management System, and the tri-zone temperature control system allows you to split the cabin into three separate climate zones. Sophisticated technology is offered as well, including SYNC 4A, an infotainment system on a 15.5-inch color touchscreen display. Passengers in the back can join in on the fun with their own screens with the Dual-Headrest Rear Seat Entertainment System, and the Wi-Fi hotspot lets every passenger connect to it with laptops, smartphones, and other personal devices. Smart Driver Assistance Making safety a priority, this edition has been designed with some of the most advanced driver-assist features available today, including the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which watches over the hidden areas on both sides of the vehicle and behind you to warn when other vehicles are approaching. There's also Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, two systems that help you avoid other vehicles in your path when you're approaching them too quickly. Lane-Keeping System is also helpful, as it uses subtle steering wheel vibrations to get your attention if you're starting to unintentionally stray from your lane into others. Thanks to its spacious, opulent cabin, impressive technology, and reliable performance across different terrains, the 2023 Expedition provides everything needed to enhance journeys, whether you're using it for everyday commutes or adventurous road trips. Come test-drive this versatile SUV by contacting us today at Rochester Ford.

Feb 02, 2024 in Activities Rochester MN

5 Key Features of the 2023 Ford Explorer

Making its way through off-road trails without breaking a sweat and cruising city streets with head-turning style, luxury comforts, and excellent handling, the 2023 Ford Explorer is well known for its versatility. Now available at your local Ford dealer, this edition has a lot to admire and offers the following five impressive features that have helped make it one of the most popular SUVs on today's roads. more 5 Key Features of the 2023 Ford Explorer at Your Ford Dealer 1. Fuel-Efficient Performance The 2023 edition's three engine options offer something for everyone, and while the strongest engine, a 3.0-liter V6, produces 400 horses, it's the 3.3-liter hybrid V6 that has received the most attention. Along with its impressive 318-horsepower output, this engine provides outstanding fuel efficiency, allowing the vehicle to get an estimated 28 MPG on highways and 27 MPG in cities. 2. An All-in-One Tech Center Inside this edition's cabin, advanced technology takes center stage, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system is a clear highlight among the many features offered. Along with a wide array of entertainment options, from SiriusXM radio access to apps and multimedia playback, this innovative system also provides audible turn-by-turn navigation assistance and hands-free calling, allowing you to safely keep your eyes on the road while using many of its functions. 3. An Adaptive Cruise Control Cruise controls can be a great way to reduce driving fatigue on long-distance journeys, but the Explorer's takes things up a notch by adjusting to the flow of traffic. Adaptive Cruise Control is a feature that can adapt the vehicle's speed to keep you a safe distance away from vehicles in front of you as they're slowing down, and when they pick up speed again, this system can control acceleration to bring you back to your preferred cruising speed. 4. First-Class Seating Options All of the many seating options offered with this SUV are impressive as well, with a convenient 60/40 rear seat that folds down to make more space, and diamond-perforated leather seats available for both rows. Along with both ventilation and heating settings, the front-row multicontour seats offer Active Motion massage, a feature that provides both upper and lower back massage settings, while a heating setting is also available for the rear seats. 5. A Multimode Traction System The available Intelligent 4WD system can be ideal for anyone who wants to venture off-road while letting the vehicle automatically adapt to its surroundings, but for those who prefer to have more control, there's also the Terrain Management System. With multiple modes to choose from, such as Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, and Slippery, you can quickly optimize the vehicle for different terrains at any time, and it also offers Eco, Sport, and Tow/Haul modes for other scenarios. Impressively versatile and with all the sophisticated tech and comfort features one needs to enhance journeys, the 2023 Explorer is a cut above the rest when comparing it to other SUVs. Contact us today at Rochester Ford to see everything else this edition has to offer.

Apr 08, 2022 in Activities Rochester MN

The Top 5 Local Attractions for Visitors to Rochester, MN

There's no shortage of fun things to do in Rochester, whether you're a local or just visiting! There's something for everyone between the many parks and attractions, from outdoor adventurers and history buffs to sports fans and theatergoers. If you need a bit more convincing, here are the top five local attractions for visitors to Rochester, MN. more The Top 5 Local Attractions for Visitors to Rochester, MN Rochester Arts Center The Rochester Arts Center features works by local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. There are classes in drawing, painting, photography, and art-related workshops and events. The Rochester Art Center opened in 1957. The building has more than 6,000 square feet of gallery space. It also houses a classroom, a gift shop, and studios for art classes. Children's Museum of Rochester The Children's Museum of Rochester is located in downtown Rochester, MN. It is not only a great place for kids to play, but it is also an educational museum where kids can learn about art and science. It has multiple exhibits that expose children to different cultures around the world. It has classes and workshops on astronomy, science experiments, and arts and crafts. There are tons of fun activities for all ages at the museum! Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park is a popular local attraction. With plenty of activities to keep the family occupied all day long, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Rochester, Minnesota. The park's most popular activity is its fishing derby. Held every year on the first Saturday in May, this derby gives anglers the chance to win cash and prizes. The park will be stocked with more than 15,000 fish in the weeks preceding the derby, giving everyone who enters a good chance of catching something great. Plummer House The Plummer House is a historic home in Rochester built-in 1891. It's open to the public and offers guided tours. The home has been beautifully preserved, and visitors can learn about life in Rochester in the late 1800s. The Plummer House has a rich history. The original owner, Dr. Charles H. Plummer, was an important local figure who served as a trustee of the hospital now known as Mayo Clinic. He and his family lived in this house until 1945 when they sold it to another doctor at Mayo Clinic. Mayowood Mansion It was built in 1911 as a wedding present to Charles W. Mayo from his father, William Worrall Mayo. Charles was one of the founders of the Mayo Clinic. The house is a three-story home with nearly 30 rooms and sits on 2,400 acres. Inside you will find rare woodworking, stained glass, and crystal chandeliers. The house was also the first to have electricity and indoor plumbing. The many attractions make Rochester a great destination to check out and please people of all ages. It's always best to travel with a reliable vehicle and see the sights with a knowledgeable guide. Visit us today at Rochester Ford, where we have a masterful selection of new and used vehicles to fit your every need. Come see our unbeatable deals and take a test drive!

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price includes $350 Dealer Documentation Fee. Price excludes tax, tag, title, and registration. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (not in stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.