Failure detection system of electrically heated catalytic converter of internal combustion engine

摘要

A system for detecting a failure of an electrically heated catalytic converter installed in an exhaust system of the engine for reducing pollutants from exhaust gases emitted from the engine, the catalytic converter having a heater which is connected with the power source to be supplied with current. A parameter such as electric power consumption indicative of an electric resistance of the heater of the catalytic converter. If the parameter is out of a range defined by reference values, it is determined hat a failure has occurred in the heater of the catalytic converter. In the system, reference values at a specific condition based on a correction coefficient obtained on the ratio between the parameter designed before manufacturing and that measured after manufacturing.