Exhaust system
Note: When checking or replacing exhaust system components, ensure adequate clearance from all underbody points to avoid possible floor overheating and possible damage to passenger compartment insulation and trim materials.
Warning! Check the entire exhaust system and adjacent areas of the body and hood for breakage, damage, missing or misplaced parts, broken seams, holes, loose connections or other defects that could allow harmful exhaust fumes to enter the trunk or passenger compartment. Dust or water in the trunk may indicate a problem in one of these areas. Any defects should be corrected immediately.
Muffler
If inspection of the front muffler and pipe assembly reveals holes, loose seams, or other defects, the entire assembly should be replaced. A similar procedure applies to the rear muffler. Heat shields at the front and rear mufflers, as well as at the catalytic converter and connecting pipe, protect the vehicle and the environment from high exhaust system temperatures.
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without reacting itself. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). As the exhaust gas flows through the monolith, reactions occur with the catalytic converter. CO and HC undergo an oxidation reaction with oxygen (O2) in the exhaust gas to form carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor (H2O). NOx undergoes a reduction reaction with CO to form nitrogen (N₂) and CO₂. The catalytic converter is called a three-way converter because it simultaneously converts three components of the exhaust gas (CO, HC and NOx) into harmless natural gases.
The catalytic converter may be damaged or ineffective if: the engine burns excessive amounts of oil or if the exhaust temperature at the catalytic converter is too high (exceeds 840°C).
Note: The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline, otherwise it may fail.
The catalytic material is very sensitive to rich or lean fuel mixtures, which can cause the temperature of the catalytic converter to rise rapidly. The catalytic converter operates normally at approximately 600°C.
The catalytic converter is also sensitive to the use of gasoline containing lead. The use of leaded gasoline can cause the formation of carbon deposits in the catalytic converter, which increases the resistance for exhaust gases and prevents the normal operation of the catalytic converter. This causes an increase in back pressure on the exhaust and an increase in the temperature of the catalytic converter.