Vehicle Damage Warnings

CAUTION: When servicing exhaust system or removing exhaust components, disconnect all heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) at the wiring connectors to prevent damage to the heated oxygen sensors and wiring harness.

CAUTION: Leaded fuel must NOT be used in a vehicle fitted with a catalytic converter-the lead will poison the catalyst.

The following precautions must be observed when operating a vehicle equipped with a three way catalytic converter.

If a vehicle is continually misfueled:

^ the lead in the fuel will be deposited in the converter and completely blanket the catalyst.

^ lead combines chemically with platinum to poison the catalyst.

^ continuous use of leaded fuels can totally destroy the catalyst and render the converter useless.

This addition of lead to the converter can also solidify the catalyst, causing:

^ excessive back pressure in the exhaust system.

^ possible engine damage.

Extremely high temperatures of 1100° C (2012° F) or over, due to misfiring or over-rich fuel/air mixture, will cause the ceramic base to sinter or burn, destroying the converter.

The catalytic converter has been designed to provide a long service life. No maintenance is necessary for the converter. However, the following conditions must be avoided:

^ Driving downhill with the gears engaged and the ignition switch OFF.

^ Driving with misfiring engine.

^ Do not run the engine continuously with a misfiring spark plug, or when idling is unstable, or when the engine lacks power.

^ Do not start a warm engine by pushing the vehicle. If the engine must be started by pushing the vehicle, wait until the engine has cooled.

^ Do not park or stop the vehicle over combustible material. If the vehicle is parked or stopped over combustible material such as dry grass, the material may be ignited.