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 HO2S 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 greater, 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.

SAFEGUARDS
1. Always disconnect battery ground cable before servicing or replacing electronic engine controls.
2. Follow diagnostic procedures as outlined.
3. Disconnect electronic engine controls from wire harness before measuring for continuity-resistance or energizing by using a 12-volt source.
4. Never measure voltage or resistance directly at the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).