Exhaust System: Description and Operation

Exhaust System Description

Caution: Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.

You might have exhaust coming in if:

* The exhaust system sounds strange or different.
* Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
* Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
* Your vehicle was damaged when driving over high points on the road or over road debris.
* Repairs were not done correctly.
* Your vehicle or the exhaust system has been modified improperly.

If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your vehicle:

* Drive it only with all the windows down to blow out any CO; and
* Have your vehicle fixed immediately.

Notice: When inspecting or replacing exhaust system components, make sure there is adequate clearance from all points on the underbody to prevent overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and trim materials.

Muffler

If holes, open seams or any deterioration is discovered upon inspection of the front muffler and pipe assembly, the complete assembly should be replaced. The same procedure is applicable to the rear muffler assembly.

Heat shields in the front and the rear muffler assembly positions, as well as for the catalytic converter and the connecting pipe, protect the vehicle and the environment from high temperatures the exhaust system develops.

Catalytic Converters

Notice: In order to avoid damage to the catalyst, use unleaded fuel only.

The catalytic converters are emission control devices added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants from the exhaust pipes.

The 3-way catalyst has coatings which contain palladium, platinum and rhodium, which simultaneously lower the levels of HC, CO and NOx.