Attachment III - B: Overview
Catalyst/Exhaust Manifold Assembly Replacement And Three-Way (Underbody) Catalytic Converter Inspection/ReplacementAffected Vehicles
Certain 1995 and 1996 Contour and Mystique cars, equipped with 2.5L engines and built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant from start of 1995 production through March 10, 1996, and Cuautitlan Assembly Plant from start of production through March 13, 1996.
Service Part Number: F6RZ-9K494-BC Kit "B"
Usage: 1995 Models With Automatic Transmissions
Removal/Inspection
Three-way catalytic converter must be inspected for blockage. If blockage exceeds the inspection limit shown below, the three-way catalytic converter must be replaced.
1. Install memory saver, then disconnect battery negative cable.
2. From engine compartment, perform the following:
^ Disconnect idle air control vacuum hose.
^ Disconnect idle air control electrical connector.
^ Disconnect EGR tube from the EGR valve.
^ Disconnect electrical connectors from both oxygen sensors. One oxygen sensor is located in each catalyst/exhaust manifold.
3. Raise and support vehicle.
4. Disconnect flex-pipe hanger from the underbody.
5. Remove three-way catalytic converter retaining nuts from muffler inlet and flex-pipe inlet from Y-pipe, then remove three-way catalytic converter/flex-pipe from the vehicle and set it aside for re-installation later.
6. Inspect three-way catalytic converter as follows:
^ Looking through the three-way catalytic converter inlet, inspect substrate for blockage. See Figure 1. If total surface of substrate is 10 percent or more blocked (2 square inches of blockage), the three-way catalytic converter must be replaced.
^ Blockage may not necessarily be located in one spot as illustration shows. The blockage may be spread out across the entire substrate and it may be necessary to make an estimate of blockages on the total substrate surface.
7. Remove Y-pipe-to-both catalyst/exhaust manifold retaining nuts.
8. Remove Y-pipe bracket retaining nut, then remove the Y-pipe from the vehicle.
9. Remove right wheelwell splash shield.
10. Remove right driveshaft bearing support shield retaining nuts, then the shield.
11. Remove right driveshaft bearing support bracket retaining bolts from the engine block. Disengage the bracket from the engine block only.
12. Disconnect alternator electrical wiring.
13. Remove the serpentine drive belt from the alternator pulley.
14. Remove the alternator rear bracket retaining bolt.
15. Remove the alternator mounting bolts, then position the alternator away from the catalyst/exhaust manifold.
16. Remove the oxygen sensor from the rear (right) catalyst/exhaust manifold.
17. Disconnect and discard both Differential Pressure Feedback EGR (DPFE) hoses.
18. Remove the EGR tube from the rear (right) catalyst/exhaust manifold.
NOTE:
The exhaust manifold is attached to the engine with studs and nuts. When removing the nuts, some studs will unscrew from the head.
19. Remove the retaining nuts from the rear (right) catalyst/exhaust manifold.
20. Remove the rear (right) catalyst/exhaust manifold from the vehicle.
21. Remove exhaust manifold gasket.
22. Remove air deflector from under the front bumper.
NOTE:
The exhaust manifold is attached to the engine with the studs and nuts. When removing the nuts, some studs will unscrew from the head.
23. Remove the retaining nuts from the front (left) catalyst/exhaust manifold.
24. Remove the front (left) catalyst/exhaust manifold from the vehicle.
25. Remove exhaust manifold gasket.
Removed Catalysts
Removed catalysts must be returned. An FPS-700 Parts Disposition Tag will be issued to recall the removed
catalysts. Return of removed catalysts with the FPS-700 tag attached must be shipped prepaid freight via
United Parcel Service (UPS) to the address on the reverse side of the tag.
Refer to the part return shipping procedure in Section 7.0 of the Warranty and Policy manual.
ANY QUESTIONS ON THE HANDLING OF SPECIAL SITUATIONS REGARDING REMOVED CATALYSTS SHOULD BE RESOLVED WITH YOUR SERVICE ZONE MANAGER.