Vehicle Damage Warnings

GENERAL VEHICLE DAMAGE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

CAUTION: Leaded gas must not be used in a vehicle fitted with a Three Way Catalytic (TWC) converter, the lead will poison the catalyst.

THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED WHEN OPERATING A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.


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.

Adding Leaded Fuel Can also Solidify the Catalyst, Causing:

- excessive back pressure in the exhaust system causing 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.

No Maintenance is Necessary for the TWC Converter. However, Avoid the Following Conditions:

- 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.

- When idling is unstable or when the engine lacks power, Refer to the Powertrain Management System Level for Diagnosis by Symptom.

- 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 by the high temperature of the TWC converters and muffler.