Vehicle Damage Warnings

FUEL SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

Do not use leaded fuel in a vehicle equipped with a Three Way Catalytic (TWC) converter.

THE TWC IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A LONG SERVICE LIFE. NO MAINTENANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE TWC. AVOID THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

- Driving with a misfiring engine.
- Continuously running the engine with a misfiring spark plug.
- Parking or stopping the vehicle over combustible material such as dry grass.
- The material can be ignited by the high temperatures of the TWC and of the muffler.


DAMAGE TO THE CONVERTER CAUSED BY INCORRECT OPERATING CONDITIONS
- In a vehicle that is continually misfueled, the lead in the fuel will be deposited in the TWC and completely blanket the catalyst. Lead reacts with platinum to "poison" the catalyst. Continuous use of leaded fuel can destroy the catalyst and render the TWC useless.

- The addition of lead to the TWC can also solidify the catalyst, causing excessive back pressure in the exhaust system and possibly causing engine damage.


CONVERTER MELTDOWN
- Extremely high temperatures of 1100°C (2012°F) or above due to misfiring or an over-rich fuel/air mixture will cause the ceramic base to sinter or bum, destroying the TWC.



TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO OXYGEN SENSORS BEFORE CONVERTER REMOVAL
- When servicing the exhaust system or removing exhaust components, disconnect the heated oxygen sensors at the wiring harness to prevent damage to the sensors and harness.