Catalytic Converter: Description and Operation

The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to control hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions through a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction involved is the combining of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide with oxygen to form water and carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter allows a faster chemical reaction to occur, and although it enters into the chemical reaction, remains unchanged and ready to repeat the process.

Two types of catalytic converters are used on these vehicles. Federal Pickup and Trooper II models use an oxidation type catalytic converter, which helps to control hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions as stated above. All others use a three-way catalytic converter, which helps reduce oxides of nitrogen as well as hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide exhaust emissions.