Vehicle Damage Warnings

PRECAUTIONS
- When servicing exhaust system or removing exhaust components, disconnect all Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) at the wiring connectors to prevent damage to the heated oxygen sensors and wiring harness.

- Leaded fuel must NOT be used in a vehicle fitted with a three way catalytic converter - the lead will poison the catalyst.

CONDITIONS THAT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE
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.

The addition of lead to the converter can also solidify the catalyst, causing:
- excessive back pressure in the exhaust system.
- possible engine damage.

Extremely high temperatures of 1100°C (2012°F) or over, due to misfiring or over-rich fuel/air mixture, will cause the ceramic base to sinter or burn, destroying the converter.

The three way catalytic converters have been designed to provide a long service life. No maintenance is necessary for the three way catalytic converters. However, the following conditions must be avoided.
- driving downhill with the gears engaged and the ignition switch OFF
- driving with misfiring engine
- running the engine continuously with a misfiring spark plug. When idling is unstable or when the engine lacks power, refer to Powertrain Management / System Diagnosis.
- 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 three way catalytic converter and muffler.