Exhaust System Description Gasoline Engines

Notice: When inspecting or replacing exhaust system components, make sure there is adequate clearance from all points on the underbody to prevent overheating of the floor pan and possible damage to the passenger compartment insulation and trim materials.

Inspect the complete exhaust system and the nearby body areas and trunk lid for broken, damaged, missing or mispositioned parts, open seams, holes, loose connections, or other deterioration which could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the trunk or passenger compartment. Dust or water in the trunk may be an indication of a problem in one of these areas. Any defects should be corrected immediately.

The exhaust manifold-to-front exhaust pipe connection is a flex joint.

Aside from the exhaust manifold connection, the exhaust system uses a flange and seal joint design rather than a slip joint coupling design with clamp and U-bolts. The exhaust manifold-to-exhaust pipe connection a flex joint. If holes, open seams, or any deterioration is discovered upon inspection of the front muffler and pipe assembly, the complete assembly should be replaced. The same procedure is applicable to the rear muffler assembly.

Heat shields for the front and rear muffler assembly and the catalytic converter protect the vehicle and the environment from the high temperatures that the exhaust system develops.

Notice: When jacking or lifting the vehicle from the frame side rails, be certain that the lift pads do not contact the catalytic converter. This may damage the converter.

Notice: The catalytic converters require the use of unleaded fuel only. Using leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converters and other emission system components.

The catalytic converters is an emission-control device added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants from the exhaust pipes.

The oxidation catalyst is coated with a catalytic material containing platinum and palladium, which reduces levels of hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust gas. The 3-way catalyst has coatings which contain platinum and rhodium, which additionally lower the levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).