GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Notice: If there is any mis-positioning, incorrect installation, or failure of components in the brake system pipes, hoses, or wheel cylinders, check for brake damage. The exhaust system components must have adequate clearance from the floor pan to avoid overheating of the floor pan, damage to the passenger compartment carpets and damage to items in the luggage compartments.

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.

Muffler

The exhaust system uses a flange and gasket-sealing design rather than a slip joint coupling design with clamp and U-bolts. 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.

Catalytic Converter

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 converter is an emission-control device added to the exhaust system to reduce pollutants fro the exhaust gas.

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 three-way catalyst has coatings which contain platinum and rhodium, which additionally lower the levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Third Muffler

Third muffler is used in place of the catalytic converter for those vehicles using leaded fuel to replace exhaust noise.