Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Refer to PROTECTIVE GOGGLES & GLOVE CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

NOTE: When jacking or lifting the vehicle from the frame side rails, be certain lift pads do not contact the three-way catalytic converter as damage to the converter will result.

NOTE: Replacement of exhaust system parts must be OEM standard to ensure that the vehicle operates as designed.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING in General Information.
Remove the transmission support.

Fig 1: Disconnecting LH Pre-Converter Heated Oxygen Sensor (Ho2S) Electrical Connection
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the LH pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connection.
Disconnect the RH pre-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connection.

Fig 2: Disconnecting RH Pre-Converter Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Electrical Connection
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the post-converter heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connection.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Post-Converter Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Electrical Connection
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the muffler to the catalytic converter flange nuts.
Remove the muffler from the catalytic converter.

Fig 4: Removing Muffler To Catalytic Converter Flange Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the catalytic converter to exhaust manifold flange nuts.

Fig 5: Removing Catalytic Converter To Exhaust Manifold Flange Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the catalytic converter from the rubber catalytic converter hanger.
Remove the catalytic converter and gaskets from the vehicle.
Remove the heated oxygen sensors (HO2S) as necessary.

Fig 6: Removing Catalytic Converter From Rubber Catalytic Converter Hanger
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.