Catalytic Converter
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The catalytic converter contains a catalyst in the form of a specially treated ceramic honeycomb structure saturated with catalytically active precious metals. The purpose of the catalytic converter is to assist in controlling the concentration of exhaust gas products released into the atmosphere. The catalyst material remains unchanged when it initiates and speeds up the heat producing chemical reactions of the exhaust gases. As exhaust gases come in contact with the catalyst they are changed into mostly harmless products. Also, the catalyst enables the chemical reaction of the exhaust gases to occur at a lower temperature.