Exhaust System: Overview

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: Do not use leaded fuel in a vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter. In a vehicle that is continually misfueled, the lead in the fuel will be deposited in the catalytic converter and completely blanket the catalyst. Lead reacts with platinum to "poison" the catalyst. Continuous use of leaded fuel can destroy the catalyst and render the catalytic converter useless. The addition of lead to the catalytic converter can also solidify the catalyst, causing excessive back pressure in the exhaust system and possibly causing engine damage.

NOTE: Extremely high temperatures of 1, 100°C (2, 012°F) or above due to misfiring or an over-rich fuel/air mixture will cause the ceramic substrate to sinter or burn, destroying the catalytic converter. Do not continue to operate the vehicle if the engine is misfiring, there is a power loss or other unusual operating conditions, such as engine overheating and backfiring.

NOTE: Do not use oil or grease-based lubricants on the isolators. These lubricants may cause deterioration of the rubber. This can lead to separation of the isolator from the exhaust hanger bracket during vehicle operation.

The exhaust system provides an exit for exhaust gases and reduces engine noise by passing exhaust gases through the catalytic converters and a muffler assembly. The catalytic converters also play a major role in reducing air pollutants.

The exhaust system consists of:

a LH one-piece catalytic converter manifold that is mounted to the LH exhaust manifold.

a RH one-piece catalytic converter manifold that is mounted to the RH exhaust manifold.

a muffler and tailpipe assembly with isolators.

exhaust tailpipe actuators are mounted on the LH and RH mufflers.

The catalytic converter plays a major role in the emission control system by operating as a gas reactor. Its function is to speed the heat-producing chemical reaction of components in the exhaust gases in order to reduce air pollutants.

The catalyst material inside the catalytic converter consists of a ceramic substrate.

The catalytic converter is designed to provide a long life. No maintenance is necessary.

The muffler and tailpipe actuator valves allow for less restriction/less sound attenuation under sporty conditions but still meet pass-by noise requirements and provide more sound attenuation under valve closed conditions like highway cruise or low speed/low load conditions around town.

Sound insulators and shields, attached to the underbody and exhaust system protect the vehicle from exhaust system heat and should be inspected at regular intervals to make sure they are not dented or out of position.

Some exhaust fasteners must be discarded and new ones installed as indicated in the procedures. Discard any damaged or heavily corroded fasteners and install new ones as necessary. Some exhaust fasteners are of a prevailing torque design. Use only new fasteners with the same part number as the original. Tighten the fasteners to the specified torque during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of exhaust components.