Note. To avoid voiding your warranty on emission control system components, have the catalytic converter inspected and serviced at an auto repair shop.
General information
The catalytic converter is a component of exhaust gas toxicity reduction systems, is included in the exhaust system and serves to reduce the emission of toxic components into the atmosphere. The vehicles covered in this manual use two types of catalytic converters. A conventional oxidizing converter can reduce the content of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases. Tri-functional catalytic converter further reduces nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx).
Examination
1. Diagnostic equipment for checking the health of the catalytic converter is expensive and extremely difficult to operate. If you suspect a converter failure, drive the vehicle to a workshop for inspection.
2. Whenever the vehicle is lifted off the ground for any reason, inspect the transducer for signs of mechanical damage, signs of leakage, and corrosion. Check the condition of the welds and the tightness of the flange bolts securing the device to the sections of the exhaust system. A defective catalytic converter must be replaced.
3. Despite the reliability of the design of the converter, there is a fairly high probability of blockage. The simplest way to check the patency of the transducer is to check using a vacuum gauge:
- a) Connect a vacuum gauge to the intake manifold vacuum source (see part General engine overhaul Head Engine);
- b) Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature, move the selector lever to the "R" (models with AT), or shift into neutral (models with manual transmission) and cock the parking brake;
- c) Read the vacuum gauge readings at idle engine speed;
- d) Open the throttle by raising the engine speed to 2000 rpm;
- e) Quickly release the throttle and read the vacuum gauge;
- f) Repeat the described check three more times, each time recording the result;
- g) If the result of the fourth measurement is more than 2.5 mm Hg. Art. lower than the reading taken at idle, therefore, there is a possibility of a violation of the patency of the converter, or the exhaust pipe.
Component Replacement
see chapter Power and exhaust systems (Exhaust system maintenance section).