Safety Precautions for Vehicles with Catalytic Converter

To prevent damage to the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter, observe the following:

Gasoline Engines

• Always use only unleaded gasoline.
• Do not start a warm engine by towing or pushing the vehicle. Unburned fuel igniting may overheat the catalytic converter and destroy it.
• If the engine is difficult to start, do not crank the starter for an extended period. Identify and correct the cause of the fault.
• Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
• If ignition misfires occur, do not increase engine speed; correct the fault immediately.
• Use only spark plugs approved by the manufacturer.
• Do not check for spark with the spark plug connector disconnected.
• Do not perform cylinder power balance tests by disabling the ignition of any cylinder. When a cylinder is disabled, for example during an engine test, unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter.

Gasoline and Diesel Engines

• Do not park the vehicle over dry grass or leaves. The exhaust system in the area of the catalytic converter becomes very hot and radiates heat that may cause a fire.
• Do not coat the catalytic converter with underbody corrosion protection.
• Do not modify or remove the exhaust system heat shield.
• When filling the engine with oil, make sure the level never exceeds the Maximum mark on the dipstick. Due to incomplete combustion, excess oil may enter the catalytic converter and damage or completely destroy the precious metals.