Exhaust System

The best protection against carbon monoxide entering the vehicle body is proper maintenance of the engine exhaust system.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or when the underbody or rear of the vehicle is damaged, have an authorized service technician inspect the entire exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or incorrectly positioned parts. Open seams or loose connections could allow exhaust fumes to enter the passenger compartment.

In addition, inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change. Replace as necessary.

• Exhaust gas can injure or kill. It contains Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Breathing it can cause you to lose consciousness and eventually poison you.
• A hot exhaust system can cause a fire if you park over materials that can burn. Such materials may include grass or leaves contacting your exhaust system. Do not park or drive the vehicle in areas where the exhaust system may contact anything that can burn.

• The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an emission control device and can seriously reduce engine power and cause severe engine damage.
• Catalytic converter damage can occur if your vehicle is not maintained in proper operating condition. If the engine misfires or shows other obvious loss of performance, have the vehicle serviced promptly. Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe malfunction may cause the converter to overheat, which can damage the converter and the vehicle.

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter requires no maintenance. However, it is important to keep the engine properly tuned to ensure correct catalytic converter operation and to prevent possible converter damage.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emission control systems may result in civil penalties being assessed against you.

In rare situations involving a severe engine malfunction, a smell may indicate a serious and abnormal overheating of the catalytic converter. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool. Service, including adjustment to manufacturer's specifications, must be obtained immediately.

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:

• Do not turn off the engine or switch off the ignition when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is moving.
• Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle.
• Do not run the engine at idle with spark plug wires disconnected or removed, for example during diagnostic testing, or for extended periods under very severe idle conditions or with incorrect operation.

NOTE:

The exhaust system of this vehicle may be equipped with an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system. If the exhaust system is replaced with a non-original equipment part, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.