For 1990-2009 cars

### General Description

Notice: In order to prevent overheating of the floor panel or damage to the passenger compartment, insulation, and trim materials, check the underbody for adequate clearance when inspecting or replacing the exhaust system components.

Check the complete exhaust system, nearby body areas, and the rear compartment lid for the following conditions:

• | Broken or damaged parts

• | Misaligned or missing parts

• | Open seams

• | Holes

• | Loose connections

• | Other deterioration which could permit exhaust fumes to seep into the rear compartment or the passenger compartment.

| Dust or water in the rear compartment may indicate a problem in one of these areas.

Correct any faulty areas immediately.

Periodic maintenance of the exhaust system is not required. If the vehicle is raised for other service, check the condition of the complete exhaust system.

### Muffler

The muffler, the exhaust pipe, the resonator and the tail pipe are serviced as one assembly.

### Hangers

Various types of hangers are used to support the exhaust system(s):

• | Exhaust pipe hangers

• | Exhaust hanger brackets

• | Exhaust hanger insulators

Improperly installed exhaust system components can cause annoying vibrations which are difficult to diagnose.

### Clamps

Two types of clamps are used for connecting exhaust system slip joints:

• | Saddle/U-bolt

• | Single nut compression

Coat the slip joint with exhaust system sealer before assembly.

### Welded Connections

Cut a welded section when servicing it.

When installing replacement parts, clamp the new connection.

Coat the slip joints with exhaust system sealer before assembly.

### Three-Way Catalytic Converter

Important: The three-way catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel only.

The three-way catalytic converter is an emission control device added to the exhaust system in order to reduce pollutants from the exhaust gas stream.

### Diagnosis

#### Noise

Rattles and noise vibrations in the exhaust system may be caused by misalignment of parts. Use the following procedure when aligning the system:

1. Leave all of the bolts or nuts loose.
2. Properly align the parts.
3. Tighten all of the bolts or nuts, working from the front of the vehicle to the rear.

#### Performance

Complaints in engine performance may indicate exhaust system performance complaints (such as excessive back pressure). However, other faulty vehicle components (such as emission control devices) have similar effects on engine performance and may be characterized by the same symptoms or complaints. Refer to Symptoms in Engine Controls -- 3.4L.

### On-Vehicle Service

Two individual components of the single exhaust system can be serviced:

• | The three-way catalytic converter

• | The exhaust pipe, the muffler, the resonator, and the tail pipe.