The combustion reaction caused by the catalyst
releases additional heat in the exhaust system, caus-
ing temperature increases in the area of the reactor
under severe operating conditions. Such conditions
can exist when the engine misfires or otherwise does
not operate at peak efficiency.Do notremove spark
plug wires from plugs or by any other means short
out cylinders, if exhaust system is equipped with a
catalytic converter. Failure of the catalytic converter
can occur due to temperature increases caused by
unburned fuel passing through the converter. This
deterioration of the catalyst core can result in exces-
sively high emission levels, noise complaints, and
exhaust restrictions.
Unleaded gasoline must be used to avoid ruining
the catalyst core. Do not allow engine to operate
above 1200 RPM in neutral for extended periods over
5 minutes. This condition may result in excessive
exhaust system/floor pan temperatures because of no
air movement under the vehicle.
The flex joint allows flexing as the engine moves,
preventing breakage that could occur from the back-
and-forth motion of a transverse mounted engine.
CAUTION: Due to exterior physical similarities of
some catalytic converters with pipe assemblies,
extreme care should be taken with replacement
parts. There are internal converter differences
required in some parts of the country (particularly
vehicles built for States with strict emission
requirements) and between model years.
REMOVAL
(1) Loosen clamp and disconnect the muffler/reso-
nator assembly from catalytic converter pipe.
(2) Disconnect downstream oxygen sensor electri-
cal connector (Fig. 4). For removal of downstream
oxygen sensor, (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/O2 SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove catalytic converter to exhaust manifold
attaching fasteners (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove catalytic converter and gasket (Fig. 5).
INSPECTION
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER ATTEMPT TO SERVICE ANY
PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM UNTIL IT IS
COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN
WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC CON-
VERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CONVERTER
RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT PERIOD
OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.Check catalytic converter for a flow restriction.
(Refer to 11 - EXHAUST SYSTEM - DIAGNOSIS
AND TESTING) Exhaust System Restriction Check
for procedure.
Fig. 4 Downstream Oxygen Sensor
1 - OXYGEN SENSOR CONNECTOR
2 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
3 - DOWNSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
4 - ENGINE HARNESS CONNECTOR
Fig. 5 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
1 - FLAG NUT
2 - GASKET
3 - BOLT
4 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-5
CATALYTIC CONVERTER (Continued)
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NOTE: If the rear fascia is to not to be removed for
other service issues use the step below.
(3) Using a trim stick, pry up the rear edge of the
scuff pad to release tabs from the rear bumper fascia
and pull scuff pad to release the forward tabs (Fig.
5).INSTALLATION
(1) Verify that there are fifteen slots in the fascia.
(2) Place scuff pad in position (Fig. 5).
(3) Align and insert the center forward tab.
(4) Align the remaining tabs and press into the
slots, starting in the center and working outboard.
(5) Assure all tabs are fully engaged into the fas-
cia.
(6) If rear bumper fascia has been removed install.
(Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/BUMPERS/
REAR FASCIA - INSTALLATION).
FRAME
SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS
Frame dimensions are listed in metric scale. All
dimensions are from center to center of Principal
Locating Point (PLP), or from center to center of PLP
and fastener location.
VEHICLE PREPARATION
Position the vehicle on a frame alignment rack,
refer to instructions provided with equipment being
used. Adjust the vehicle PLP heights to the specified
dimension above the work surface (datum line). Ver-
tical dimensions can be taken from the datum line to
the locations indicated were applicable.
INDEX
DESCRIPTION FIGURE
CROSSMEMBER DIMENSIONS 6
ENGINE BOX - TOP VIEW 7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FRAME RAIL - SIDE VIEW 8
FULL VEHICLE - BOTTOM VIEW 9
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front Cradle Crossmember to Fram Rail Attaching Bolts (4) 163 120 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M14 (9) 153 113 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M12 (1) 106 78 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M10 (4) 61 45 Ð
Rear Engine Mount to Crossmember Attaching Through Bolt 68 50 Ð
Radiator Support Crossmember Attaching Bolts 51 38 Ð
Fig. 5 SCUFF PAD
1 - SCUFF PAD
2 - TABS
13 - 4 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
REAR FASCIA - SCUFF PAD (Continued)
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Fig. 7 ENGINE BOX - TOP VIEW
13 - 6 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRAME (Continued)
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Fig. 8 ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FRAME RAIL - SIDE VIEW
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-7
FRAME (Continued)
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(4) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disen-
gaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage
to air bag clock spring can result.
(5) Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 10).
(6) Remove steering column coupling from tele-
scoping steering gear shaft.
(7) Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
(8) Position a drain pan under power steering
pump and oil return hose coupling.
(9) Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch
power steering oil return hose off between the cross-
member coupling and the pump.
(10) Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(11) Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
(12) While holding pressure relief valve nut on
back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut
attaching high pressure hose to back of pump.
(13) Remove high pressure hose from pump.
(14) Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
(15) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(16) Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
(17) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of
stabilizer bar.
(18) Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steer-
ing knuckles (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/
LOWER BALL JOINT - REMOVAL).
(19) Remove the rear engine mount heat shield
(Fig. 11).
(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12).
(21) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
(22) Support cradle crossmember on suitable lift-
ing device (Fig. 14).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 13).
(24) Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig.
14).
Fig. 10 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
Fig. 11 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
13 - 10 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 14).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.
(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.
(4) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.
(5) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(6) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 11).
(8) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER BALL
JOINT - INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar.
(10) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(11) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(12) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(13) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(14) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(15) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(16) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(17) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(18) Install steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
INSTALLATION)
(19) Install steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(20) Connect battery negative cable.
Fig. 12 REAR MOUNT
1 - BOLT
2 - REAR MOUNT BRACKET
3 - THROUGH BOLT
4 - REAR MOUNT
Fig. 13 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
1 - CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
2 - BRAKE HOSE MOUNT
3 - STEERING TIE ROD
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - FRAME RAIL
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-11
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
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FRONT CROSSMEMBER
MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails.
(2) Loosen bolts attaching crossmember to frame
rails.
(3) Remove bolt on bushing that requires replace-
ment.
(4) Allow cradle crossmember to drop down enough
to gain clearance for bushing removal.
(5) Remove bushing from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply rubber lubrication or soap to replace-
ment bushing.(2) Insert lower half of bushing into square hole in
cradle crossmember.
(3) Place upper half of bushing on top of cross-
member aligned to receive square tube protruding
upward from lower bushing half.
(4) Squeeze bushing halves together to ensure they
are properly mated.
(5) Lift cradle crossmember upward to close gap
between the bushing and frame.
(6) Verify that lower bushing is fully seated into
cradle crossmember and upper bushing.
(7) Install bolt attaching bushing and crossmember
to frame rail hand tight.
(8) Align cradle crossmember to reference marks
on frame rails.
(9) Tighten cradle crossmember to frame rails
attaching bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 14 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
1 - ENGINE OIL PAN
2 - TRANSAXLE
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - LIFT DEVICE
6 - SPINDLE
13 - 12 FRAME & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
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FUEL DELIVERY
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
The front wheel drive car uses a plastic fuel tank
located rear center of the vehicle.
The Fuel Delivery System consists of: the following
items:
²Electric fuel pump module
²Fuel filter
²Tubes/lines/hoses
²Fuel injectors
The in-tank fuel pump module contains the fuel
pump. The pump is serviced as part of the fuel pump
module. Refer to Fuel Pump Module.
The fuel filter is replaceable only as part of the
fuel pump module.
DESCRIPTION - FFV REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
are designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always
be sure that the vehicle is serviced with correct etha-
nol compatible parts.
CAUTION: Replacing fuel system components with
non-ethanol compatible components can damage
your vehicle and may void the warranty.
OPERATION
The fuel system provides fuel pressure by an
in-tank pump module. The PCM controls the opera-
tion of the fuel system by providing battery voltage
to the fuel pump through the fuel pump relay. The
PCM requires only three inputs and a good ground to
operate the fuel pump relay. The three inputs are:
²Ignition voltage
²Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor
²Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FUEL DELIVERY
SYSTEM
(Refer to Appropriate Diagnostic Information)
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FUEL SYSTEM
PRESSURE RELEASE PROCEDURE
(1) Remove Fuel Pump relay from Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC). For location of relay, refer to label
on underside of PDC cover.
(2) Start and run engine until it stalls.(3) Attempt restarting engine until it will no
longer run.
(4) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
(5) Return fuel pump relay to PDC.
(6) One or more Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)
may have been stored in PCM memory due to fuel
pump relay removal. The DRB IIItscan tool must be
used to erase a DTC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - DRAINING FUEL
TANK
Two different procedures may be used to drain fuel
tank (lowering tank or using DRB scan tool).
The quickest draining procedure involves lowering
the fuel tank.
WARNING: RELEASE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
BEFORE SERVICING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
SERVICE VEHICLES IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
AND AVOID IGNITION SOURCES. NEVER SMOKE
WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE.
As an alternative procedure, the electric fuel pump
may be activated allowing tank to be drained at fuel
rail connection. Refer to DRBIIItscan tool for fuel
pump activation procedures. Before disconnecting
fuel line at fuel rail, release fuel pressure. Refer to
the Fuel System Pressure Release Procedure in this
group for procedures. Disconnect the fuel line at the
fuel rail and remove the plastic retainer from the
fuel rail. Take plastic retainer and install it back into
the fuel line from body. Attach end of special test
hose tool number 8978 at fuel line connection from
the body line. Position opposite end of this hose tool
to an approved gasoline draining station. Activate
fuel pump and drain tank until empty. When done
remove the special test hose tool number 8978 from
the body line. Remove the plastic retainer from the
special test hose tool number 8978 and reinstall it
into the fuel line from the body. Install the fuel line
to the fuel rail.
If electric fuel pump is not operating, tank must be
lowered for fuel draining. Refer to following proce-
dures.
(1) Remove fuel filler cap.
(2) Perform the Fuel System Pressure Release pro-
cedure.
(3) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(4) Raise vehicle and support.
(5) Certain models are equipped with a separate
grounding wire (strap) connecting the fuel fill tube
assembly to the body. Disconnect wire by removing
screw.
(6) Open fuel fill door and remove screws mount-
ing fuel filler tube assembly to body. Do not discon-
14 - 2 FUEL DELIVERYRS
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