4-68 On the Road
Catalytic Converters
A few precautions on the use of vehicles
fitted with catalytic converters are
necessary. These are:
1. In order to maintain the efficiency of the emission control system it is
essential that unleaded fuel is used.
Use of leaded fuel will seriously
damage the catalytic converters.
2. Heavy impact on the converter casings must be avoided.
3. The engine settings must not be altered; they have been established to
ensure that the vehicle will comply
with stringent exhaust emission
regulations. Incorrect engine settings
could cause unusually high catalytic
converter temperatures and thus
result in damage to the converter and
vehicle. If adjustment to the settings is
considered necessary, this should be
performed by a Jaguar Retailer. 4. A correctly tuned engine optimises
exhaust emissions, performance and
fuel economy and it is recommended
that the vehicle is regularly
maintained.
5. Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any engine malfunction is evident;
malfunctions should be rectified
immediately. For instance, misfire,
loss of engine performance, excessive
oil consumption or engine run-on may
lead to unusually high catalytic
converter temperatures and may
result in damage to the converters and
vehicle.
6. The use of catalytic converters increases exhaust system
temperatures, therefore, do not
operate or park the vehicle in areas
where combustible materials such as
dry grass or leaves may come into
contact with the exhaust system. 7. Do not run the engine with either a
spark plug lead disconnected or a
spark plug removed. Do not use any
device that requires an insert into a
spark plug hole in order to generate air
pressure e.g. tyre pump, paint spray
attachment etc., as this could also
result in catalyti c converter damage.
8. The vehicle is designed for normal road use. Below are examples of abuse
which could damage the catalytic
converters and vehicle. These may
lead to a dangerous condition due to
excessively high catalytic converter
temperatures.
• Competition or off-road use.
• Excessive engine speed.
• Overloading the vehicle.
• Switching off the engine whilst in gear.
