SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 381Under normal operating conditions, thecatalytic converter will not requiremaintenance. However, it is important to keepthe engine properly tuned to assure propercatalyst operation and prevent possible catalystdamage.NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions controlsystems can result in civil penalties beingassessed against you.In unusual situations involving grosslymalfunctioning engine operation, a scorchingodor may suggest severe and abnormal catalystoverheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turnoff the engine and allow it to cool. Service,including a tune-up to manufacturer'sspecifications, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalytic converterdamage: Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans-mission is in gear and the vehicle is inmotion. Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing ortowing the vehicle. Do not idle the engine with any ignitioncomponents disconnected or removed, suchas when diagnostic testing, or for prolongedperiods during very rough idle or malfunc-tioning operating conditions.Cooling System Damage to the catalytic converter canresult if your vehicle is not kept in properoperating condition. In the event of enginemalfunction, particularly involving enginemisfire or other apparent loss of perfor-mance, have your vehicle servicedpromptly. Continued operation of yourvehicle with a severe malfunction couldcause the converter to overheat, resultingin possible damage to the converter andvehicle.CAUTION! (Continued)WARNING! You or others can be badly burned by hotengine coolant (antifreeze) or steam fromyour radiator. If you see or hear steamcoming from under the hood, do not openthe hood until the radiator has had time tocool. Never open a cooling system pressurecap when the radiator or coolant bottle ishot. Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelryaway from the radiator cooling fan whenthe hood is raised. The fan starts automati-cally and may start at any time, whether theengine is running or not. When working near the radiator cooling fan,disconnect the fan motor lead or turn theignition to the OFF mode. The fan istemperature controlled and can start at anytime the ignition is in the ON mode.7
