For 1990-2009 cars

### Diagnostic Aids

Caution: Refer to Hot Exhaust System Caution in the Preface section.

For dual exhaust systems, a quick check of exhaust flow will help determine which side of the exhaust system is restricted. The side that has less exhaust flow is the side that will be suspected, and diagnosis should begin there.

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

1. The exhaust system has very low back pressure under normal conditions. If the exhaust system is restricted, a significant increase in the exhaust pressure is noticed on the J 35314-A .

   Removing the heated oxygen (HO2S) sensor may set a DTC. When finishing this diagnostic table, be sure to clear all DTCs.

2. This step will isolate the catalytic converter from the other part of the exhaust system.

3. Confirming that the condition has been fixed is essential. If the symptom still exists and the vehicle has a dual exhaust system, proceed to step 2 and repeat diagnostic procedures on the opposite exhaust pipe.

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Did you verify the customers complaint? | -- | Go to Step 2 | --
2 | Did you review the exhaust symptoms diagnostic information and perform the necessary inspections? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Symptoms - Engine Exhaust
3 | Is the system equipped with dual exhaust? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | Go to Step 4
4 |

1. Remove the heated oxygen sensor that is in front of the catalytic converter. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 for the 3.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 3.6L engine

2. Install the J 35314-A exhaust back pressure gage in place of the HO2S sensor.
3. Start the engine.
4. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2,500 RPM.
5. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gage.

Does the reading exceed the specified value?

9 kPa (1.25 psi)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

5 |

1. Turn the engine off and place the ignition in the lock position.
2. Remove the J 35314-A .
3. Re-install the HO2S sensor. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 for the 3.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 3.6L engine

4. Remove the post-catalyst HO2S sensor. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 1 for the 3.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 1 for the 3.6L engine

5. Install the J 35314-A in place of the post HO2S sensor.
6. Start the engine.
7. Increase and monitor the engine speed at 2,500 RPM.
8. Observe the exhaust system back pressure reading on the gage.

Does the reading exceed the specified value?

9 kPa (1.25 psi)

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6 | Inspect the exhaust system for the following conditions:

• | Damage in the exhaust pipe

• | Debris in the exhaust pipe

• | Muffler or resonator internal failure

• | Two-layer exhaust pipe separation

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7 | Replace the catalytic converter. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

• | Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side

• | Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side

• | Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side

• | Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side

• | Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Left Side

• | Exhaust Manifold Replacement - Right Side

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8 |

1. Remove the J 35314-A .
2. Reinstall the applicable HO2S sensor. Refer to the following:

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 for the 4.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 1 Sensor 2 for the 3.6L engine

• | Heated Oxygen Sensor Replacement - Bank 2 Sensor 2 for the 3.6L engine

3. Clear all DTCs.
4. Road test the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2