Citroën Xantia

since 1993 release

Repair and operation of the car

The catalytic converter - the general information and precautionary measures

The catalytic converter is rather simple on a design, is reliable and does not need special leaving. However, for the purpose of maintenance of the converter in working order, it is necessary to follow some special service regulations of the car (see below).

Petrol engines

   a) Do not use ethylated gasoline for gas station of the car equipped with the catalytic converter at all - the surface of an active layer of the converter will be soon covered with lead film that in considerable to a measure will lower efficiency of functioning of the device;
   b) Strictly observe the schedule of service of power supply systems and ignition of the car;
   c) Stop operation of the car at emergence of admissions of ignition until the cause of defect is removed;
   d) You do not make start of the engine by pushing or towage of the car. Not burned down fuel from combustion chambers, getting on a surface of an active layer of the converter, will cause an overheat of the last after start of the engine;
   e) Do not switch off ignition at high turns of the engine;
   f) Do not use any additives to fuel or motive oil;
   g) Stop operation of the car at emergence on an exhaust of the blue smoke demonstrating hit of oil in combustion chambers;
   h) Do not forget that the working temperature of the catalytic converter can reach very high values. Do not park the car on the platforms covered with easily flammable materials (a dry grass, leaves);
   i) Remember that the catalytic converter is the fragile device. Do not drop it and do not shake when working on service of system of production of the fulfilled gases;
   j) In certain cases during the operation of the engine of the new, equipped with the catalytic converter car there can be a hydrogen sulfide smell. It should not cause concerns, - through several thousands of kilometers of a run the smell will disappear by itself;
   k) Service life of the catalytic converter on condition of a conscientious attitude to care of the car makes from 50 000 to 100 000 km of a run. If after that efficiency of its functioning falls, the device should be replaced.

Diesel models

See information provided in points f, g, h and i of the previous subsection.