Exhaust System Check - Road Test (Saturn)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2002 Saturn SL2, 2002 Saturn SL1, 2002 Saturn SL, 2002 Saturn SC2, and 2002 Saturn SC1. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not use 0-60 in. H2O gauge when performing this test, as it will be permanently damaged due to high back pressure during accelerations.

Remove heated oxygen sensor. Use 0-100 psi (0-690 kPa) gauge and appropriate hoses in Service Gauge Bar Kit (SA9127E).
Install Exhaust Back Pressure Adapter (SA9306E) into exhaust manifold. The thread designation is M18 x 1.50.
Connect gauge bar set SA9127E, 0-100 psi (0-861 kPa) gauge.
With engine at normal operating temperature, perform a 15 MPH (24 km/h) road test. Automatic transaxles should be in "D" and manual transaxles in "3rd" gear. Maximum exhaust back pressure readings are taken during short wide open throttle accelerations.
The maximum exhaust back pressure during wide open throttle accelerations must be less than 7.25 psi (50 kPa). If exhaust pressure exceeds specification, inspect for a dented or collapsed exhaust pipe. It may be necessary to disconnect exhaust pipe before or behind converter and repeat step 4. If removing muffler does not lower back pressure, disconnect three way catalytic converter from exhaust manifold pipe and repeat test.
Replace any part of exhaust system found to be damaged.
Install anti-seize on heated oxygen sensor's threads and install sensor. It may be necessary to disconnect negative battery terminal in order to clear any codes set while operating engine with heated oxygen sensor removed or disconnected.