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EVAP and CAT Monitors not ready-- have tried almost everything...

C

cleandry

New CEG'er
Joined
Sep 9, 2013
Messages
8
Location
Carpinteria,CA
Hi, before I start just wanted to say thanks for this forum I've been researching and troubleshooting with it for months now since I got My 2000 Contour SVT 2.5L 170K.
Having prob's with emission system... Got the P0420 and P0401 here's what I've done...
1. Removed throttle body cleaned EGR ports with coat hanger and brake cleaner the blew every thing out with air got a fair amount of crud, scrubbed throttle plate until clean, new gasket etc.
2. Removed EGR and cleaned it made sure pintle was moving freely. tested diaghram w/vacuum
car stumbles.
3. Removed EGR tube because the upper DPFE sensor (ref?) tube was clogged, poked/hammered a piece of coat hanger through to open passage.
4. Removed EGR solenoid filter, cleaned it and ran carb cleaner through vac lines.
5. Replaced DPFE sensor after running Berrymans through tank (2bottles) and into vac lines on top of UIM. AFTER this step P0420 went away but got P0401 pending...
Also replaced O2 sensor( Bank 2 sensor 2 cause I heard that one can sometimes cause p0420 code.)
6. Pulled EVAP canister and solenoid blew canister out with air(major dust and dirt came out)
cleaned EVAP solenoid w/brake cleaner, checked lines etc.
7. New carb compliant SPECTRE air filter, cleaned MAF ,IAT sensors(w/MAF cleaner).
8. Fresh oil/filter 10/30 pennzoil hi mileage.
Cleared the P0401 code Drove Kinda hard with fresh gas w/ 3/4 tank to reset monitors.
Finally got the EGR monitor to show ready. but still have 0401 pending in computer.
BTW have real time code reader ECT shows 190-215 F cooling fans kick on at 217 F-ish
STILL CAN'T GET EVAP AND CATALYST MONITORS TO SHOW READY!! :confused:
:confused:
I'm kinda stumped at this point -- I get the P0401 "pending" on my code reader but no check engine yet. Code is for EGR insufficient flow.. CAR RUNS LIKE A CHAMP, Secondaries open up at 3800rpm,
lots of power smooth acceleration etc. Maybe a little hesitation when I really stand on the pedal
but not much.. whats next---UIM and LIM removal/cleaning? OR ECU reflash/replacement?
Not sure where to go from here somewhat limited funds
Going for Emissions testing tomorrow at a Referee center here in CA hoping they'll pass it with those monitors not ready.
ANY Help would be appreciated don't really want to go to dealer but.... thanks in advance!


OK update here: got a P0402 code today after clearing the "pending" P0401 code whaaat? must be a defective DPFE changing out tomorrow with a junkyard model to test it
will update results....
 
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In the EGR tube there is a small washer welded across the tube diameter between the high and reference hose takeoffs. It is a restriction with a small hole that sets up the difference in pressure between the two hoses when the EGR valve opens. If that washer not there or damaged then no/not as much difference in pressure and DPFE then sets a code.

EVAP can take a week to set, but CAT should set pretty quick, you may have cat issues. Probably need to take a reading off the back lower O2 sensors.
 
UH OH when I checked the ref tube it was totally clogged, that's why I snaked it w/ a small piece of coat hanger,-
Do you mean there's a washer in the main EGR tube with a small opening between the two takeoff tubes?
I noticed that when I blew through the main EGR tube it seemed pretty clear didn't actually run any thing down the main tube.
I actually checked the readings at HO2S2(new O2 sensor) and It was similar to HO1S2 holding around .2 to .9v not much fluctuation.
Got a DPFE from junkyard (motorcraft part) putting in today.. will update after clearing codes.
BTW what should those downstream O2's be reading in volts? Maybe that's why the CAT monitor is not ready....
though I heard the CAT monitor waits for all the other readiness monitors(except EVAP) before it sets as ready.


OK another update: got a DPFE from junkyard and guess what? no codes and all monitors ready except CAT and EVAP
still hoping tha CAT monitor will set ready but....not sure if one of my O2 sensor is the problem with CAT monitor...
 
To check the operation of the cats, you need to graph the upstream vs. the downstream sensors to look at the switching ratios. Simply looking at the voltage readings won't usually do it.
 
Thanks for the info Project SHO89-- The motorcraft DPFE(from junkyard) worked- no codes no pending codes...!! BUT still EVAP And CAT monitors are not ready....
I'm going to try the O2 senson extenders on the upstream O2's and replace both of them--- Don't really want to gut pre cats
Plus every thing seems to run perfectly otherwise...
 
Sorry I meant downstream O2 sensor extenders but replace the upstream ones if necessary.
(Or Maybe or ECU reflash? whatever will be the cheapest easiest fix at this point) Gotta pass smog so I can reg. this car in CA
It's currently reg'd in Oregon.

Update: WP is going out making strange noises and heater not working so well
took it to SMOG REFEREE it passed emissions except for: CAT and EVAP monitors not ready!
need to get at least one of those ready to pass in CA
ATTN: WTB-- stock filter box assembly and snorkel for 2000 CSVT 2.5L MTX
Ordered O2 extenders to see if that will work for the CAT monitor going in today
no codes though
 
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:laugh:OMG!! finally the evap monitor reset!! Just an update to my issue ...I put 3/4 tank of gas in an kept above 3/4 for 3 days and Voila! the evap monitor is ready
going in for emissions retest/completion tomorrow just saved $120 for an ECU reflash now I can get some other stuff fixed on the car.
Still runs like a champ! YEEE HAWWW!!
 
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