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Originally posted by ecallen:
...Also, is there a way to test to see if the cat(s) are bad and which ones (precat vs. main cat)
Thanks
!!
A good cheap way is to remove the O2 sensors, in this order (and see if the performance improves). Uninstall Bank 2 lower (radiator side) to determine if main cat is plugged, reinstall Bank 2 lower and then uninstall Bank 2 upper (radiator) to determine if Bank 2 precat is plugged, reinstall Bank 2 upper and then uninstall Bank 1 upper (hardest one, close to firewall) to determine if bank 1 precat is plugged. You don't need to mess with bank 1 lower as bank 2 lower will also be a test of that issue too (if it is an issue). Good luck.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Wouldn't a bad cat cause a MIL, or not all the time? I have no codes.
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Originally posted by ecallen:
Wouldn't a bad cat cause a MIL, or not all the time? I have no codes.
It should cause a CEL code. P0420 for inefficient Bank 1 and P0430 for inefficient Bank 2. Plugged main cat should cause EGR codes (P0401 or P0402). Does your CEL light come on for a few seconds when you turn ignition to on (not engine running)? (to determine if bulb is blown). And check if Fuse 11 (PCM Keep Alive Memory) is blown or missing (a blown or missing Fuse 11 will not light up a CEL code even though the CEL bulb will light up for a few seconds with ignition to on).
Last edited by Tony2005; 10/17/05 08:33 PM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
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I will check the fuse, thanks. The CEL does come on for a second when the car is started. It was actually blinking for about 1 minute the other day when I was driving but then turned off. The next day there were no codes present.
I had codes for EGR problems before (6 months ago) and ended up replacing the EGR valve and EGR solenoid, that took care of the EGR codes.
I had a scan tool hooked up while driving and didn't get anything werid so I think thre really are no codes but like I said, I will check the fuse.
Thanks!!
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Also, Does a blinking CEL always mean a misfire or could it have been someting else? Shouldn't it have kept that code? I guess that's a good reason to check the fuse.
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Originally posted by ecallen:
...I will check the fuse.
Also check where the fuse sits on (just in case it is loose or corroded). Good luck.
Edit. Yes, blinking CEL could mean a misfire (there are probably other reasons for blinking CEL too). It could also mean that the fuse is "almost" blown or connectors are loose or corroded.
From owners' manual, "If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is misfiring."
Last edited by Tony2005; 10/17/05 09:02 PM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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I still have to do the O2 sensor tests but I am thinking I have to replace the main cat. Can anyone give any advice on this? Does the new cat just bolt on inline in the exaust or is there cutting and welding involved? I just want to know what I'm getting myself into. Thanks!
BTW: '98 Contour V6 DOHC
Last edited by ecallen; 12/02/05 09:32 PM.
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