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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174 |
Just had my 98 SE (V6) scanned at my local Autozone and got one code - P0430 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold/limit (bank #2). A search on this site found that this is probably telling me that my catalytic converter is clogged. Is this accurate? And that this type of problem is covered under federal emissions warranty of 8 yrs./80,000 miles. My question is, do I bring it to my local Ford dealer and tell them to check the cat system and tell them that I have this code? Or will they just want to scan the car themselves and charge me $90? How do I access this warranty? I am the second owner of this car, does that matter? Is this CEL caused by merely an O2 sensor going bad or is it something more severe? Thanks for your help in advance, I appreciate it. 
1997 Contour GL Sport ATX
Zetec/2.0 liter
K&N High Flow Air Filter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-204)
Fram Sure Drain System
Ford Motorsport 9mm Racing Wires
Recontented Fog Lights, Rear Dome Light, Underhood Courtesy Light, Glove Compartment Light
Pirelli HPs
Kenwood in-dash CD player
Infinity 5752cf speakers
World Champion New England Patriots Fan for Life!
Wife's Car:
1998 Contour SE ATX
Duratec/2.5 liter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-210)
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174
Member
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OP
Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174 |
Can anyone offer any help? I want to fix this problem ASAP. Thanks!
1997 Contour GL Sport ATX
Zetec/2.0 liter
K&N High Flow Air Filter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-204)
Fram Sure Drain System
Ford Motorsport 9mm Racing Wires
Recontented Fog Lights, Rear Dome Light, Underhood Courtesy Light, Glove Compartment Light
Pirelli HPs
Kenwood in-dash CD player
Infinity 5752cf speakers
World Champion New England Patriots Fan for Life!
Wife's Car:
1998 Contour SE ATX
Duratec/2.5 liter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-210)
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 237
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Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 237 |
The following is from the Ford Technical Service Publication (TSP):
HF1 DTCs P0420, P0421, P0430 or P0431: CHECK FOR MISFIRE MONITOR DTCS
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0420 and P0421 indicate that bank 1 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0430 and P0431 indicate that bank 2 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.
NOTE 1: Complete the spark timing check in «Quick Test» before proceeding with this test step. Spark timing retarded below specification may increase exhaust gas temperature and decrease catalyst efficiency over time.
NOTE 2: Be sure customer has not:
(1) Refueled vehicle with leaded gasoline.
(2) Experienced high vehicle oil consumption.
NOTE 3: If entering this Pinpoint Test for symptoms only, go immediately to «HF5».
NOTE 4: Internal deterioration of a catalytic converter is usually caused by abnormal engine operation upstream of the catalyst. Events that may produce higher than normal temperatures in the catalyst are particularly suspect. For example, misfiring can cause higher than normal catalyst operating temperatures.
Possible causes:
-- Use of leaded fuel.
-- Oil contamination.
-- Cylinder misfiring.
-- Damaged HO2S.
-- Damaged ECT sensor.
-- Downstream HO2S wires improperly connected.
-- Fuel pressure too high.
-- Damaged exhaust system pipe.
-- Damaged exhaust manifold.
-- Damaged muffler/tail-pipe assembly.
-- Damaged catalytic converter.
* Key on, engine off.
* Retrieve and record all Continuous Memory DTCs (MIL and non-MIL).
* Were any of the following misfire monitor DTCs recorded: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307 and P0308?
Yes
GO to Section 5A, «Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts», to address the misfire monitor DTCs.
No
GO to «HF2».
1996 Contour SE Sedan 4D (Royal Blue)
Duratec V6 2.5L 24-valve DOHC
Automatic
75,000 miles
No Mods (unless you call the DMD a mod)
Replaced EGR valve (gunked up), EVR (EGR VR), PCV valve, and evaporative emissions hose (cracked).
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174
Member
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OP
Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 174 |
Thanks for the info, I'm going to bring it the the Ford dealer to have it repaired. I'm hoping it's the Catalytic Converter so I can have it replaced for free under the warranty. I didn't realize that one DTC could be so many different problems. Thanks again!
1997 Contour GL Sport ATX
Zetec/2.0 liter
K&N High Flow Air Filter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-204)
Fram Sure Drain System
Ford Motorsport 9mm Racing Wires
Recontented Fog Lights, Rear Dome Light, Underhood Courtesy Light, Glove Compartment Light
Pirelli HPs
Kenwood in-dash CD player
Infinity 5752cf speakers
World Champion New England Patriots Fan for Life!
Wife's Car:
1998 Contour SE ATX
Duratec/2.5 liter
Mobil 1 SuperSyn 5W-30
Mobil 1 Oil Filter (M1-210)
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