Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Cat. change in Ca.

Now I'm positive my car needs a catalytic converter changed.I got a P0420, I've swapped the downstream O2 sensors, cleared the code but the same code came up. Called the dealer but they said that in California they only have to give a free cat. change for cars 60k and below. Are there any experts out there that can confirm or deny?

I think it's 80k and below.

You don't give car info but if 2000 model in CA best you read the warranty booklet, then check your bank balance. Sorry.

warranty booklet

Damn, whats up - I checked the 2000 warranty booklet and they explicitly omit the catalytic converter as being covered under the CA 7/70 for Contours with the 2.5L motor???

Did they find some loophole because we have 3 cats or something?

I still don't understand how they get out of honoring the federal warranty - I know my Dodge Caravan has an 8/80 warranty on the cat even here in CA. The warranty book specifically directs you to the federal guidleines in the CA section dealing with cats.

Here's another recent thread on same topic, unfortunately it doesn't end with the final status: California & catalytic warranty

I hate this state, a fortune for smog checks,registration, yet they give the car manufacturer a break. Go figure. Looks like I gotta change the cat. myself. I tried searching but I could't find any how-to on this. I have a Haynes manual and that has to be the most useless ....etc grrrr. Could someone post a link please?

I have not replace anything, driven 1000 miles and no CEL. As long as the light is out I don't really care if I am polluting the horrible CA air. Whatever. This state bites, first I get jacked with the # times increase in VLF tax and now the 2000 2.5 Dura don't get the CA 7/70 emissions warranty.

Tough luck, register in Nevada and you get the 8/80.

Big Jim said Ford could have F'up their warranty booklet and left out the coverage for the 2000 model, funny thing is that the 99 shows warranty coverage. Bunch of frggin crooks, Ford and the STate.

I done with this rant. Goodluck and let me know how it turns out.

I got my father driving the 'Tour and I got myself into a new RSX-S. Great gas mileage but lousy on torque. Oh well trade offs.

Bad EGR components can also cause 0420 (for me it was the
DPFE or whatever sensor, $50).

T.

From the CARB help line:


----- Original Message -----
From: helpline@arb.ca.gov
To: Scott & Latacha Kauffman
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2004 4:09 PM
Subject: Re: Federal vs California Emmisions Warranty


Thank you for your e-mail regarding vehicle emissions warranty. The CA emissions warranty covers all high priced defective smog equipment for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. The federal warranty does not supersede the CA warranty. If you would like to discuss any additional warranty related questions for your particular vehicle please contact Ford the manufacturer at (800) 392-3673. Thank you.


Scott & Latacha Kauffman wrote:

I need advice on wheter or not the Federal Emmisions warranty supercedes California's emmision warranty. I have had a Ford dealer say the catalytic converter is only warranted to 60,000 miles on my 97 Ford Contour, even though the federal warranty covers them for 8 years / 80,000 miles. If you could help answer this, or direct me to the department that can I would greatly appreciate it! Scott KauffmanPoway, CA