Originally posted by sylin:

I would never have this TSB done. Re-flashing the PCM to deal with the P0420/P0430 code is not going to improve the pre-cat efficiency at all. It simply lowers the threshold so that a low efficient pre-cat that was to fail the pre-cat efficiency self test before the re-flashing passes the test after the re-flashing. I believe this TSB is much more effective in kicking people having P0420/P0430 out of 13yr/130KKm waranty, by postponing the re-appearance of the same codes, than it is in solving the real problem. And the most lovely part here is that the bill is on customers.

I had the same P0420 code with my 97 Tour a few months ago at 135K km out of waranty so I'm on my own, no other codes but this solo P0420. I cleared it up and turned off the CEL and it didn't come back until 3 months after. I passed the emission test with flying colors a few weeks before the code came back. So I knew the not-as-effective pre-cats are not a too big deal in the emission control as long as the main cat works well. I built an MIL Eliminator and installed it on the bank 1 down-stream O2 sensor to fool the PCM, and the code hasn't come back so far.



Stylin 2 things I see wrong with your statement.

1 - It's 8yrs or 130,000km emmisions warranty.

and

2 - You say not to reflash the PCM becuase it lowers the threshold.
Well what do you think you did with the MIL Eliminator!

I say get it flashed, then if it comes back, have them replace the cats.
As Nate's car is still within the warranty period get it done, then gut them later if all else fails once the warranty is up.

1996 2.5LT V6 Contour ATX My Tour+help/info pics E0 rims, Gutted Pre-Cats,CTA Custom Exhaust & Intake, Diablo Chip.