The single, main cat is AFTER both pre-cats and AFTER the downstream O2 sensors. It is impossible for the main cat to trigger the P0420 code. Unless the dealership technician found additionals faults that lead him to that diagnosis, there is nothing that you have said that would indicate a main cat failure.

If they are replacing the main cat due to the P0420 code, their diagnosis is faulty.

Steve


98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car 89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles 94 SHO ATX - 190K 1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K. ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!