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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by tkortens:
...I have a 98SE with 73K running a lean code which the Ford dealer tells me refers to failed cats. They have quoted me $950 just for the two pre-cats and that labor may be expensive, given that, "often the bolts break" as quoted.
.....
Welcome tkortens. 
What is the exact code(s)? Failed precats cause codes P0420 Bank 1 and P0430 Bank 2. Those are not lean codes.
Some lean codes are P0171, P0174, P1131, P1151. Get the car scanned for free at Autozone or Advance and post the codes. I think the precats cost $600 to $700 each. So the $950 for two is a "steal" if that really is the problem.
AZ won't scan codes in CA, IIRC. So, your option to to get a code reader or see a mechanic or dealer who will tell you what the codes are.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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I do have a code reader so I will get the info and come back ...
Thanks,
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Hey Tony2005, I just checked the Ford invoice and it states "code P 0402, ran tests on exhaust system, found CATS burnt out, P/A."
Soooo, a sad story it may be ....?
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Originally posted by tkortens:
Hey Tony2005, I just checked the Ford invoice and it states "code P 0402, ran tests on exhaust system, found CATS burnt out, P/A."
Soooo, a sad story it may be ....?
Hey you too! LOL.
Try this thread.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=739835&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1
and this for location of DPFE
Picture thanks to Chongo.
Originally posted by chongo:
Did someone call me out.......LOL
here you go.
Last edited by Tony2005; 01/11/06 12:28 AM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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While you guys are at it, clean your throttle body EGR passages. One of the FIRST maintenance items I ever learned on my car & quite valuable. The fact that it is easy and requires no special tools is a bonus. Search for throttle body cleaning and you'll get loads of info. Goofy shops like Pep-Boyz charge about $80 or $100 to do the work, but you can do it yourself in an hour with about $10 in supplies - one of which is a TB gasket.
NOTE:
The DPFE failure is commonly accompanied by clogged EGR passages & could potentially damage a new DPFE and/or the EGR valve itself, so do the cleaning. If you've never done an upper/lower intake manifold overhaul/cleaning, you might consider doing that soon too. The responsiveness of the engine will be noticable. Not dramatic, but noticable.
Enjoy!
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Originally posted by tkortens:
Hi all, I am a brand new member, but have visited here several times - so thanks for the great information.
I am having similar difficulties to the person who started this thread. I have a 98SE with 73K running a lean code which the Ford dealer tells me refers to failed cats. They have quoted me $950 just for the two pre-cats and that labor may be expensive, given that, "often the bolts break" as quoted.
I use or will sell the car in CA, so it has been baffling (pun intended ...) to find after-market pre-cats that will ensure passing CA smog.
So my questions are, (a) where might I find after-market cats? or is there some alternative option - that will ensure my goal of passing CA smog.
And (b) any sense of how to approach the breaking bolts issue - other than using patience / penetrating oil and or helicoils ...?
Thanks!
Which engine do you have? That may make a difference in what we recommend.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Originally posted by Big Jim:
Originally posted by tkortens:
...They have quoted me $950 just for the two pre-cats ...
Which engine do you have? That may make a difference in what we recommend.
I took that to mean he has a V-6. I hope I'm not wrong... 
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Two pre cats pretty much tell us that it is a V6, but it would still help if we knew instead of leaving it for us to guess.
If it is a V6, there are still some issues to address. First, codes for bad cats is know to be thrown when there may not really be a problem. That s not the code you have though. For some of the V6's there is a TSB that tells about a new program for the PCM to widen the parameters for setting those codes. It may be worth asking your local dealership service advisor to run an OASIS to see if that TSB applies to your car. If it needs programming, it is not a free service so once you know if it will apply, ask how much it will cost to be performed.
It isn't likely that you are getting an EGR code from plugged cats. It is somewhat common to have EGR problems because of a plugged cat on the 4 cylinder engine though.
With that code, I would start by pulling the throttle body and cleaning the EGR passages behind it. If the problem persists, I would look at the DPFE next. Most lkely it is one of those two. If this clears up your problem, I would think about catching up with other maintenance next as needed, including cleaning the intake manifold, new plugs, cleaning the injectors (by adding a good injector cleaner to the fuel tank) and so on as needed.
If indeed it is a 4 cylinder I would get another opinion about the plugged cat. It is a bit more likely on the 4 cylinder engine.
If you fix it without replacing the cats, I would think about returning to the dealership and asking the service manager (not service advisor) to refund your money for a bad diagnosis. I think it is highly likely that you got a bad diagnosis.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
This is the code i got before i took it in for the analysis. which to me means one of the following:
-Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
-An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
-The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
-Damaged exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
-Retarded spark timing
Then the shop, after running the analysis, told me it was the catalytic converter. so i'm not exactly sure if it is the main cat or the precats that are the issue here.
00 CSVT Black/Midnight Blue
2.5L DOHC Duratec V6, 200HP, MTX-75
MODs: K&N Filter, SVT ovals, Autometer gauges, PIAA 510's, Alpine S-type FE/Pioneer R, Pioneer Premier Series reciever
#603 of 2150
92 Cavalier 1.8L I4 (Beater)
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Apologies Big Jim. Yes, V6 Duratec stock.
Cheers, and thanks all for the comments so far.
Will certainly run the cleanings that you all suggest.
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