Originally posted by David Richards:
The check-engine light in my '99 V6 had been coming on and off
intermittently, and I took it to the dealer who diagnosed
a faulty catalyic converter, apparently purely on the basis of
the code; just before that I had changed the air-cleaner element which was somewhat dirty.

The dealer ordered the part, which I paid for up-front, and
reset the check-engine light.

A couple of weeks later (and 400 miles) later the part has
arrived, but the check-engine light has remained resolutely
off. I then went into the dealer, and said that I thought I would leave the repair and asked for a refund of the cost of the part, but was refused with the statement that Ford did not accept returns. So I have two questions

a) How long should I wait before assuming that the catalytic
converter is serviceable, at least for the time being, and that I do not need to fork out the ~$700 that the local dealer
wants for the repair (actually, is that the going rate for this repair)? The practical limit is the 60 days in which you can dispute a credit card payment.

b) Do any other dealers or manufacturers have such a ridiculous (and illegal?) return policy.

Many thanks,
David Richards



Do you have under 80,000 miles on your car???? If so, it is covered under federal warranty. You wouldn't have to pay a dime.

1998.5 E1 SVT Contour #5482/6535