The guys at the ford dealership, customer relations, and warranty dept all state the same thing. This part on the contour precat part # 5G232 is NOT COVERED. It is part of the exhaust manifold and it is one piece. I think ford was able to sneak this by CARB Mandate, due to it being an exhaust manifold coupled with precats -all one piece design. The books has CA Warranty Mandate and they are not the ones trying to get out of fixing it. I know this is a first for a Stealership.
CA needs to get this part on their list for 7/70 warranty. I have ESp, from their words "BEST FULL COVER WARRANTY" and they tried bypassing the emissions warranty and looked for a part number for the exhaust manifolds hoping it will give they a part number that would be covered under my premium extended warranty. To no luck it lists the same part number as the PRE-CATS-- GO FIGURE!
Well car drives fine, good gas mileage 330 miles per tank on an auto duratec. Does not exhibit signs of clogged precats and I am happy with it. CEL has not come on after 50 miles. I think CEL was tripped by FI cleaner.
But I hope this information helps out some Cali owners. Botton line CARB Screwed up, FORD lucked out with it being a one piece design. Perhaps CARB saw that it was a exhaust manifold and therefore should not be included in their 7/70 warranty. I have no idea but, Cali contour owners with part 5G232 are all screwed.
-Thanks for the help!
