Originally posted by Thomas Hanna:
Originally posted by akrump47:
I had this EXCACT same thing happen to me back in January. Check engine light came on, took it to Autozone and got code P0420 - Bank 1 catalyst running below efficiency. Bank 1 is between the engine and the firewall and tends to fail first because of all the heat.

Take it to the dealership and have them fix it. Ford is obligated to replace the cats if they fail before 80,000 by the federal emissions warranty. You shouldn't have to pay a dime.

Oh - HTH isn't my name, that stands for "Hope This Helps"

- Austin



Okay; Here's The Latest.

I went back to AutoZone a few days ago - just haven't had time to write. Just like you noted above, my code was P0420 - Bank 1 Cat running below efficiency. The "Pro" at this AutoZone said Bank-1 is NOT the Cat, that it is 1 of 2 or both Bank-1 sensors, located on the front and rear exhaust before the Cat. There's a good chance what you said about the heat damaging one sensor before the other is the case. >>>BUT<<< I'm going to perform an "If All Else Fails" repair and replace both Bank-1 sensors with Bosch Sensors next week. I'm aware it's going to cost me about $200.00 for the two sensors, but it's something I shouldn't have to worry about again for another 73,000 miles.

Do you agree???

Thomas



Replacing the sensors will be a waste of your time and money.

Faulty sensors do not cause either a P0420 or P0430 code.

If they sensors are either slow or dead, they will set off specific codes that indicate their status. This information is contained in a Ford TSB.

The reason for these codes is that the pre-cats are no longer doing their intended job. Unless you have a way of resucitating them, replacement of the pre-cats is the correct (but not only) choice.

If you are within your Federal (or state) emissions warranty period, just take take it to a Ford dealer and don't screw with it.

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!