P0420 - CEG Archives

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

My CEL came on and I got it scanned at AutoZone and received code P0420. I searched and I guess I take it to the dealership! I also found the TSB below.

Make : MERCURY Model : MYSTIQUE Year : 1998
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Service Bulletin Num : 041516 Date of Bulletin: AUG 09, 2004
NHTSA Item Number: 10011161
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary:
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *TT

That would be the precat. Your manifold is clogged with the precat material.
-tropictour

Ignore this thread! I just searched some of the other forums and found more than enough info. I plan on taking it to the dealer! I hate when people don't search!

Originally posted by tropictour:
That would be the precat. Your manifold is clogged with the precat material.
-tropictour

Uh, noooo....

Ford will never honor it for me, I've tried 3 times. They say it's not in the Database.

TSB 04-15-16

08/09/04
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S)
P0420 AND/OR P0430

FORD:
1997-1998 Contour

MERCURY:
1997-1998 Mystique
1999 Cougar

ISSUE

Some 1997-1998 Contour/Mystique and 1999 Cougar vehicles equipped with the 2.5L engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1) and/or P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 2).

ACTION

Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to the latest calibration using WDS release B32.5 or higher. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com. Replacement of catalysts is no longer necessary to address the most common causes of this condition.

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I took my car in today to get the reflash per this TSB and learned that it did not apply to my car. They hooked it up to the WDS and received a message that there are no later programs available for my car, that it is already programmed to the latest one available.

I have an early 98 SVT that has California emissions.

I thought that it may be good information that it doesn't apply to everything out there.

Go For the MIL-ELIMINATORS See the THREADS on a search

Thanks.

The light only comes on ocassionally, maybe once or twice a year. For that, I'm not going to worry about it. When the light comes on, I'll read the code and if it's the ocassional P0420 or P0430 I'll shut off the light and not worry about it.

If it becomes more common or if the codes are different, I'll look into it.

I had this come on several weeks ago and finally had it taken care of last week. Next time it comes on I'm yanking the cat and gutting the pre-cats. Seems like a very stupid solution to a very stupid problem.

Originally posted by contoured:
Go For the MIL-ELIMINATORS

You do know what that does right? I guess not if you mentioned it. MIL elim. are not a fix for this code. I'm guessing a bad EGR or DPFE. Tube under the TB might be carboned as well.

Originally posted by 99_2.5_V6:
TSB 04-15-16

ISSUE

Some 1997-1998 Contour/Mystique and 1999 Cougar vehicles equipped with the 2.5L engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1) and/or P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 2).

ACTION

Replacement of catalysts is no longer necessary to address the most common causes of this condition.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACTION Replacement of catalysts is no longer necessary to address the most common causes of this condition.

This is a laugh-- it's no long a problem because it it doesn't help Ford's bottom line? Correct?
Unless I've completely mis-undetstood the "pre-cats" problems, I've been under the assumation that the cores/substrate are burning up (not sure of the correct term)? The clogging was because or melting or disintegration of the substrate? Is this a design problem too small area for the amount heat this engine produces or is it all these minor-mifires I see ever 15k-20k miles. (new plugs eliminates).
Of course this would mean the bank one pre-cat would be the first one to go. Two contour owners that have had them replaced the where told only one was bad but both where replaced?

Any ideas or thoughts!

TNX
Paul

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/PCMflash/Latest_calibration.xls
Excel file
IE: my 98 Mystique LS tear tag code "KCA3" and they show a Update TSB 98-13-11 part no.F7PF-DPA

It appears even Zetecs are involved with 98-13-11.
Anyone have access to this TSB. I don't remember if I have a source on-line or not?

Paul
NEVER MIND

98-13-11 JUL 98 A/T - CD4E Harsh Shift On 1-2 Upshift/3-2 Downshift
I should have remember this It's a reprogram for the ATX.

Also TSB 04-10-4 exists also for DTC p0420 & p0430??? Title no acess to text.

Originally posted by todras:

Originally posted by contoured:
Go For the MIL-ELIMINATORS

You do know what that does right? I guess not if you mentioned it. MIL elim. are not a fix for this code. I'm guessing a bad EGR or DPFE. Tube under the TB might be carboned as well.

Todras,

Actually, MIL Eliminators will help with the P0420/P0430. After all that's what they're for!

The P0420 and P0430 codes are generated when the downstream sensors switch too fast, that is, too close to the switching rate of the upstream sensors.

The purpose of the RC integrator circuit that is the MIL Eliminator is to slow this switch rate down so that the computer sees a longer term average reading with considerable lag - just like a normal downstream sensor would produce if the converter was working at reasonable efficiency.

Steve

Originally posted by todras:

Originally posted by contoured:
Go For the MIL-ELIMINATORS

You do know what that does right? I guess not if you mentioned it. MIL elim. are not a fix for this code. I'm guessing a bad EGR or DPFE. Tube under the TB might be carboned as well.

I think you are refering to the fix for P0402, the post says
P0420.

Originally posted by 99_2.5_V6:
TSB 04-15-16

08/09/04
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL)
ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S)
P0420 AND/OR P0430

FORD:
1997-1998 Contour

MERCURY:
1997-1998 Mystique
1999 Cougar

ISSUE

Some 1997-1998 Contour/Mystique and 1999 Cougar vehicles equipped with the 2.5L engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1) and/or P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 2).

ACTION

Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to the latest calibration using WDS release B32.5 or higher. Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com. Replacement of catalysts is no longer necessary to address the most common causes of this condition.

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does anyone have this TSB?

Originally posted by 99_2.5_V6:

Does anyone have this TSB?

Uh, THAT is the TSB!

Steve

Quote:

Uh, THAT is the TSB!

Uhh, the actual one from a link or some other document. I printed the one pasted here and they looked at me like I'm nuts!

Go to a dealer that has a clue (and an up-to-date database).

steve