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Joined: Apr 2004
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OP
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My auto technician read the subject code for my "check engine" light as BANK 1 CAT EFFICIENCY BELOW LIMIT. His diagnostic tool listed 8 or 9 possible causes. I recently bought this car (98 Silver Frost SVT) with 110,000 miles on it, and the check engine light came on after about 500 miles of driving. The tech reset it and said to come back if it comes on again and he would spend more time (and $$) troubleshooting. It came on again today, after about another 500 miles. I queried the previous owner who said he replaced "both" (?) oxygen sensors in the last 6 months. Any idea what the REAL PROBLEM might be? The car runs GREAT!!!! (No problems except for the stupid light).
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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You need MIL eliminators to fix this problem.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
Originally posted by HITMANinMI: You need MIL eliminators to fix this problem.
That wouldn't be a fix unless he has a removed/gutted cats/precats. Most likely precats are going bad. You can gut them and then get the MIL eliminator (i think you need it for gutted precats). It could also be a bad cat. If you have under 80k miles then it's possible that Ford has to fix it for free. Could be some other problem as well, not sure what, you never really know what code can be resulting from.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,145
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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gut them suckers out, if you get this code like i was, it is just gonna keep coming back unless of course you get the MIL eliminator, but you might as well get ride of them things if it is throwing a code saying the cat is basicly bad, new ones cost out the ass, gutting them cost less than $20
98.5 Black SE ATX
S&B filter, SVT MAF, optimized SVT TB, mesh grille, removed orange reflectors, painted rear reflector, gutted pre-cats, optimized SVT LIM, 19lb injectors, resonator removed
cant afford an svt but lookin for 1 in nc
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 3,290
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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What everyone is trying to say is it looks like your bank 1 precat is bad (this is the one on the firewall side IIRC). You can either get it replaced or "gut it." Replacing it is expensive due to parts and labor. Gutting it is somewhat difficult due to the need to remove the manifold, plus it is technically illegal and could potentially cause your car to have trouble meeting emissions (but probably not). Plus you'll need to install the "MIL eliminator," which is a component that mimics an O2 sensor in order to "fool" the PCM into thinking eveything's cool.
My advice: If you want to save money and have lots of time, tools, and mechanical ability, try gutting it. Otherwise bring it to a shop and get the cat replaced.
E0 #36
'95 Ranger
'82 Honda CX500
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Originally posted by HITMANinMI: You need MIL eliminators to fix this problem.
With respect, you really need to stop posting replies like this unless you really know what you are talking about.
There are many triggers for the p0420 code. At 110k, the intake system on this car is likely to be badly gunked up. Unless we know what the service history on this car is and what condition it is in now, I's hold off on telling him anything like 'you need mil eliminators'.
Bless our servicemen & women overseas.
L.Cpl Ian Malone, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, R.I.P.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 411
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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If you think gutting your precats will too much of a PITA, you can get some pre-gutted ones from Buckshot. That way, the only PITA will be removing them and re-installing the new ones. When I was still under warranty I had both manifolds replaced (0420 & 0430) for free. Now, 3 years later, I've started getting 0420 again- intake & intake manifolds are clean, new plugs & injectors about 7,000 mi ago, EGR valve was new with the manifolds. I bit the bullet and got some MSDS headers. Now to get them installed....
-Chuck Dienzo
Black 98.5 E1 SVT
#5022 of 6535
Born on March 16, 1998
"If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason."
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Joined: Jul 2001
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Or, if you want brand new ones cheap and want to be legal and have no problems passing emmissions..PM me.
Hugo
------
98 SVT - 53k mi - SOLD
04 Mazda3 S 5-Dr
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
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I'm overwhelmed by the gracious responses from the group! Thanks for all the advice so far. I've reset the code (by removing fuses 4 & 11 for 15 minutes), replaced a kind of dirty air filter, put in a few ounces of fuel injector cleaner, and made an appointment next week at the Ford dealership, where the service advisor tells me that for $69 they will find out which of the various and sundry reasons are the true cause of my code P0420 code - stay tuned... (At about 150 miles into the code reset, the CEL remains unlit.) At the present time, if the dealer convinces me to replace the precat, I'll probably go for it, as I am really pressed for time. A major household move is pending to a location where I don't know the mechanics and their reputations. Perhaps I'll initiate another post searching for recommendations of reputable mechanics in the Denver area!!
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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If you need to repalce the pre-cat it will cost you a ton. If that turns out to be your problem, install MIL eliminators. they make the computer think the cat is working fine so the check engine light wont come on.
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