96 Taurus w/ 24V DOHC cat conv code...tried searching

i tried searching, but didn't find any info about my questions...

a friend of mine is getting a bank 2 cat convertor below efficiency code (P0430), along w/ an EGR code (P0401)...the case of the cat conv looks somewhat damaged, but the car runs great, gets good mileage...he went to have it emissions tested and they failed him on the two codes.

now i read up on cat conv codes on my search, and found that it can be a multitude of issues causing this...i proposed a solution, but didn't know if what i proposed is available...on mustangs you can get resistors that plug inline w/ the rear 02's and send the computer a false signal that says the cat conv's are doing fine (MIL eliminators they're called)...is this type of thing available for taurus', or would the mustang ones maybe work on the taurus? since the car is running fine, he doesn't necessarily want to spring for new cats...

any help is appreciated...

To address your question, I'm not aware that MIL eliminators are available for the Taurus. I suspect that ones for a Mustang would work since it sounds like only the wiring connection needs to be the same, not the threads or the wire length.

However, if the P0430 code is legit, masking the problem won't do him any favors. Chances are it won't be long and the converter will meltdown and restrict the exhaust at which time the repair will get very costly. Your friend would be best served to determine what is causing the code and fix it before other components also fail. Per the service manual, possible causes of the P0430 code are:

-- Use of leaded fuel.
-- Oil contamination.
-- Cylinder misfiring.
-- Damaged HO2S.
-- Damaged ECT sensor.
-- Downstream HO2S wires improperly connected.
-- Fuel pressure too high.
-- Damaged exhaust system pipe.
-- Damaged exhaust manifold.
-- Damaged muffler/tailpipe assembly.
-- Damaged catalytic converter.

As for the P0401 code, possible causes are:

-- Fault in vacuum supply to EGR vacuum regulator solenoid.
-- EGR valve stuck closed or iced.
-- EGR valve diaphragm leaks.
-- EGR valve or flow path restricted.
-- EGR vacuum hose off, plugged or leaks.
-- VPWR circuit open to EGR vacuum regulator solenoid.
-- EGRVR circuit to PCM open.
-- EGRVR circuit to PCM shorted to PWR.
-- Differential pressure feedback EGR (D.P.F. EGR) sensor pressure hoses both connected improperly.
-- D.P.F. EGR sensor pressure hoses reversed.
-- D.P.F. EGR sensor VREF circuit open.
-- Downstream pressure hose off.
-- Downstream pressure hose plugged.
-- Damaged orifice tube assembly.
-- Damaged EGR vacuum regulator solenoid.
-- Damaged D.P.F. EGR sensor.
-- Damaged PCM.

Good luck!

-Rod