96 Taurus Catalyst Converter Question

[starks]

Hi,

I consider buying a 1996 Taurus. I met with the owner and checked the vehicle, the car is OK and very clean but it has one problem.

The engine light is on and the owner told me that the Ford service concluded that it was due to an "inefficient catalyst converter". (he showed me the service papers which dated one month ago).

He also told me that the mechanics in the Ford service informed him that since there are two catalyst converters, there's no need to worry too much and he can drive the vehicle. And if he wanted to replace it, he could buy a generic catalyst converter around $250-300. (original Ford converters would be more expensive)

Is all this information correct? What kind of problems can occur when one of the catalyst converters is inefficient, if any. Or is it true that it's negligible?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[KimMG]

Are you required to pass an emissions test in your area? Is there an O2 sensor after the catalytic converter? If yes, then the computer will get the wrong readings and may cause the car to run rich or lean. Take it to a muffler shop and see what they have to say about non oem replacement. Take the car to Autozone and have the codes read for yourself.
If you are sure that this is the car you want to buy, then pay for an inspection. The more you know, the fewer surprises and disappointments you will have.

[wafrederick]

If you are going to buy the car,go with the catalytic converters from Ford.The aftermarket catalytic converters are junk on Ford products and you will have the check engine light on right away.Do not take to AutoZone to get the codes read,The people who work at AutoZone(really called AutoJunk) are NOT trained for computor work

[shorod]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

Do not take to AutoZone to get the codes read,The people who work at AutoZone(really called AutoJunk) are NOT trained for computor work

There's really no reason not to have the codes read at AutoZone. You don't need to be trained to read the codes, just don't necessarily take their advice on what the codes mean. Hopefully they will tell you the exact code number. If not, ask politely for the code number, or play ignorant and ask them what they see that tells them the problem is x.

Remember, the advice they provide is a free service, and sometimes you get what you pay for. Hopefully the same doesn't apply to this forum.

-Rod