Catalytic converter

[greasygramps]

My 1996 Windstar, 170,000 miles, has a check engine light on. I used a code reader at Autozone and got the following results. Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold, code 0420. What is the expected service life on catalytic converters? Should I suspect the converter or the O2 sensor? Does anyone out there have experience changing the catalytic converter? What are the pros and cons of using a universal versus a converter for my specific application? My vehicle is a California car and I understand the converters are different from those used in the other states. Any leads on a good source for a catalytic converter.

[customdc]

Originally Posted by greasygramps

My 1996 Windstar, 170,000 miles, has a check engine light on. I used a code reader at Autozone and got the following results. Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold, code 0420. What is the expected service life on catalytic converters? Should I suspect the converter or the O2 sensor? Does anyone out there have experience changing the catalytic converter? What are the pros and cons of using a universal versus a converter for my specific application? My vehicle is a California car and I understand the converters are different from those used in the other states. Any leads on a good source for a catalytic converter.

Ask any MIdas or brake shop for a free inspection of the converter, my 96 windstar 3.8l with 160,000 is fine, but needed new o2 sensors.Have fun changing the thing on your own.

[wiswind]

I changed the converter on my '96 3.8L....reason for changing....one of them was rattling from inside.
Yes, California uses a different converter....and I am in Wisconsin.....so I do not know where you will buy.....unless from FORD.
If you buy from FORD....try

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214072

That is Millenium Ford in Seattle.
They are very helpful, and have good prices.

List for my "Y" pipe.....was about $1600.
I found is as cheap as just over $1200.

I bought a walker unit from www.rockauto.com for just over $300.

The unit is 2 catalytic converters, and the pipes from each exhaust manifold.....to the flex pipe that is in front of the big square muffler. The flex pipe is a separate part. You will need to buy the gasket that goes in between the flex pipe and the back of the "Y" pipe that you buy.

It is NOT fun to replace.
You MUST be very careful with the studs that go into the exhaust manifold. Buy some "PB Blaster" and soak the bolts. Buy new bolts, and nuts, (2 each) for the connection to the flex pipe.

I used my old oxygen sensors.

On my '96 windstar.....the rear most converter......the "downstream" sensor mount was on the back of the converter. All the other sensors screwed into the pipe.
When I applied GENTLE turning ONLY pressure to remove the sensor from the back of the converter....the whole mounting nut came (BROKE) right out of the rear of the converter. Would have been a major headace if I had not been changing the converters anyhow.

I have pictures of the actual old / new converters side by side in my pictures at

http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

My old converter was still good....but was rattling inside. I still have the original downstream oxygen sensors......which are the ones that monitor the converters. I did later replace the upstream sensors with Motorcraft ones.

Another member posted that they bought the Walker replacement unit....and had a Midas shop install it for them for around $100.

Again, being in California, you would be buying a different converter.

[MT-2500]

Here is a link on cat codes 420/430
http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/catfailure/

As with any code they do not say replace the sensor or cat or part they say check it out.
code 420/430 can be caused by many things.
May need Tune up or a miss fire or fuel pressure system or intake and exhuast leaks or MAF and 02 sensors and in some cases may need a pcm update/reflash.
You need to get it on a good engine capable scanner and go over all data readings. Watch the fuel trim and 02 sensors reading real close.
On a replacement cat if you actually need one stay as close to OEM as you. can.
Check it over real close and let us know how it goes.
MT