Hi again, now that I have plugs and a sway bar end link, we are ready to try and get rid of this check engine light. I went to AutoZone and got a reading and it came back as 0420 which is the catalytic converter. I have talked to a couple people at AutoZone and at the Ford dealer and they say that it is barely ever the cat especially on an 01 so Mike is still convinced it is the fuel pump and that second O2 sensor that are the culprits. Just wondering if there are any places to get a fuel pump and Cat (just in case) that are reasonably priced? We found a pump for 80.00 shipped and a Cat for 200.00 shipped. Is this good or has anyone found better.
You arent being a pest, dont ever think that, that is what everyone is here for, to help out each other.
I'll give you my experience and you can take it for what its worth to ya. I dont see how a fuel pump would cause a code to be set for the cat. If the fuel pump, for whatever reason, was causing a rich or lean condition that would be picked up by the first O2 sensor whose job is to adjust the A/F ratio. The second O2 is just there to check catalytic converter efficiency or effectiveness.
Im no expert mind you, but I would have a hard time of someone trying to convince me that the fuel pump was causing an issue with the converter.
Now, that said, you can run so rich over a period of time that it would effectively poison the converter and ruin it, I believe its possible as well from too lean of a condition which would result in excessive heat but I have never seen that scenario. You can also poison a cat from low grade oil believe it or not. Particularly those that have a high volitility rate and high levels of zinc, which mostly petroleum motor oils fall into this category with the exception of the newer GF-4 spec oils.
So my advice to you would be this; first replace the second O2 or at the very least see if it can be tested if it wont be costly. If you know someone with a focus, swap out the second O2's and see if the problem follows the sensor. If you were here I could hook up my enhanced parameter scan tool and tell you with a fair amount of certainty where the issue was.
Im not saying there is no way it cant be the cat, I would, as you were told, be very suspicious of that or it would be the last consideration. If you have already ruled out the O2 sensor then I would look at other things, I dont know what all you have done thus far but I wouldnt put replacing the converter high on the list just yet.
tekslilbrat wrote: Hi again, now that I have plugs and a sway bar end link, we are ready to try and get rid of this check engine light. I went to AutoZone and got a reading and it came back as 0420 which is the catalytic converter. I have talked to a couple people at AutoZone and at the Ford dealer and they say that it is barely ever the cat especially on an 01 so Mike is still convinced it is the fuel pump and that second O2 sensor that are the culprits. Just wondering if there are any places to get a fuel pump and Cat (just in case) that are reasonably priced? We found a pump for 80.00 shipped and a Cat for 200.00 shipped. Is this good or has anyone found better.
The converter,being so costly is last on the list. Mike just wanted to have an idea of cost just in case because we both realize that they are so expensive. We have to get a socket that will fit in that little space under the heat shield where the sensor is to replace it, but the fuel pump is a definate issue and has been for a while now so that is why he wants to change it and get it done. Thanks for the info...it was very helpful
____________________ Lovin' My ZX3!!!! I finally gave it a name
SMKNS2!!!!
Is the fuel pump still under the extended warranty??? I beleve your car fits into the fuel pump recall. Call ford with your vin and check before you buy it.
nope, already had them check oasis when I first got the car and they said that mine is not covered for the pump.Someone said there is a warranty on Cat as well til 80,000 mi, but because I have cali emissions. it does not qualify.
Last edited on Wed May 10th, 2006 10:53 pm by tekslilbrat
____________________ Lovin' My ZX3!!!! I finally gave it a name
SMKNS2!!!!
Well we changed out the cat today and the mesh inside was broken. This also alowed Mike to put in the 2nd 02 sensor as well. So far, no check engine light, but we are taking it for a long ride in a bit to test it out. He is also gonna put in the new fuel pump, but he plans on doing it at a later date in this fixes the check engine light prob to pass inspection. Yayyy so far!!!!
Well, took it for a 25 mile drive and so far no light is back on ..... YAYYYY!!, but the stupid car isn't idling again. Seems like whenever Mike works on the car, after he is done it won't idle and unfortunately I am not proficient enough with the manual tranny yet to drive it with my foot on gas and brake at same time at a stop or light like Mike can so hopefully it stops actin B*&^%y and starts idling again. (Last time it did this, it was fine the next day)Has anyone else noticed this after working on their cars????
Last edited on Sun Jun 11th, 2006 09:03 pm by tekslilbrat
____________________ Lovin' My ZX3!!!! I finally gave it a name
SMKNS2!!!!
No what cazt did you replce it with? I would do the entire exhaust system....the Catalytic convertor has sent its crap throwgh the rest of your system. Unhook the battery for 30 Minutes and connect it and then allow the car to run for 5 minutes before driving. Then it should be good to go.
____________________ Captain Morgan and Dr.Pepper are my homies....
Well car was fine this afternoon when I went to the store and then I had to run and grab a calculator tonight and it started stalling at stop lights again. This is sooooo aggravating cuz I have you restart car everytime I stop, but have to make sure I have enough time to do so and jump into traffic.....GRRRRRR!!! Any ideas why the car is doin this. It has happened before when Mike owned the car and he is an experienced driver (as far as manual tranny's go) and it is no big deal for him, but I spend my days in downtown Springfield and they aren;t so nivce there when you stall in traffic!!! Ugh!!!!!
____________________ Lovin' My ZX3!!!! I finally gave it a name
SMKNS2!!!!
Someone said there is a warranty on Cat as well til 80,000 mi, but because I have cali emissions. it does not qualify.
