Results From Diagnostic (need help)

[jumpball207]

My car throws an engine code so use my scanner to look up the code and it comes back reading CATALYST EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD. I think its a exhaust issue, but thats just what I think does any one Know what this means and how i can get it fixed and how much would it cost roughly :feedback

 

[Jim Henderson]

I am not a Lincoln expert nor engine computer guru, but from previous reading on other websites, this message usually means your converter is worn out or clogged. There is also a possibility that the O2 sensors upstream and downstream might be going bad and causing a signal that makes the computer think the converter is going bad.

A lot depends on how old, how many miles you have. If you have a car that is realtively old or more importantly has say over 100K miles, your converters might be going bad.

On a normal car, the replacement can get to be in the range of about $500 each. On the LS, might be more expensive.

Like I said, not an expert so let's hope someone who knows better gives you the real scoop.

BTW, I think our converters are covered under an 80,000 mile warranty required by the EPA, so you may be able to get this fixed under warranty if you are under those miles. Double check the warranty miles too, it might have changed under EPA requirements. I think the warranty has been creeping higher and higher over the years.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

[LincolnTech38]

8years 80k on the pcm and cats, take it to the dealer.

Jay

 

[DLS8K]

8years 80k on the pcm and cats, take it to the dealer.

Jay

If it weren't for the computer on the Lincoln, I would say gut the cats and open it up a little. But, realistically, I would suggest following Jim and LincolnTech38's advice. Keep in mind, you'll be paying a diagnostic fee...........

 

[jumpball207]

i was gonna switch the system with a magnaflow system anyway would this fix the problem or would this same problem keep happenening

 

[2001LS8Sport]

It's a code that the rear O2 sensors have fallen out of range. This could be one or both of two problems. Either the rear O2 sensor(s) are bad or the cats themselves are worn out and the rear O2 sensors are reading accurately. Check the cross counts on your rear sensors and see if one of them is stuck. Alternatively, you could replace them and see if that fixes your problem. It's cheaper than cats....and with that many miles it won't hurt to replace them. If it doesn't, you need cats.

 

[JES_LS]

If you are getting that code it is probably the cats are gone, because otherwise the o2 sensor diagnosics would be complaining that they are not cycling or some other code.

or lets put it this way, what are the chances that both sensors would drop dead at the same time???! not likely, and it would only take a few minutes for one of them to trip a different code.
Its your Cats.

 

[2001LS8Sport]

If you are getting that code it is probably the cats are gone, because otherwise the o2 sensor diagnosics would be complaining that they are not cycling or some other code.

or lets put it this way, what are the chances that both sensors would drop dead at the same time???! not likely, and it would only take a few minutes for one of them to trip a different code.
Its your Cats.

What are the chances both cats would die at exactly the same time????

 

[LincolnTech38]

Per Ford Motor Company a bad 02 sensor will not give you a cat efficiency code, and they wont pay warranty claims for that.

if you have cat efficiency codes and ONLY cat efficiency codes take your car to the dealer if its under 80k miles. You will not have to pay a diagnostic charge if the cats are determined to be the problem, and since there are no real tests for the cats, if you have those efficiency codes for both banks they will just replace the cats.

Jay

 

[LincolnTech38]

also he never said he is getting codes for both sides he just said he is getting a code for cat efficiency.

it will either by Bank 1 cat below threshold or Bank 2 below threshold, one or the other or both.

 

[fordtechguru]

ford engine strategy dictates that a o2 monitor must be passed prior to setting cat monitor codes, so your o2's are fine, your cats tooka dump, but recheck the code , probably only one side??

 

[00ls-sport]

definately take it to dealer if under 80k. i had mine replaced because they were bad. i got 4 new o2 sensors, new cats, and a new exhaust after the cats...pieces of the cats were in the mufflers. all new exhaust for free!

 

[jumpball207]

imma take it to the dealership this thursday ill let you know how it goes it should be for free cause i only have 72000 on it

 

[Midas78]

Does it really matter if the O2 sensors are failing????

 

[SSTUD]

its your rear o2 sensor or its the cat itself. Do you hear a rattle? If yes then its prob your cat. If not then it is the sensor. Just get it scanned at the dealer or a rep mechanic. They can tell if its the sensor or the cat. A scan costs $80 usually so your almost better off just buying a new o2 sensor for 50 bucks anyway.

 

[lsondubz]

My car has 72k and the shop I take my car to told me that my cat is causing my issues on my car, so can I get this replaced for free at a Ford dealer?