03' Pulling Code P0430....

[jwright4]

Hey guys.. haven't been on here lately..everything has been fine with the truck...Until recently I have made a switch to the E-85. Shortly after using it my CEL came on, took it to advance auto and it's throwing the P0430 Code (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2). It has 58k miles on it, so i'm certainly not assuming it's the CAT. Possibly the O2 sensor on bank 2??
I've done a search on this code, but everyone who's had this code come up on an Exp. is from back in the late 90's.
I'm confused......Anyone have any insight on this? same problem? I'm thinking it has something to do with the E-85. Because if i switch back to Regular gas, and go through the drive cycles, the CEL goes off....
Thanks for the help in advance
PS: my inspection is up Tomorrow 4/30..grrr
Jason
Albany NY

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

That code will set when the waveforms from the rear O2 sensors are starting to get close to those of the front O2s. The rear O2 sensors should switch rich/lean slower and with less amplitude and frequency than the fronts.
I can't see it being the use of E85 causing that. If anything, E85 makes the catalysts more efficient due to its oxygen content. I've scanned mine on both fuels, and saw no difference in the readings on both the front and rear O2 sensors. Morbid curiosity had me look at this and compare...I was surprised to see similar readings on both fuels.

It's entirely possible that the cats are getting tired. They are still under warranty if that's the case. Federal law requires a 8/80 warranty on catalysts, so Ford should have to replace them free of charge. If it were mine, I'd keep using E85 so the light keeps coming on, take it to Ford and have them replace the cats.

 

[jwright4]

Thanks for the info Took it to Ford today (the most reputable one in the area) and they did in fact say that one of the Cats are bad. Diagnosis, Parts, & labor are covered under the Emissions warranty. I walked out a happy camper. Also, the light is now off.....hopefully i can get it through a few drive cycles so that it will pass inspection. Only have till tomorrow to get it inspected. Part can take up to week to arrive.