please help, check engine light

[erik671]

I have the check engine light on in my '96 XLT with code P0420 (cat. operating below threshhold).

I have replaced the sensor at the cat. exit and the problem still exists. Is there anything else I can try before I have to change the cat. converter? Ford says $1,100 for the part!! ouch!

Please help

Thanks,
Erik

 

[Robert]

How many miles do you have on your Explorer and what does your warranty booklet say about your warranty? On my '97 my cat is warranted for 8 years / 80 K miles.

 

[erik671]

I have 86k. Just past warranty.

 

[Robert]

Ouch, that sucks. I would definately get a second opinion from an exhaust shop before paying $1000 at the dealer for a cat. They are expensive, but I doubt if anyone else is more expenive than the dealer. Good luck.

 

[erik671]

Could one of the upstream O2 sensors or the MAF sensor or the fuel pressure regulator be the cause of the P0420 code?

-Erik