explorer cat problem?


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Old 06-30-09, 12:45 PM
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explorer cat problem?

Had my wifes 97 explorers computer ran since its had a check engine light and it came back as p0420, catalyst efficiency below threshold bank 1. Does this mean the cats are bad or the o2 sensor? Which ones are they? Any fixes?
 
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Old 06-30-09, 04:18 PM
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Usually a bad Cat....

O2's measure input versus output, and look for a degree of chemical change.....when the Cat drops below 95 % efficiency, the bells and whistles go off. A Bad o2 could concievably cause this also, but ther would likely be a code stored for the O2 failure as well.

Bank 1 would be the passenger side, between o2 sensors( There is a "PRECAT" at the manifold, but he doesnt come into play for this scenario)
 
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Old 06-30-09, 04:30 PM
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So what do I have 2 do, cut that cat out and reweld a new one?
 
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Old 06-30-09, 04:48 PM
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Sorta......But without the cutting and welding....

They come in direct replacement format, which should technically be "Bolt In"..but it doesnt always work that way....

In honesty and hindsight ...I wouldnt replace a cat and leave the old o2 sensors in......So replace the O2's first, and if you still have a problem, then replace the cat...The sensors are much cheaper than a cat, and they really should be replaced with a new cat anyway, so why not use them as a diagnostic tool?
 
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Old 06-30-09, 05:03 PM
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02's are quite expensive when you have 4 of them. I replaced 2 of them before. Were not keeping the truck for much longer but I would like to fix it. Would this problem cause it to slightly "surge" when under a load?
 
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Old 06-30-09, 08:26 PM
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Definitely a candidate for "cash-for-clunker"...
 
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Old 07-01-09, 11:34 AM
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Its really too nice to scrap it. Its a limited so its LOADED. Probally just trade it in.
 
 

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