3.0 cat converter plugged? P1405 code

[skittlejr]

ok, this is actually on my 2003 escape, but I don't know anywhere else to go for help. I have tried an escape forum, but am not finding the help i need. It slowly lost power then one day up a hill on the highway it just bogged down and now can barely go 20 on a flat and can't pull any hill at any speed. hissing sound under neath (sounds like cat hissing from being plugged) sometimes when i rev it there is a loud high pitched weezing sound, i think it is exhaust gas blowing past the DPFE silicon tubes. I messed around with the DPFE sensor due to the code and now the "REF" tube melted off the sensor. i think that is due to the heat from the back pressure. with the two DPFE tubes open the engine has just a bit more power which i think is because they are giving the exhaust somewhere to go since the cat is plugged. will a plugged cat cause a P1405? i have been told it won't, that the P1405 is only for a plugged or loose DPFE tube. i know this isn't a ranger but FTE is only place with good answers. thanks

[Bear River]

A plugged cat can absolutely cause your code. You will need to verify that the cat is actually plugged, which you can check by removing an O2 sensor and see if the running improves. If it does, then there is a strong possibility the cat is plugged. The next question would by why? Cats do not usually fail by themselves, but due to either a tuning issue, a major leak or air, oil, or antifreeze, or physical damage.

[Rags]

If the cat, is plugged! Check with your ford dealer, I found that some emission items such as catalytic converters are warrented longer.

[skittlejr]

thanks, no warranty at 129k. when you say removing an o2 sensor will help--help by way of the computer adjusments or just give the exhaust somewhere to vent to? i have the DPFE sensor off now and it runs just a bit better because i think it is allowing a small amount of the exhaust out and letting the engine breathe a little.

[G2IC_Wraith]

I might be wrong, but I thought the dealer has to warranty emissions equipment for 10yr regardless of mileage.

I had a converter fail one time where the internals broke loose. Every time I would step on the gas it would block the flow, and bog really bad.

[skittlejr]

many other forums i have checked, people have said that it's 80k on this, it's a common failure.

[Bikeitswift]

Id say its Sawzall time. You'll know in about three minutes if that's it, if not, a muffler shop shouldn't charge more than $20.00 to weld it back on (avoid muffler/brake chain stores!!). the law says they can't cut it off, but I believe they are OK to replace a missing one (with yours). When mine goes, I plan to use an aftermarket 'universal" cat...mucho cheaper than OEM.

[fordboy_52]

you can figure out if a cat is failing by taking temp readings before and after. usually with those laser reader

[Bear River]

Ok, removing the sensor relieves the backpressure, allowing it to run better, and is less permanent that cutting things with a sawzall. If it helps, you probably have a plugged cat, if it makes little difference, the problem lies elsewhere. If you end up needing a cat, take a look at our site, I don't have the cats for your vehicle listed, but we do have them. We have a lot of stuff that is not on the site, so we have to prioritize which parts to add first, since we can only work so fast. We could save you a lot over the dealership, since the cats on the escape are not viable weld in options due to the size and location. The 3.0L Escape has two converters that are part of the exhaust manifolds, and they are quite small. There is a third one underneath the vehicle too, which can be replaced with a weld in easily enough. However, based upon your description, one of the front ones sounds like the culprit.

[skittlejr]

the temp readings is great idea, makes sense.

i just got it home last night finally maybe i'll have time to work on it tonight.

thanks bear, when i get ready to shop for parts after diagnosis, i will be checking you guys out.

[skittlejr]

if one of the converters on the manifolds went bad, wouldn't the engine perform enough to get up a hill on three good cylinders? does that make sense, or is my judgment clouded by the fact that i was hoping for the one under the car to be bad, cheaper and easier to replace.

[fordboy_52]

those arnt exactly convertors if i usnerstand correctly, but they DID go bad on my 00 3.0 and ford replaced them free of charge.

Matt

[skittlejr]

it appears that something is plugged. i finally got it home. first time i drove it, it melted the DPFE sensor. second time the backpressure broke the egr valve alumnium housing where the EGR tube fitting screws in. pulled two O2 sensors (both right after the manifold located cc's) seemed to run a little better. hard to tell, since those were after the first two cc's they would only help if the cc under the vehicle was bad. when i went to put the sensors back it i found some debris in the pipe. started to drop the Y pipe when it got dark.

[fordboy_52]

thats what happened to me when they replaced my whole exhaust. i think u might want to think about replacing some stuff......

bear river might be able to hook u up with cats cheaper than ford

Matt