bad cat.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
How did it fail? VERY rare on newer trucks.
If your truck has on 02 sensor after the cat, the CEL would remain on all the time, eliminating its ability to warn you when something else goes wrong.
If your truck has on 02 sensor after the cat, the CEL would remain on all the time, eliminating its ability to warn you when something else goes wrong.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
No, it isn't that rare. I have had them fail. They are a chemical catalyst. Once the element that causes the catalyst is used up they stop working. Excessive unburned fuel (rich condition, weak spark or misfire) also causes them to heat up excessively, which can also cause a failure.
As stated, if there is no O2 sensor downstream from the converter you should be OK.
As stated, if there is no O2 sensor downstream from the converter you should be OK.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
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From: SE Georgia
what year is the truck?
Mileage?
All manufacturers have a Federal mandate for emissions equipment. I think it's 80,000 miles/7 yrs. But don't quote me on that. I'd look inside the Owners manual. Under the emissions area.
Mileage?
All manufacturers have a Federal mandate for emissions equipment. I think it's 80,000 miles/7 yrs. But don't quote me on that. I'd look inside the Owners manual. Under the emissions area.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2010
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8 years or 80,000, whichever comes first. California is the only exception I believe - 7 years or 70,000 I THINK.
Had an exhaust manifold leaking on my 04 with 60,XXX last year and got it replaced with no questions asked. $0.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
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From: Missouri
Cats do fail. Frequently if you have a neglected engine and sometimes just because, but thats rare. I had two go out on my F150. Ford payed for it though.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Yeah, that's why I was asking. It usually takes a special cause to result in failure. If there was a special cause, that needs to be addressed. And if there was no special cause it should be covered under emissions warranty.
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Missouri
The computer won't try to make it run different. But with a bad cat it will get progressively worse. Eventually it will clog and starve your engine of air (because it can't breath out). Will result in lack of power and crappy mileage.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
There are companies that make modules to replace the O2 sensors that fool the ECM into thinking it is there. But your profile says you are in CA. You need a cat to be legal. I know a few counties don't require routine smog checks, but face it.... we are in a budget crisis and LEO's are being pressured to find and ticket anything that could result in a fine.
The truck will not run any better without a cat, so I would suggest just replacing it. If you tow heavy, get a stock sized one from a recycler. If you don't tow heavy, a high flow universal can be had for less than $100. Actually, those will work OK for a while even when towing heavy - but they won't last as long as the massive factory cats.
The truck will not run any better without a cat, so I would suggest just replacing it. If you tow heavy, get a stock sized one from a recycler. If you don't tow heavy, a high flow universal can be had for less than $100. Actually, those will work OK for a while even when towing heavy - but they won't last as long as the massive factory cats.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
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From: SE Georgia
just be aware that if you do end up deleting the cat, it will be very obvious to people around your truck when idling. The gas smell is quite strong. I went to an Off-road setup on my Mustang and almost went right back to a cat setup. Smell was very strong.
otherwise, MIL eliminators work. They just tell the PCM that everything is good. You can also get custom tuned and have the rear O2's turned off.
biggest drawback of course of the Republik of Kalifornia situation. I'd highly suggest you stop by the Dealership and have them fix it for free under Warranty if you qualify. Trying to pass inspection is annoying as hell
otherwise, MIL eliminators work. They just tell the PCM that everything is good. You can also get custom tuned and have the rear O2's turned off.
biggest drawback of course of the Republik of Kalifornia situation. I'd highly suggest you stop by the Dealership and have them fix it for free under Warranty if you qualify. Trying to pass inspection is annoying as hell
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Most LEO's know this, and it is an easy ticket for them to write. I guarantee the ticket will be far more than a new cat....
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