So, with over 230,000 miles we just got the dreaded catalytic converter code. P0420 I've read a few old threads that indicate sometimes a bad O2 sensor can cause that code. With the stated miles on this thing I don't have much faith ill get off that easy. We are moving from the DC area to Indianapolis, IN. The truck is here in VA now. Needs to drive back to Indy, 650 miles roughly. My wife will be driving it. Seems to be running fine. Should I be concerned about it making it there? Anything I can do to try to clear the code? I imagine the products out there that I'm seeing that will supposedly clear this up are probably snake oil. The truck needs to pass emissions in Indiana too, which it likely won't at this point.

To make matters worse, you cant buy a catalytic converter for this truck according to my shop here in VA. Local guys. They're honest and to good work and never push anything you dont really need. I'd replace it if they were available. They say there are none out there.

Any suggestions? Naturally Im stuck here in VA and the movers took all my tools to Indy. I cant move out there til the end of May. It'll be a month before I can go out there and spend more than 24 hours there before having to return home. When it rains it pours.

TIA

 

I used to refer guys to Tonys Exhaust in Glen Burnie MD for this, not sure how convenient for you that would be but it's a source. Maybe a local muffler shop could do the same, but not sure how many are left in NoVA.. They could cut in a converter fairly economically that would solve the issue.

As far as driving it, it's anyone's guess. The code in and of itself isn't the issue, but how damaged the converter is. If it comes apart it will plug the exhaust.

 

Thanks. We cant locate a cc for the Expy anywhere. New or used. Turns out where we are moving to in Indiana does NOT require emissions testing. I was mistaken about that. We can get her registered, titled and insured out there and just keep looking until she decides to let me get her a new rig. Mechanic says it will run fine, it just won't pass emissions. She heads back out at the end of the week and won't be doing the long drive again. Shop says there supposedly is a way to try to run a tank of fuel and some cleaning compound that has a 50/50 chance of getting a clear emissions test. Since we are leaving the state that requires the emissions I don't think we'll do it. Just really surprised that you cant find a new or used converter for it anywhere.

 

It's illegal to sell uncertified catalytic converters. It's not really worth it to certify them, so no one does it. Used to be a place in TN, I think, that did but Im pretty sure they got out of it.

Not sure where you are looking but I found several new on rock Auto.

 

Your mechanic is probably correct. You'll just have the check engine light on. As long as it's just a case of a chemically dead cat, it's not a issue with performance. If the internal substrate has been mechanically damaged, then you run a very significant risk of a restricted exhaust in your future.

The "miracle in a can" products might "clean" the cat enough for it to begin functioning again... or not. For $10-20 bucks, it's likely worth a can or two.

Easiest "fix" for the check engine is to install the downstream O2 sensor on an anti-fouler. Backing the sensor out of the main exhaust flow usually dampens it's output enough to make the PCM think the cat is converting.

 

I had that pop up at 138000 on my 2014. A pair of O2 sensor risers for $20 and a 7/8” wrench and it was fixed. It took me about 20 minutes to do. I cleared the codes with a $20 OBD reader and 500 miles later no more codes.

 

Yeah, most of my old, now gone Fords had that done to them. One in particular required two spacers stacked.

 

"Fixed" 😂🤣🤔