I got a check engine light recently and just pulled the code. The code (P0430) indicates a problem with the cats. Anyone ever had to deal with this one?

 

How many miles are on it?

It can be an exhaust leak, or a bad O2 sensor after the cat, not just the cat itself going bad.

Still under warranty?

The emissions warranty is much longer than the vehicle warranty, so even if it WAS the cat, it should still be covered.

 

it has 56k on it now, so emissions warranty is still in effect.

I gave up though today, and dropped it off at the dealer. They always give me a free loaner, so no big deal.

I guess they will let me know. Hopefully it's just a sensor and not a bad cat or two. If so, that should an emissions warranty item.

I'll post back when I find out.

 

The dealer let me know that both cats need replaced. It only has 56k miles!

As of now, I'm being told that it is not a warranty item. The dealer is checking with Ford about what is covered under the emissions warranty.

If Ford doesn't cover the cats, this will be a $1,300 repair. These cats are a new design for 08 and up trucks. I would hate to have to replace them again in another 30 months.



Just waiting for the news.....

 

Oh, it HAS to be covered, unless they can prove abuse or something on your part.

However, I can't say there's anyway to abuse a Superduty that would ruin the cats.

Unless you were using some kind of additive.

After they cover the cats, I would push the issue of finding out WHY they went bad so quick. Maybe the truck is running rich (or lean) and burning them up?

 

Update

The dealer called me back and said that Ford won't cover any of it. This is the same dealer where my dad is a fleet manager, so I know they treat me right.

I contacted Ford about the situation. I was told that 8,500 GVWR and up emissions parts are covered up to 50k miles, per federal law.

Corey, who I talked to, noticed how many new Fords me and my family have bought over the years and said he would get back with me. He told me that due to the fact that the truck had 56k miles they would pick up what amounted to around 65 percent of the cost. A fair offer. $500 vs $1300. I also had a loaner truck for 5 days at no cost.

I picked it up today and the entire assembly from the manifolds to the Y pipe was replaced to include both cats. It's all one welded piece. All the diagnostics are good, not running rich or lean, cold or hot, no spark or ignition problems, no bad sensors. And I know that it uses no oil between changes.

Truck runs great. MPG and power are up. Info center said 13.2 MPG when I pulled in the driveway. Spark knock is gone. Makes me wonder if the original part had a problem all along. Never got a catalyst code until the other day though.

Too bad I didn't get to keep the old cats. Ford wants them to analyze. They would be worth about $100 at a recycling center.

Next project will be spark plugs. I'm guessing they wont be in the best shape after the heat caused from the bad cats.