'97 Taurus engine code help

[the_Journeyman]

I've got a 1997 Ford Taurus, 3.0L V6 (base engine, not the 24V or V8) that's pulled a code.

History on the car:
Mileage is 173,000, the car runs very smooth, starts easily, doesn't smoke on startup or under a load. Well maintained, oil changed every 3000-3500 miles with Castrol High-mileage blend. I also just found out that the spark plugs are original... That's a lot of miles on the original sparks!

Here's the printout Autozone gave me:

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It's P0430 - Catalyst efficiency low - bank 2

The PCM has determined that the catalyst system efficiency for bank 2 is below threshold for the current engine operating conditions. (bank 1 identifies the location of cylinder #1, while bank 2 identifies the cylinders on the opposite bank)

Possible reasons:

1. Catalytic Converter defective (failure possibly due to 2, 3, or 4)
2. Engine misfire or running condition
3. Large vacuum leak
4. Engine oil leakage into exhaust - valve guide seals, piston rings

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Any input, what to look for, what to test etc. would be a big help. I want to eliminate other things before I pay for a new catalytic converter on a car that old ~

Thanks

JM

[ducpainter]

When I had problems with my Ranger I went to the Ford truck forum and people were helpful.

A cat for that car is more than the car is worth.   

[the_Journeyman]

A cat for that car is more than the car is worth.   

Yea, that's my thing two.  It's a single cat, so I don't see how if it's a bad cat, it's not showing the problem on both banks instead of just bank #2. 

I'll check into the truck forum ~

JM

[ducpainter]

Yea, that's my thing two.  It's a single cat, so I don't see how if it's a bad cat, it's not showing the problem on both banks instead of just bank #2. 

I'll check into the truck forum ~

JM

I'm pretty sure there's a Taurus forum somewhere.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I'm pretty sure there's a Taurus forum somewhere.

www.ashamedofmyride.com? 

[ducpainter]

www.ashamedofmyride.com? 

You used to be down to earth....

before you moved. 

[Popeye the Sailor]

You used to be down to earth....

before you moved. 

I am now spoiled with a muddy bike and the finest in 1962 Technology.

[the_Journeyman]

Been working this over in my head.   A mis-fire can cause the code to trip it seems.  The spark plugs are (best my father and I can figure) the ORIGINAL plugs.  That means the plugs are 173,000 miles old.  How high is the possibility of one of them causing a problem?

JM

[Popeye the Sailor]

Been working this over in my head.   A mis-fire can cause the code to trip it seems.  The spark plugs are (best my father and I can figure) the ORIGINAL plugs.  That means the plugs are 173,000 miles old.  How high is the possibility of one of them causing a problem?

JM

I'd say start with the plugs. If those are indeed, original, I'd replace the wires too.

[the_Journeyman]

Hmm...  Ok, I'll look into the parts tomorrow.  That seems like a ridiculously long time for the plugs to be in there.  They're snow white, but not shiny, kinda matte textured ~

JM

[Popeye the Sailor]

Hmm...  Ok, I'll look into the parts tomorrow.  That seems like a ridiculously long time for the plugs to be in there.  They're snow white, but not shiny, kinda matte textured ~

JM

Did you check the gap?

[the_Journeyman]

No, after seeing the weird color & texture, I figured they were toast ~

JM

[Howie]

Misfire that is minor enough that you will not feel or cause a misfire code can cause a cat efficiency code.  Since you are overdue for plugs anyway, put them in, wires too, and clear the codes.  Since the car is OBD II you need a scan tool to do this.  If the code comes back, it is Cat time, which wouldn't be surprising for that mileage.  If you need to go through emissions inspection, a cheap aftermarket cat will get you through.  Don't expect a long life out of it though, you get what you pay for.  If not, put a piece of tape over the light .  Certainly not the right thing to do, but if the car was two years older, the light wouldn't have triggered.

[acalles]

while, at 173k if you've never changed the plugs, by all means do so!

2. Engine misfire or running condition
3. Large vacuum leak
4. Engine oil leakage into exhaust - valve guide seals, piston rings

these things will cause a cat to fail, but will not cause a failed cat code, especially if the fault isn't 'intermittent"

If a 02 sensor is slowing down, it can cause a cat code, but at your millage, its more likely the cat itself is just old and failed.

will it cause any problems? no, not likely unless your car is running very poor from another problematic condition (like a heavy misfire)

should you fix it, yes, because your vehicle isn't running as clean as it should and if they do emissions testing in your area you will NOT pass inspection.

A cat from the factory is likely to be fairly expensive, but there are aftermarket cats available that cost much less, and work as well. they can be installed by a good muffler shop.. if your in CA it has to be factory only.

With OBD II misfire detection is very accurate, it will pick up misfires that you cannot feel and "counts" the number of times it misses and cyl the misfires occur on. Misfires are difficult to "feel" at high PRMs, (easy at low) and the car may just feel sluggish, but misfire detection will note the misfires and set a light. fault codes set would be "random multiple misfires and misfire cyl #.

also since its a ford, change the PCV valve like once a year. there like $2, and will reduce the amount of oil burnt.

(coming from the world of fairly sophisticated auto fuel injection.. the too simple fuel injection on my 695, with its lean condition pisses me off to no end!)

[the_Journeyman]

I replaced the spark plugs, and the problem seems to be gone.  Light is off too.  Here's what a spark plug with 173,000 miles looks like too.





All 6 plugs looked about the same too ~

JM