catalytic converter replacement?

the code for the cat means the cat is done and worn out. no matter what else, the cat is no good.

This guide will help walk you through the replacement.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

Roy

I changed the catalytic converter and spark plugs and it still gets red hot. Help!

Good evening,

The catalytic turns red from unburned fuel in the system from the engine not burning the fuel correctly.

Does the engine misfire?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Is the check engine light on? If it is, do you know the codes?

I would do a compression test to be sure the engine is good internally.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy

1. Open the central junction box (CJB) and remove the fuel pump relay.
2. Start the engine: the engine will start up, run for a few seconds and then stall.


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NOTE: Turn the spark plug connectors slightly before pulling them off. Pull on the connector, not on the cable.


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3. Pull off the spark plug connectors.
4. Pull off the ignition coil connector.


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5. Remove the spark plugs and keep track of spark plug location for installation.

So the sensors on the catalytic converter wouldn’t be the cause?

No, they will not. This is an engine issue not burning all the fuel in the cylinders.

Roy

Okay, so is it an easy fix?

Diagnostics need to be done to find out why.

I asked about the check engine light.

I asked you to do a compression test.

That's is where you need to start. Once we determine the failure, then we can discuss the repairs.

Roy

I have replaced the plugs, wires and coil. I have an engine light P0420 catalyst below threshold, was cleared and stayed gone for two days. Power is good when I take off but when holding the throttle steady it has an occasional surge like it is missing but no strong bucking. What else could be causing this issue? I have looked at the O2 readings and they seem to be W/I perimeters so don't know what is triggering the code either.
Michael

were the plugs and wires replaced for a reason?

that code means that the post converter o2 sensor is malfunctioning, or the catalytic converter has failed. which would make sense if you replaced the spark plugs and wires due to a problem that could have been pumping out raw fuel and burning up the converter!

This guide will help confirm the issue

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

also if the front o2 sensor(s) fail or misread it could cause the back one to throw a code as it is used as a reference for the catalyst efficiency.

I can’t drive it to AutoZone because it gets red hot too fast and it starts smoking.

I replaced the plugs as I believe they were original and the wires were leaking voltage, they had burn marks, I looked at the information last night again and although I couldn't get the info for the downstream O2 the upstream seemed to be all over the map form 70V to just under 800V with in m/sec. I believe this may be the problem as this appears to be erratic. Do you believe this would cause the fuel mixture to vary enough to cause the surging?
Just a little info on me I'm retired from the automotive field this issue just confused me.

AutoZone is not where you belong. They sell parts and do not do repairs.

You need a shop to check this for you if you cannot do these checks. If this is your only wheels, then maybe you could get a tech to come to you and check it out.

Roy

if it's varying that much it could cause that problem, especially if it's with it causing a lot of fuel to be pumped in then hardly any at all.

what i would do is disconnect the o2 sensor and run it, if the problem goes away then suspect the o2 sensor or harness for the o2 sensor.

does it run good when cold? in closed loop.

I was going to AutoZone for the diagnostic test, but okay thanks.

Yes, it runs this way when cold also, and I'll try running it without the o2 plugged in.

Okay,

You are welcome.

Keep me updated.

Roy

if it does not work with o2 sensor unhooked. leave the sensor unhooked and remove the battery for about 10 minutes, reconnect battery and start, does it run?

let me know what you find.

I have a 2000 Focus, did the whole surge and hesitate thing. replaced fuel pump motor filter, coil pack, all the sensors nothing worked.. acting like it had no fuel but when tested it was right with in specks.. so we got mad and cut thru the floor and accessed the fuel pump that way, yeah kinda drastic but we had a hunch. opened up the tank and took a spin. here the pump was spraying gas all over the place.. the o-ring at the top of the motor into the assembly had failed and the little white one-way pressure valve that the pump pumps through first then out of the tank, that was clogged. so we replaced the entire unit this time instead of just the pump motor. fixed it.

Hello, I'm Danny.

Thanks for the input. Thanks for using 2CarPros.

Ok i have a 2000 ford focus zx3 and i started notessing a few days ago after i would go above 4000 rpm it didnt really have any power. then today i started my car and i let it warm up and i drove it about 2 or 3 miles and i was on the hi-way and once i got up to 70 it was like it wouldn go any faster, i had the petal to the floor and it didnt go faster and didnt slow down. so i got off the hi-way and it started sputtering, and almost dying first thing i thought of was maybe the gas was bad but it was new gas it hadnt been sitting in the car or anything so i thought it might be the fuel filter, and so i changed the fuel filter and there was some junk in the old one it was kinda brown but wasnt really gritty at all, so like before i started my car and let it warm up and after about 3 miles it did the same thing over again, sputterin kinda dying out, didnt make any grinding or wierd sounds just sounded normal. could it be the catalytic converter? i have no idea...thanks

[quote:39f60c273c="RW7"]Engine problem
2000 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 130000 miles
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Ok i have a 2000 ford focus zx3 and i started notessing a few days ago after i would go above 4000 rpm it didnt really have any power. then today i started my car and i let it warm up and i drove it about 2 or 3 miles and i was on the hi-way and once i got up to 70 it was like it wouldn go any faster, i had the petal to the floor and it didnt go faster and didnt slow down. so i got off the hi-way and it started sputtering, and almost dying first thing i thought of was maybe the gas was bad but it was new gas it hadnt been sitting in the car or anything so i thought it might be the fuel filter, and so i changed the fuel filter and there was some junk in the old one it was kinda brown but wasnt really gritty at all, so like before i started my car and let it warm up and after about 3 miles it did the same thing over again, sputterin kinda dying out, didnt make any grinding or wierd sounds just sounded normal. could it be the catalytic converter? i have no idea...thanks[/quote:39f60c273c]

As I started to read your post
clutch all I could think of
do you have check engine light on
how’s the tune up ?
check the clutch