Explorer Catalytic Converter replacement

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dhurwich@earthlink.net - 27 Sep 2007 04:29 GMT

Had my Explorer in for service at the Ford dealer, and because of a
check engine light code, they said I needed to get my catalytic
converter replaced, as well as the rear O2 sensors (it's a much longer
story than this, but...this gets the point across).

The dealership then said I also needed to get the PCM reflashed once I
had the cats replaced. They also suggested I get the cats replaced at
a muffler shop, as it would be much cheaper than what they could do it
for.

So...took it to a muffler shop, and the replaced both cats, but...they
were unsure of why Ford was telling me I needed to have the PCM
reflashed. They didn't think it was necessary.

So...question is- I had both cats replaced, along with rear
(downstream) O2 sensors. Do I need to have the PCM reflashed, or, is
it something that doesn't need to be done?

The Ford dealer was going to charge $100 for it (sort of chaps my a.s,
because I know it probably takes all of 5 minutes to do).

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Jim Warman - 27 Sep 2007 04:34 GMT

My limited experience with after market cats leaves me with the feeling that
these are cheaper for a reason.... There arer many horror stories where an
owner has chosen the less expensive route only to have to swallow that and
purchase the spendier, direct fit, purpose built cats from Ford.

As for any reason for a reprogram.... a year and engine size might help...

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dhurwich@earthlink.net - 27 Sep 2007 04:46 GMT

> My limited experience with after market cats leaves me with the feeling that
> these are cheaper for a reason.... There arer many horror stories where an
> owner has chosen the less expensive route only to have to swallow that and
> purchase the spendier, direct fit, purpose built cats from Ford.
>
> As for any reason for a reprogram.... a year and engine size might help...

1998, 4.0 SOHC. Part of the "long" story is I originally had
universal cat placed in, and just replaced with OEM direct fit at a
muffler shop.

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Jim Warman - 27 Sep 2007 05:58 GMT

Sounds odd that a muffler shop can "do" OEM cats cheaper than the dealer...

I searched TSBs for 98 EX and FSAs.... no indication of a later calibration
(reflash).

Unfortunately, the best way to be 100% sure is to connect the factory scan
tool and let it decide if there is a later flash available. In which case
the dealer is gonna get you anyway....

HTH

>> My limited experience with after market cats leaves me with the feeling
>> that
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> universal cat placed in, and just replaced with OEM direct fit at a
> muffler shop.

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Mike Hunter - 27 Sep 2007 14:44 GMT

It also requires some equipment that costs thousands dollars as well as the
ongoing costs of training the techs to use that equipment ;)

mike

> Had my Explorer in for service at the Ford dealer, and because of a
> check engine light code, they said I needed to get my catalytic
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> The Ford dealer was going to charge $100 for it (sort of chaps my a.s,
> because I know it probably takes all of 5 minutes to do).

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Kruse - 28 Sep 2007 03:33 GMT

> It also requires some equipment that costs thousands dollars as well as the
> ongoing costs of training the techs to use that equipment ;)
>
> mike

Just like everybody else, a dealership tech has to eat. With that
being said...........
A few years ago we had a first Gen Taurus come in to the dealership
that needed a new
catalytic converter setup. We priced it and (if memory hasn't
completely failed me) the
PARTS ALONE were about $1100. Holy #*%$!, that was for parts only! The
car was low
mileage and in very good shape. Now if you were the car owner, what
would you do? Even if you
were a Ford tech, and could get the parts at an employee discount,
what would you do? (Please
remember that this is in a state that has no yearly safety or emission
testing) I don't know
exactly what happened, but I because the car was OBDI, they were
probably wallowed out and the owner
kept driving it.
I don't blame the car owner for doing it because sometimes Ford
charges just a little too much for their parts,
even if they are (usually, or at least sometimes) top notch. An
example are some of the Navistar diesel
parts that are a lot cheaper at Navistar than what Ford charges for
the identical part.
I'm off my soap box now.

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