P0420 Code

[dawgn86]

Hey Guys,

2006 PF, V6 Automatic...153,000 miles. Last week the SES light came on. I took it to Autozone where they scanned this code P0420 Bank 1 Catalytic converter going bad.

They priced me a Walker for $225.00. Question is, how hard is this to install?. Showing 4 bolts.

Thanks in advance.

[smj999smj]

Rockauto.com has Walker# 16467 (right, upstream converter) for $160+shipping. You'll also need a couple of gaskets and some hardware (bolt and nuts). You'll need to disconnect or remove the right bank oxygen sensor, front and rear. Remove the right, rear catalytic converter. Remove the right front wheel and fender well liner w/ mudflap, if you have one. You can get one nut from below the vehicle and the others through the fender well. You will have the heat shield on the right exhaust manifold to deal with, which is the hardest part of the job, IMO. Some cut the end of the shield to expose the converter bolts. If you try to remove the shield in tact, you will likely break bolts in the exhaust manifold and the shield is practically impossible to get out without cutting it apart. In my case, I replaced the exhaust manifold with Dour Thorley shortie heads and didn't have to worry about heat shields! Anyway, once you get the converter unbolted from the manifold, it can be removed from the bottom.

DT Header:



My old right side manifold heat shield:

[patrickm]

fwiw, i'm not doubting your cat is bad, but i had this same code thrown because of the gasket leaking in the same area, so that may be worth checking as well.

[dawgn86]

Thanks for the replies!

Today I took the front right tire off and removed the fender well. I was actually able to loosen and remove 2 of the 3 bolts on the exhaust shield and move it up. I was able to get a wrench on the 3 bolts on top and loosen them as well as the two on the bottom and think I can remove it.

Will I need 2 donut gaskets ( part 31576 ) on the top and two gaskets on the bottom ( part 31540 ) to complete installation? Also, what size and how many bolts and nuts will I need since the Walker 16467 will need them?

Thanks

[smj999smj]

You'll need two #31576 for the upstream catalytic converter and two #31540 for the left and right, rear converter, rear flanges. The Walker converter I got came with one stud (although the picture showed two. For the others, you can use 10MM bolts/nut/washer which you can pick up in any place that sells general hardware (auto parts store, Lowes, Home Depot).