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Gang -

My aunt has a 2001 Ford Escape that I just found for her a week or so ago. Just yesterday, the CEL came on and the code is "PO430: Left Side Catalyst Below Threshold."

So, first of all...this is a transverse mounted V6. What's the "left side?"

Second...there's LOTS of conflicting information out there on Fords and this code. Some folks say replace one, or some number of, O2 sensors, run some Seafoam through it, reset the CEL and drive away happy. Other people say look for exhaust leaks (I can't find any). Other people say "it's definitely the cat, replace it." And there are the folks who say "no, actually this is usually an EGR problem." Ugh.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm faced with a bunch of conflicting information, and don't know what to try first.

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Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

The left side is the closest to the firewall. P0430 on the Duratec from what I remember is NOT the cat, it's a sign that the DPFE needs to be replaced. It requires the DPFE module itself and two vacuum hoses to fix. It's right next to the brake booster and pretty easy to fix. Two bolts hold it in and you'll need to cut the hoses to fit.

Call Capital Ford and talk with the people at the parts counter, I'll bet that they sell 20 of those a week.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

I've usually heard "primary" and "secondary" banks. Primary is always were
cyl 1 is. Left and right....

Well, I took the EGR thing off, cleaned it up as best I could, and put it back together. I also reset the ECU; the light hasn't come back on yet.

Before we bought this thing, the guy we bought it from had the coil packs and the plugs changed. I'm hoping that the light started to come on before he did that, and that maybe it won't come back on now that the ignition stuff is new. Fingers crossed.

Replacement cat prices are all over the place for this thing. Rockauto.com has a direct bolt in for less than $200 - I think it's a Walker. Car Quest has similar...for $800!! When I asked the guy why theirs cost 4X what the online one costs, he shrugged his shoulders.

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Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)