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07-24-2017, 03:11 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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Catalytic converter problems: need advice
I drive a 2000 4.0 V6 XLT Super cab 4WD and I'm having a problem. Pretty sure one of my catalytic converters is clogged. Ford in their infinite wisdom gave my truck 4 of them. I'm very tight on money and would welcome any advice you guys have as to how to fix the problem. If it helps the truck has 217,000 miles.
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07-24-2017, 10:00 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,897
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sesshoumiroku
I drive a 2000 4.0 V6 XLT Super cab 4WD and I'm having a problem. Pretty sure one of my catalytic converters is clogged. Ford in their infinite wisdom gave my truck 4 of them. I'm very tight on money and would welcome any advice you guys have as to how to fix the problem. If it helps the truck has 217,000 miles.
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"Pretty sure" and how to fix a problem when said problem is not even confirmed to be valid just don't jibe, especially when you can't afford to be wrong. Suggestion.....do the diagnostics, find the problem then worry about parts. Never buy parts until you know what you're buying will fix a problem.
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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl
Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000
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07-25-2017, 05:12 AM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Short on cash for diagnostics hence why I'm asking for the help. Shops in my area charge $75 or more just to diagnose. I've talked with my normal mechanic as well as two others and they all say that one of the cats is most likely clogged.
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07-25-2017, 07:52 AM
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Ford Tough
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 350
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
since you have not stated what your problem actually is makes it harder. disconnect your cats from your and see if it runs any better. if not buy a scanner. you can buy them for under 100 bucks.
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07-25-2017, 07:55 AM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
If you don't have money for a cat replacement, and if you don't know and don't want to learn how to diagnose problems yourself, and if you don't have the cash to pay some mechanic to do the job (or just guess and charge for that), then there is just one option and it'll happen by default. Takes money for labor and parts when things break.
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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl
Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000
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07-25-2017, 10:36 AM
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Craigslist is awesome
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Join Date: Jun 2016
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Find someone to borrow one of those laser thermometers off of, if you lived close enough I'd let you use mine. Like the ones they use on the cooking shows.
Run the truck up to temperature, take a reading in front of the cat and the back of the cat casing. Hit the internet for what the difference should be I forgot but I'm thinking anything over 100 degrees F hotter in the front means it's clogged.
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00 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 my new baby
00 XLT 2WD RCSB 5.0 swap in progress.
98 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 dead
99 EXPO donor motor for dead one and parts for the others.
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07-25-2017, 10:39 AM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2015
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
A truck with that many miles could need more than one converter replaced.
Yet you have not given us anything to work with here.
Do you have the check engine light lit up or flashing when driving?
Does the truck run rough?
Does the truck run ok but seems to lack power?
As mentioned do you have any diagnostic equipment?
How long have you had this truck, if it runs bad when did this start?
Even if you have a clogged converter your truck may have other parts that contributed to the clogged converter or clogged converters.
If your low on cash, I would suggest to stop driving it until you have diagnosed and repaired
The problem.
You could turn a inexpensive problem to a costly one.
As mentioned without the basics there is no magic wand we can wave or quick fix for you, especially with terrible lack of information from you.
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2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Standard cab 2.3 5 SPD 7.5 373 gears
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07-25-2017, 12:58 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Ok about three weeks ago I drove the truck home from work (approx a 20 mile drive) and noticed it seemed to stutter a bit on the way home almost as though it was choking. The next day I tried to drive down the road and as soon as I got to a hill, it wouldn't go over about 2000 rpm and when it did it felt like it began to cut out. When sitting idle the vehicle runs and sounds fine. But if I try driving down the road this same thing happens again. I've been told this engine cannot have the cats taken out due to back pressure requirements. I will look into the laser thermometer advice you gave earlier. I appreciate it!
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Also I have owned the truck for almost seven years. The problem just arose within the last month and I have not driven it since just to be safe.
Check engine light comes on once in a while, but after I clean the MAF sensor it goes away. Haven't had it scanned since this issue arose due to not wanting to drive it and cause further damage.
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07-25-2017, 03:54 PM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 901
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
A simple very inexpensive vacuum gauge can let you know if you have clogged exhaust
Just look up on YouTube and you will see many videos that show you how.
But from your description I would not blame the converters, they normally clog slowly over time.
You can get codes read for free at most parts places or even buy a code reader for very cheap online.
Somehow get the codes and post them here.
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2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Standard cab 2.3 5 SPD 7.5 373 gears
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07-25-2017, 08:07 PM
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Learning to use the forums
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Thank you EaOutlaw. I will look into getting the vacuum gauge this weekend if I get the chance. Also looking into getting a cheap scanner.
You said you don't think it's the converters? Any ideas?
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07-26-2017, 03:35 AM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 901
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sesshoumiroku
Thank you EaOutlaw. I will look into getting the vacuum gauge this weekend if I get the chance. Also looking into getting a cheap scanner.
You said you don't think it's the converters? Any ideas?
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Let's get the code or codes before we waste out time guessing.
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2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Standard cab 2.3 5 SPD 7.5 373 gears
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07-26-2017, 08:50 AM
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Craigslist is awesome
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
A great cheap way to get codes IF you own a smart phone made within the last 5 years:
Buy this-> https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products.../dp/B005NLQAHS
Download the torque app from google play if you have an android based phone, there must be an equivalent for Iphones. I think it was less than 5 bucks.
Less than 30 bucks in to it you can read every code on most of the cars on the road as of today.
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PS speaking from experience not a google search.
If you have a bluetooth laptop you can download forscan for free and do MUCH MUCH more.
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00 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 my new baby
00 XLT 2WD RCSB 5.0 swap in progress.
98 XLT 4WD XCSB 4.0 dead
99 EXPO donor motor for dead one and parts for the others.
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07-27-2017, 05:38 AM
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Ford Ranger Driver
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,756
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
When is the last time you changed the fuel filter?
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Myrtle: & Danna
1999 Ranger 4x4 3.0 Stepside Ext Cab XLT
2000 Mustang 4.6 Roush Supercharged ( Show Car )
1984 Elcamino 350 330 HP ( Nick's Show Car )
1959 Wife ( Arm Candy )
Danna passed away 5/26/2016
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07-27-2017, 07:54 AM
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Buy a Ford
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Join Date: Jul 2017
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by JAMMANICA
A great cheap way to get codes IF you own a smart phone made within the last 5 years:
Buy this-> https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products.../dp/B005NLQAHS
Download the torque app from google play if you have an android based phone, there must be an equivalent for Iphones. I think it was less than 5 bucks.
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For what it's worth, the bluetooth OBD2 readers won't work on iOS devices (something to do with the way the stack is implemented/secured). You can get wifi based ones that work with iOS though, those just set up a temporary ad-hoc connection and work fine.
This is the OBD2 reader I've had great luck with on Android:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PJPHEBO
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1999 5.0/4R70W/4406 Ext. Cab
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08-07-2017, 05:32 PM
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Another old fart
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,486
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Re: Catalytic converter problems: need advice
Check the fuel pressure.
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2000 Ranger Extd Cab XLT, 4X4 Off Road, 4.0L, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, 01 grille & lights swap.
69 Mustang, modified 5.0, & 5spd.(project)
99 Explorer Sport, 4.0 SOHC, Auto, 8.8 - 4.10's, PW, PL, PM, Cruise, Tilt. (Wife's DD)
05 F-150 2WD Regular Cab. ( My DD)
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