Hey everyone, my check engine light has been on for a while now. The dealership told me I need a whole new manifold with the catalytic converter attached, plus O2 sensors, a new resonator, tailpipe, and muffler. They’re asking for $3700. Does this sound right? Any advice?
Go to a local exhaust shop. I got a full custom turbo-down exhaust for my 14 Fusion 2.0 EcoBoost and paid only $700. That included the catalytic manifold, downpipe, 3-inch piping, and muffler. All done and dusted.
@Rosalie
That’s my next step.
Haden said:
@Rosalie
That’s my next step.
Good plan, hope you find a good deal.
This is a typical dealer response. They usually replace whole sections rather than fixing the actual problem. An independent exhaust shop will likely do the job for way less.
Dorian said:
This is a typical dealer response. They usually replace whole sections rather than fixing the actual problem. An independent exhaust shop will likely do the job for way less.
The issue is that on some models, like the 2.5L, the front part of the exhaust is a single piece from the manifold to the flange. Swapping the front catalytic converter can be tricky without cutting and welding.
@Briar
That’s why an exhaust shop is the way to go. They can cut out the old converter and weld in a new one. Dealers just replace whole sections.
Sounds like they’re trying to rip you off.
I doubt you need to replace the entire system. Do you have a code scanner? It might just be the O2 sensors or the catalytic converter.
Jordan said:
I doubt you need to replace the entire system. Do you have a code scanner? It might just be the O2 sensors or the catalytic converter.
Sometimes it’s necessary to replace everything if the parts are too rusted or fused together. I’ve had to do that before.
Jordan said:
I doubt you need to replace the entire system. Do you have a code scanner? It might just be the O2 sensors or the catalytic converter.
It’s throwing a P0420 code. I already replaced the O2 sensors and catalytic converter, but it’s an aftermarket part. Ford insists I need their original one.
@Haden
I had the same code, and it turned out to be the catalytic converter. The dealer replaced it under warranty, and it fixed the issue.
@Haden
I ran into that too. I used a cheap RockAuto replacement, and it didn’t last more than 20,000 miles.
Briar said:
@Haden
I ran into that too. I used a cheap RockAuto replacement, and it didn’t last more than 20,000 miles.
That’s exactly what I did. Got it from RockAuto, had it installed, and the code still won’t go away.
@Haden
P0420 doesn’t always mean a bad catalytic converter or O2 sensor. It can be caused by a range of things like a dirty air filter, bad spark plugs, or even an exhaust leak. Shops often replace parts blindly hoping to fix it, but proper diagnostics can save you money.
If you have the 2.5L
If you’re handy with tools, you can do it yourself. It’s not hard, just takes some time. The manifold and catalytic converter cost me about $400, and the O2 sensors were another $100. Seven bolts on the manifold, two below, and two for support—it’s doable.
@Briar
I thought about that too. Problem is, when I installed the aftermarket converter, I cracked the tailpipe at the resonator. Had a shop weld a new one on, but it’s too short and rattles now. Feels like I can’t catch a break.
If you really need a full system, check out CPE’s exhaust setups. They have high-flow downpipes and cat-back systems that sound great and boost performance. Edge Autosport sells them at decent prices.
Do you have a code scanner or a list of the error codes? Might help narrow things down.
Ava said:
Do you have a code scanner or a list of the error codes? Might help narrow things down.
Yeah, it’s P0420.