2014 Fusion 1.5L Ecoboost code P0420

[Thomas R]

2014 1.5L Ecoboost with 32,000 mi throws P0420 code "Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold".

Will this cause it to fail at a California Emissions test?

Wife says CEL is sometimes on, sometimes off.

Any simple things to check?

 

[drolds1]

An illuminated CEL will cause an automatic failure in any state that has emissions testing.  The question is : why is it on in the first place?  It could be a 02 sensor but it could also mean a bad catalytic converter.  Even if the light is off when testing, if NOx emissions are high, it'll still fail the test.

 

You may have warranty coverage on the CC but you need a diagnosis .

 

Quote

 EXPLANATION OF CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WARRANTIES
Your Warranty Rights and Obligations

 

The California Air Resources Board and Ford Motor Company are
pleased to explain the emission control system warranty on your
2013-model vehicle. In California, new motor vehicles must be designed,
built, and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
Ford must warrant the emission control system on your vehicle for the
periods of time listed on pages 23-25, provided there has been no abuse,
neglect, or improper maintenance of your vehicle.
Your emission control system may include parts such as the carburetor
or fuel injection system, the ignition system, catalytic converter, and the
engine computer. Also included may be hoses, belts, connectors, and other
emissions-related assemblies.
Where a warrantable condition exists, Ford Motor Company will repair
your vehicle at no cost to you including diagnosis, parts, and labor.
Manufacturer’s Warranty Coverage
For Vehicles Eligible for California Emission Warranty Coverage
If Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 14,000 lbs. or less:
For 3 years or 50,000 miles (whichever first occurs):
1. If your vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and
adjustments will be made by Ford to ensure that your vehicle passes the
inspection. This is your emission control system PERFORMANCE WARRANTY.
2. If any emissions-related part on your vehicle is defective, the part will
be repaired or replaced by Ford. This is your short-term emission control
system DEFECTS WARRANTY.
For 7 years or 70,000 miles (whichever first occurs):
If an emissions-related part listed on page 27 with coverage for 7 years or
70,000 miles is defective or if its failure causes your vehicle to fail a Smog
Check inspection, the part will be repaired or replaced by Ford. This is
your long-term emission control system DEFECTS WARRANTY.
If Gross Vehicle Weight rating is over 14,000 lbs.:
For 5 years or 50,000 miles (gasoline powered engines and vehicles) or
5 years or 100,000 miles (diesel powered engines and vehicles)
(whichever first occurs):
If an emissions-related part on your vehicle is defective, the part will be
repaired or replaced by Ford. This is your emission control system
DEFECTS WARRANTY.

 

Edited November 29, 2017 by drolds1

[Thomas R]

Finally took the car in to check for CEL & P0420 code.  Dealer found no functional problem, said they had a TSB to update PCM.

They reflashed PCM with new code, will have to wait & see.  They charged $150 to diagnose it! 

[mxATVracer10]

If the catalytic converter is bad, they are covered by a Federal mandated warranty for 8 years/80,000 miles. 

[Fusionboy99]

On 1/19/2018 at 9:23 PM, Thomas R said:

Finally took the car in to check for CEL & P0420 code.  Dealer found no functional problem, said they had a TSB to update PCM.

They reflashed PCM with new code, will have to wait & see.  They charged $150 to diagnose it! 

Are you still having the problem? If so, what end up happening? Please let me know, I’m having the same problem. Thank you Jamie

[Thomas R]

1st dealer found no problem.  Took it to a 2nd dealer and they found catalytic converter bad, replaced at no cost, under warranty (<70K mi)