YACT: Would a 420 and 430 Check Engine code be covered under an 8/80k emissions warranty?

[cjchaps]

My fiancee has a 98 Ford Contour which has an 8 year/80 thousand mile warranty. The check engine light came on a few months ago with a 420 code, which is a catalytic inefficiency error or something. It went away on it's own after a few hundred miles. About 3 weeks ago her light came on again she got a 420 AND a 430 code. I scanned it with my buddies code scanner, and then erased them hoping they wouldn't come back again. Well, a few days ago she got a 420 code again. Would the dealer cover this under the emissions warranty?

 

[Quixfire]

DTCs P0420 OR P0430: CHECK FOR MISFIRE DETECTION MONITOR DTCS

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 indicates that bank 1 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0430 indicates that bank 2 catalyst system efficiency is below the acceptable threshold.

NOTE 1: Complete the spark timing check in Quick Test before proceeding with this test step. Spark timing retarded below specification can increase exhaust gas temperature and decrease catalyst efficiency over time.

NOTE 2: Be sure customer has not:

• Refueled vehicle with leaded gasoline.
  Noticed high vehicle oil consumption.

NOTE 3: If entering this Pinpoint Test for symptoms only, go immediately to HF5 .

NOTE 4: Internal deterioration of a catalytic converter is usually caused by abnormal engine operation upstream of the catalyst. Events that can produce higher than normal temperatures in the catalyst are particularly suspect. For example, misfiring can cause higher than normal catalyst operating temperatures.

Possible causes:

• Use of leaded fuel
  Oil contamination
  Cylinder misfiring
  Damaged HO2S
  Damaged ECT sensor
  Downstream HO2S wires improperly connected
  Fuel pressure too high
  Damaged exhaust system pipe
  Damaged exhaust manifold
  Damaged muffler/tailpipe assembly
  Damaged catalytic converter

If either the Hegos or the catalytic convertors are the cause they should be covered. If it is something else in the system causing any of the above conditions, then if might not be covered. I do know that maintenance items, like spark plugs, fuel or air filters, or general engine adjustments, are not covered.

 

Quixfire beat me to it

 

[cjchaps]

Cool, I'll probably schedule a time to take it in to a dealership.