Updated: HYBRID catalytic converter glowing 😡😡

[Aherpa]

From the wording of this memo, I get where one would think Ford might not repair physically damaged parts. However, it can be read two ways. They will do the physical and software repairs, or just the software repairs.

I read it that they will fix both, since the ambiquity of the statement legally favors the customer.

It reminds me of 'you can't put too much water in a nuclear reactor'. Does that that mean 'too much water' is good or bad?

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[Johnkn]

That update will prevent it from happening after it is released. But Ford is not doing anything to correct the damage. Infact they claim there's no damage. According to them catalytic converter glowing and the shield and potentially the cat melting is normal. Any mechanic would know it's not.

Stop making shit up. The memo you posted clearly states that Ford is developing a PCM update to address the issue and dealers will contact those who reported the issue to schedule appointments and make the repairs......


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[Red Ryder]

Well, here's mine. ~400 miles and no remote starts or cold weather (until tomorrow).
It looks conformal to me, not "melted".

 

[JASmith]

Funny, the OP states Ford is doing nothing to correct the issue, then posts a link showing the PCM update is due out in ~2 weeks.

He's not wrong, Ford has been doing nothing for anyone that has brought their vehicle in with this problem because they don't have a fix yet, moreover, they are acting like the vehicle hasn't been damaged from this condition when that doesn't pass the smell test (literally) or a visual inspection.

The proper thing to do would be to replace the affected components while also ensuring it doesn't happen again, but Ford doesn't have a fix yet and most likely doesn't have the parts to replace all these cats nor a desire since catalytic converter prices are through the roof so it would be extraordinarily expensive proposition and would only happen with government mandate.

Luckily for consumers though, the government does absolutely care about the functionality of the emissions control equipment and its part of a regular inspection to verify its functionality, so if its found that many of these "juiced" cats are failing prematurely you will be covered and the warranty is at least 8 years IIRC.

So no real cause for alarm, and for now just don't let the vehicle idle (remote start or not) to warm it up, and just get in it and drive as a workaround.

 

[Snax]

The whole glowing cat issue has been interesting to follow. This particular thread is more polarizing than others--to the point of people even being downright rude.

I think that there is enough evidence to demonstrate the there is a problem with cats overheating on occasion. Ford wouldn't have issues a TSB if there weren't. The question is whether the overheating has caused any long-term issues and/or if there is any fire danger. I don't know enough about cats to comment on that. It sure would be great if Ford provided some specific guidance, or if an automotive engineer would chime in. Until then, we're just going to have more speculation and angry exchanges, which is a bummer. @Ford Motor Company we would love to hear from one of your engineers!

 

[bentley72]

Until I see a picture posted of one that is smooth, I’m going to assume this is how it’s supposed to look. Perhaps the bends are intentional to give it a little structural rigidity to make it stronger

 

[Goosey]

Good thing your Cat has an 8 year/80k mile warranty. If that Cat is poisoned, it will be noticed before then.

 

[Bj517]

Until I see a picture posted of one that is smooth, I’m going to assume this is how it’s supposed to look. Perhaps the bends are intentional to give it a little structural rigidity to make it stronger

Yup, especially since all the plastic and rubber components around it look completely fine. You'd expect some collateral damage if it truly got that hot

 

[TheGriffin1313]

I'm guessing this happened when I remote started. Got a appointment with my dealer 4 weeks from now. I'm hearing Ford is doing nothing about it. I bought a brand new vehicle. Ford fix your s***

this is a big bummer for sure. Please make sure to file a complaint with the NTSB. I believe someone here said that they already have received complaints about this and are keeping a record of it.

 

[Sliphorn]

Until I see a picture posted of one that is smooth, I’m going to assume this is how it’s supposed to look. Perhaps the bends are intentional to give it a little structural rigidity to make it stronger

..
Or to create more surface area for cooling.
..

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I'm guessing this happened when I remote started. Got a appointment with my dealer 4 weeks from now. I'm hearing Ford is doing nothing about it. I bought a brand new vehicle. Ford fix your s***

I had cold feet and went with the Ecoboost. Glad I did.

 

[Ems]

That’s just how the shields look, that’s not damaged.

 

[Maui]

cat shield...

 

[tngreg]

Well, here's mine. ~400 miles and no remote starts or cold weather (until tomorrow).
It looks conformal to me, not "melted".

Solid post Red Ryder. I'll be checking mine out once it arrives. Keep us posted on yours sir!
Good thing we live in southern climate

 

[Rob Cactus Gray]

Let the truck burn to the ground and see what Ford does

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