I am new to this forum but have already found it very userful. I was just told today that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced on our 2004 - 4.2l Freestar. Wow does it ever sound horrible when the converter goes. I have been told that the converter is very hard to get ahold of...it is apparently on back order throughout North America. I have also been quoted about $1600 Canadian for the part. I have seen a picture of the piece and it does look like a piece of art. My mechanic is trying to track one down as quickly as possible but here are my questions.
I have not found a discussion group on this specific item...is this common and is this why the catalytic converter is hard to come by? Can anyone give me a sense of whether $1600 CDN is out of line.
Thanks so much for your feedback!

 

You may wish to ask your custom exhaust shop for a quote to weld a generic catalytic converter in place of the Ford unit. A competent shop should be able to accomplish this handily, for much less than $1,600 and maybe even same day rather than the "weeks" you have been advised by waiting for the regular part.

 

What symptom(s) is your van exhibiting that requires the catalytic converter to need replaced? Also, double check the emission warrranty for Canada. Per the FORD warranty on the Freestar (Doesn't specify US or Canada), you would have a 8 year or 80,000 mile warranty:

Under the Emissions Performance Warranty for passenger cars and light duty
trucks, Ford Motor Company also provides coverage, including labor and diagnosis,
for 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever occurs first) for the following
emissions parts, if you meet the conditions listed below in this section.
• catalytic converter
• electronic emissions control unit (PCM)
• onboard emissions diagnostic device