Service engine soon light help

[spinscan]

My car is basically stock, mrt catted h-pipe, k&n, stingers and about 65k miles.
My ses light came on while driving home from church this am driving at 65mph. The car runs perfectly, no idle problems etc.

I took it to Autozone to get the code and it is P030. As an aside, this has happened a couple of times over the past 2 or 3 years. The 1st time I took it to a mechanic friend of mine and he cleared it and said it was nothing to worry about, probably due to cold weather??

Anyway, I wanted to post this on here in hopes someone with more car knowledge than me can offer some some advice on whether I should take the car in and have it checked out further or just forget about it since it happens so infrequently.

I had the car inspected 2 weeks ago and it passed with flying colors.

Thanks, JW

 

[JuStAkId]

Are you sure that is the code? From my research it says a Random Misfire Detected. If the code were to say p0301 then it would be cylinder 1 but because its just p030 no clue what cylinder.

P0300 Ford Random Misfire Detected OBDII Engine Light Trouble Code | Engine-Codes.com

The P0300 code means that a cylinder(s) is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks, intake gaskets are common caused of multi-cylinder misfiring. If no leak are found the next step is to replace the spark plugs. If the problem persist more tests needs to be done to diagnose problem, see "Possible Causes"

 

[spinscan]

The code should be P0430. Sorry.

 

[JuStAkId]

The code should be P0430. Sorry.

Do you have catalytic converters?
A code P0430 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
The catalytic converter is no longer functioning properly
An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
There is an exhaust leak

Here check this page out

OBD-II Trouble Code: P0430 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)

Click^

 

[hotcobra03]

2003 PCED OBD SECTION 5: Pinpoint Tests
Procedure revision date: 06/11/2003

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HF: Catalyst Efficiency Monitor and Exhaust Systems HF: Introduction

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HF1 DTCs P0420 OR P0430: CHECK FOR MISFIRE DETECTION MONITOR DTCS
NOTE 1: Be sure customer has not:

Refueled vehicle with leaded gasoline.
Noticed high vehicle oil consumption. (Engines that consume oil at a high rate will deposit high levels of phosphorus on the catalyst and reduce the catalyst efficiency)
NOTE 2: If entering this Pinpoint Test for symptoms only, immediately GO to HF5 .

NOTE 3: 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.

Retrieve and record all Continuous Memory DTCs (MIL and non-MIL).
Were any of the following Misfire Detection Monitor DTCs recorded: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308, P0309, P0310, P0315, P0316 and P1309?
Yes No
GO to Section 4, Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts , to address the Misfire Detection Monitor DTCs. GO to HF2 .

HF2 CHECK FOR HO2S DTCS
NOTE: Incorrect HO2S signal input (such as rich/lean input signal when the engine is operating under lean/rich conditions) can cause an abnormal temperature increase in the catalyst. Refer to Section 1 , Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Monitor for possible HO2S DTCs.

Were there any HO2S DTCs (not including the initial P0420 or P0430 DTCs)?
Yes No
GO to, Section 4, Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts , to address the HO2S DTCs. GO to HF3 .

HF3 CHECK FOR ECT OR CHT SENSOR DTCS
NOTE: ECT or CHT sensor DTCs can indicate that the thermostat is not operating correctly or that the engine coolant level is not filled to specification, producing above normal operating temperatures.

Were any of the following ECT or CHT sensor DTCs recorded in HF1: P0117, P0118, P0125, P0128, P1117, P1285, P1288, P1289, P1290 and P1299?
Yes No
GO to Section 4, Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts , to address the ECT or CHT sensor DTCs. GO to HF4 .

HF4 CHECK FOR ANY OTHER DTCS
Were any other DTCs recorded in HF1 (not including the initial P0420 or P0430 DTCs)?
Yes No
GO to Section 4, Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts , to address the DTCs. GO to HF5 .

HF5 CHECK REAR HO2S WIRING AND PCM CONNECTIONS
NOTE: If the electrical connections of the rear HO2S are interchanged/crossed, the Catalyst Efficiency Monitor Test will fail.

Inspect the wiring of each rear HO2S for proper routing and connection.
Disconnect the PCM, inspect for damaged or pushed out pins, corrosion and loose wires.
Are there any concerns with the HO2S wiring or the PCM connection?
Yes No
REPAIR any wiring or connection concerns. For PCM pin concerns, REPLACE PCM (refer to Section 2, Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) ). COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). No Electronic EC root causes related to the DTCs or symptoms. GO to HF6 .

HF6 CHECK FUEL PRESSURE
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM WILL REMAIN PRESSURIZED WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. TO PREVENT INJURY OR FIRE, USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING ON THE FUEL SYSTEM.

NOTE: Fuel pressures above specification can produce an abnormally rich air/fuel mixture. The rich air/fuel mixture can cause higher than normal catalyst operating temperatures.

RETURN FUEL SYSTEM
Inspect the vacuum hose going to the fuel pressure regulator for proper installation and cracks. Repair as necessary.
Verify vacuum source to fuel pressure regulator.
MECHANICAL RETURNLESS FUEL SYSTEM
If applicable, inspect the vacuum hose going to the fuel rail pulse damper for proper installation and cracks. Repair as necessary.
Install fuel pressure gauge. NOTE: On Electronic Returnless Fuel System, the fuel pressure can be monitored by scan tool using the Fuel Rail Pressure (FRP) sensor PID.
Start and run the engine at idle. Record the fuel pressure.
Increase engine speed to 2500 rpm and maintain for one minute. Record the fuel pressure. GO to Pinpoint Test HC and compare fuel pressure to the Fuel Pressure Specification Chart at the beginning of the pinpoint.
Key off.
Was the fuel pressure within specifications?
Yes No
Fuel pressure is OK. If applicable, REMOVE the fuel pressure gauge. GO to HF7 . Fuel pressure is out of specification.

GO to HC4 , Fuel Delivery Systems in Section 5 for diagnosis.

HF7 CHECK FOR OBVIOUS LEAK SOURCES IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
NOTE: If a catalyst is in series with a leaking exhaust system, it can fail the Catalyst Efficiency Monitor test.

Inspect the following for leaks, cracks, loose connections or punctures:
Exhaust manifold.
Front exhaust pipe.
Rear exhaust pipe.
Muffler/tailpipe assembly.
Are the above components free of cracks and punctures, etc.?
Yes No
GO to HF8 . REPAIR the leak source(s). COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

HF8 CHECK FOR OBVIOUS RESTRICTIONS IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
A slight pressure in the exhaust system is normal, but excessive exhaust back pressure seriously affects engine operation. Causes of high exhaust back pressure are dents or obstructions in the exhaust pipe, a plugged catalytic converter or muffler.

Inspect the following for dents, areas of collapsed material and unusual bending:
Front and rear exhaust pipes.
Catalytic converter.
Muffler/tailpipe assembly.
Are the components free of dents and areas of collapsed or unusual bending or damaged?
Yes No
GO to HF9 . REPAIR the restricted component(s) as necessary. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

HF9 CHECK FOR EXCESSIVE EXHAUST BACK PRESSURE
If available install a exhaust back pressure tester and follow tool manufacturer installation and testing instructions.
NOTE: If no tester is available. GO to HF10 .
Typical exhaust back pressure (when measured near the exhaust manifold and at normal engine operating temperature) should not exceed 20.7 kPa (3 PSI) at idle and 55.2 kPa (8 PSI) at WOT under load.
Did exhaust back pressure test indicate a restriction?
Yes No
REPAIR the restricted component(s) as necessary. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). For further diagnosis of symptom (e.g. Lack of Power, Loss of Power, or No Start) REFER to Section 3 , Symptom Charts No indications of restrictions or leaks have been detected in the exhaust system. If here because of DTCs P0420 or P0430, the catalytic converter is chemically inactive. REPLACE the catalyst that is located between the monitored H02S Sensors, only for the bank referenced, (P0420 Bank 1), (P0430 Bank 2). Do not replace any unmonitored catalyst unless it is serviced as an assembly. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). For further diagnosis of symptom (e.g. Lack of Power, Loss of Power, or No Start) REFER to Section 3 , Symptom Charts.

HF10 CHECK MANIFOLD VACUUM FOR INDICATION OF EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SYSTEM RESTRICTION
Attach a vacuum gauge to the intake manifold vacuum source.
Monitor RPM with scan tool or tachometer.
Observe the vacuum gauge needle while completing the following:
NOTE: The vacuum gauge reading may be normal when the engine is first started and idling. However, excessive restriction in the exhaust system will cause intake manifold vacuum to decrease with the engine at a steady/constant idle speed.
Start the engine and gradually increase the engine speed to 2000 rpm with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
Decrease engine speed to base idle rpm.
Key off.
Did manifold vacuum rise above 54 kPa (16 inches-Hg) with the engine speed at 2000 rpm?
Yes No
GO to HF11 . Manifold vacuum did not reach an acceptable level. GO to HF12 to check for excessive restriction in the exhaust system.

HF11 CHECK MANIFOLD VACUUM FOR INDICATION OF MODERATE EXHAUST SYSTEM RESTRICTION
Key on, engine idling.
Increase the engine speed gradually from base idle rpm to 2000 rpm with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
Observe the speed the vacuum gauge needle rises, while maintaining the increased engine rpm.
NOTE 1: On a non-restricted exhaust system, the vacuum gauge needle will rise quickly to the normal range as the increased rpm is maintained.
NOTE 2: On a restricted exhaust system, the vacuum gauge needle will rise slowly to the normal range as the increased rpm is maintained.
NOTE 3: The rate of speed the vacuum gauge needle rises to the normal range is slower on a restricted system than on a non-restricted system as the increased rpm is maintained.
Decrease engine speed to base idle rpm.
Key off.
Is the rate of speed that the vacuum gauge needle rises back to the normal range (above 54 kPa (16 inches-Hg)) much slower than that of a non-restricted system?
Yes No
A moderate restriction may be present. GO to HF12 . No indications of restrictions or leaks have been detected in the exhaust system. If here because of DTCs P0420 or P0430, the catalytic converter is chemically inactive. REPLACE the catalyst that is located between the monitored H02S Sensors, only for the bank referenced, (P0420 Bank 1), (P0430 Bank 2). Do not replace any unmonitored catalyst unless it is serviced as an assembly. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). For further diagnosis of symptom (e.g. Lack of Power, Loss of Power, or No Start) REFER to Section 3 , Symptom Charts.

HF12 CHECK MANIFOLD VACUUM WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLD DISCONNECTED FOR INDICATION OF A RESTRICTION
NOTE: An intake manifold gasket leak can also cause the vacuum gauge needle to remain well below the normal range.

Disconnect exhaust system immediately after the exhaust manifold.
GO to HF10 and repeat the vacuum measurement.
Did the vacuum needle QUICKLY rise above 54 kPa (16 inches-Hg) with the engine speed at 2000 rpm?
Yes No
The exhaust system restriction is downstream of the exhaust manifold. RECONNECT exhaust system at exhaust manifold. GO to HF13 . A restriction is present in the exhaust manifold. INSPECT each exhaust port for casting flash/restrictions by dropping a length of chain into it (NOTE: Do not use a wire or lamp to check the ports. The restriction can be small enough for both to pass through, but large enough to cause excessive back-pressure at high engine rpm.) REPLACE the exhaust manifold if unable to remove the casting flash/restriction. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

HF13 CHECK MANIFOLD VACUUM WITH MUFFLER/TAILPIPE ASSEMBLY DISCONNECTED FOR INDICATION OF A RESTRICTION
Disconnect muffler/tailpipe assembly from the catalytic converter.
GO to HF10 to repeat the vacuum measurement.
Did the vacuum needle QUICKLY rise above 54 kPa (16 inches-Hg) with the engine speed at 2000 rpm?
Yes No
There is a restriction in the muffler/tailpipe assembly. REPLACE the muffler/tailpipe assembly. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). There is a restriction in the catalytic converter. REPLACE the catalytic converter. NOTE: On vehicle applications where their is more than one catalyst, REPLACE only the damaged catalyst assembly. INSPECT the muffler to be certain converter debris has not entered. COMPLETE Catalyst Monitor OBD Drive Cycle to verify repair (Refer to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).




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[hotcobra03]

the plugs on rear 02..

purple is passenger side

blue is drivers side