# 2003 Ford Explorer - Catalytic Converter **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** explorer, ford\ **Created:** [August 10, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826 "2009-08-10T14:34:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![klr0924](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@klr0924](https://community.cartalk.com/u/klr0924)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826/1 "2009-08-10T14:34:33Z")
Long story short. A loud cow bell clank when I first start and drive every day then it stops. When I park the SUV, the pinging begins (for about an hour -very loud). Same thing, everytime I start it, it will clank about 10 times and stop. Took to Ford - 3 days later, they cannot figure it out - they definitely hear it - just can’t find it. Replaced the heat shield. Still does it even more so. Was told they probably tested the catalytic converter and disturbed it even more. Should I get 2nd opinion, replace it? or be happy to trade it in - has 90,000 and is as clean as a whistle otherwise. Not sure what to do -don’t want to pay all the money if that is not what it is and they are only guessing. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2009, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826/2 "2009-08-10T15:45:57Z")
If the Check Engine light isn’t on, there’s nothing wrong the catalytic converter. I would be more inclined to check for a loose baffle inside the muffler. Tester ---
**Author:** ![klr0924](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@klr0924](https://community.cartalk.com/u/klr0924)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2009, 4:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826/3 "2009-08-10T16:15:19Z")
Interesting. So far, I have had nooone agreeing with the dealership on replacing the converter - however one did tell me that they probably tested it, and the pressure broke it up even more which is why i am hearing all the extra pings and clanks. I am just concerned that these noises come from starting it up (the clanks) and the pings when i shut it off - so it is definitely a heat type issue. sorry for being a girl but i dont want to jump to ditching it if i can get someone to fix it correctly…ugh ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826/4 "2009-08-10T16:27:01Z")
Have the bolts for the flywheel checked for tightness. The flywheel is inside a large bell shaped area between the engine and the transmission. ---
**Author:** ![klr0924](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@klr0924](https://community.cartalk.com/u/klr0924)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2009, 6:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826/5 "2009-08-10T18:03:42Z")
so you agree that it is probably NOT the catalytic converter? i think ford is messing with me - they told me 1400 to fix it. ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2009, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-explorer-catalytic-converter/34826/6 "2009-08-10T18:33:06Z")
Yes, get a second opinion at an independent shop.