So my engine light came on and my truck seemed to get stuck in limp mode. Takes about 30-40 seconds to get up to 40 mph and get's stuck there. I pulled the code and it was P0106 and the suggestion from AutoZone was to replace the EGR Valve. I did that but nothing changed.

Finally took it it the Ford dealer after I ran other tests and they are telling me I need to replace the left side cat converter and it's gonna cost me $2000. Or they said I could buy my own and they would charge me $300 for labor. I found some on RockAuto by Walker for $300-400. Anyone have any experience with these? I've also seen this thread where the Magnaflow is suggested but it's over $1000 now and I really don't want to have to fork out that kind of money. If anyone can provide any insight on a good replacement it would be much appreciated!

*Edit - I have a 2008 4.6l V8 RWD

 

It helps if you identify what you are working on.

It's a really long stretch to get from a P0106 DTC to a diagnosis of a failed converter. Or an EGR valve, for that matter.

 

I've tested the vacuum lines to make sure they don't have any leaks, ran pressure tests and voltage tests. There's a pretty heavy rattle coming from around the cat on the left side and the service dept at the dealership ran back pressure tests and are saying it will need a new left side cat converter no matter what. They're saying there could be more issues after that because of the P0106 but they won't be able to tell until the cat is replaced. I just mainly want to make sure that I'm not cheaping out on a cat converter and will be getting something that will at least let the truck run ok and help diagnose the real issue with the truck.

 

What year is the vehicle and which engine?
I'm also having a hard time understanding how p0106 corresponds to a catalytic converter?

 

Sorry, forgot to put that info. I edited my first comment but it's an 08 4.6l V8 RWD. I'm not totally sure either. Could the dealer be wrong on this?

 

I would not take them for their word unless they have given you more info than you are passing on to us.

here are a couple excerpts on troubleshooting that code

 

Also see attached tsb. You should be able to check the baro pid against the chart with key on engine off if you have a OBD2 device that reads live data.

if I were you I would also inspect the wiring connector at the egr and make sure no pins are bent, broken or corroded as it seems like a janky connection could explain it.

 

Without seeing the service ticket with the tech's notes, I could only surmise that the tech "also" observed something unrelated to the original reason (P0106) the truck was brought in.

 

I got the notes. I believe that is what happened:

diag p0106 diagnosis abnormal engine vacuum road
test no power. back pressure test plugged lh
catalytic converter plugged declined repairs tech
133Diagnostic - Check Engine Light: mil on diagnosis map code p0106 ppt abnormal engine vacuum? 13 psi should be around 20 psi

Diagnostic - Check Engine Light: abnormal diagnosis road test no power. performed exhaust back pressure test

Catalytic Converter and Gaskets: replace lh plugged driver side catalytic converter and retest engine vacuum

 

Just wanted to update in case anyone else is having similar issues. I ordered a Walker cat part no. 53971 and had it replaced. It got rid of the code and I have full power in the truck again. For anyone facing a similar situation I was hearing a pretty loud rattle under the driver side of the truck. I saw one video saying it was just a loose bolt underneath the truck. Turns out it was wrong and it was actually the broken honeycomb stuff in my cat rattling around and making noise. I've only driven around about 15 miles since the fix and nothing has been triggered so far. I'll post again if anything changes.