P0430 Ford - 97 Explorer won't smog=- check engine light on...HELP!!!!

Question

I live in CA, and apparently am the BIGGEST IDIOT in this whole state! I bought a 97 Ford Explorer from a stranger who passed me a fake smog (she changed the date) and I had NO IDEA that you can check the info real easy through the DMV website! The check engine light won't go away... I have had the wires and plugs replaced, the computer functions fine, my exhaust tested...I took it to the BAR referee at Skyline College where itshowed that it WOULD HAVE PASSED the smog test IF THE CHECK ENGINE light was not on because thats an AUTOMATIC FAIL! It comes up Code P0443===PLEASE HELP ME! I only have until December 4th!

Answer 1

P0430 means the catalytic converter is bad which is why they might have sold it since it is expensive to replace the catalytic converter.

 

In california you can't sell a vehicle if it does not pass smog, you can get you money back. You can sue in small claims court and get all your money back.