Some history...in May 2013, the main catalytic converter unit that is part of the exhaust manifold went bad and was replaced. Two weeks ago, the secondary cat and pipe were replaced after it started metallic rattling noise (probably from core breaking apart). Secondary O2 sensor was replaced at the time, too. Now we're getting a P420 cat code check engine light. Plugs and PCV were changed 47K miles ago and air filter was changed this January. Daily driver 15 miles one way to work....mostly highway.
Is the main cat bad again now after 23000 miles? Or could it be something else? Do not know if main O2 sensor was changed with main cat. Car gets good gas mileage (ave 27-30 but will get 33+/- on trips) and runs fine. Uses 1 to 1.5qt oil in 5000 miles. 147000 miles.
Suggestions?
P420 code 2002 Toyota Camry 4cyl
- Thread starter little bob
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Not sure. Local shop did work and I've been told they get most of their parts through AAP
OEM O2 sensor ?
Q.
Again...dont know.
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something you need to find out a bit more in order to resolve your problem as effectively as possible.
Cheers,
Q.
There are MANY Toyotas with the P0420 code. My Sienna has the CEL on, it is the dreaded P0420 code. In the research I have done, the factory computer settings does not allow much degradation over time, so when the catalytic converter starts to age, it falls below threshold. That is what sets the light. If the shop went to Advance Auto, your cat is not stock, it is aftermarket. Again, based on my research stock parts last the longest, but are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive. I have learned to drive with the CEL on, I have a Scangauge, so when I get sick of looking at the light, I clear the code and it comes back in 100-150 miles. I don't plan on fixing my van, I live in a non emissions testing state, so I am not going to spend the money to address this issue. I personally feel this should be a recall. I like my Sienna, but the CEL on all the time is annoying. It may be time to get out some black electrical tape to cover the light
Thanks...will do. I think the main cat is a Walker based on price charged earlier and photo on the AAP website. Is Walker stuff good?
Would changing plugs and PCV possibly help?
Unfortunately, NC is an emissions state for newer cars/trucks(<1995?) so we'll have to get it fixed before the next inspection.
Walker has the same issue with Subarus.After 6 months the light comes back on.Been told you need OEM converter or a reflash at the dealer to allow an aftermarket cat (don't know if that's possible or not).Frankly,aftermarket stuff like that is generally cheap and not made well (so it can be "cheaper").
Aftermarket cats are not a great solution, but they are better than nothing when you have to pass a state inspection.
A coworker of mine has the same issue with his Grand Prix. Walker cat lasted about a year before its efficiency fell below threshold.
The OEM cat prices are totally justifiable when you consider the difference in longevity.
Have you tried spark plug extenders on the post-cat O2 sensors?
It may get the sensor out of the stream enough to satisfy the computer, but still looks stock enough to pass most visual inspections.
Supposedly, the Walker cat has a 5 year warranty. Even though we've treated and maintained the car well, I assume that they'll find some way not to honor it
On the post cat O2 sensor...Dont know what the shop did other than swap the old one out for another.
I'll check on whether all the stuff used was OEM or not. The inspection has to be done before next Feb so we have time to save our pennies to get the stuff fixed.
I'll also check with the shop to see if they can reflash the computer for the aftermarket cat.
Thanks guys.....
Originally Posted By: DutchBrad
There are MANY Toyotas with the P0420 code. My Sienna has the CEL on, it is the dreaded P0420 code. In the research I have done, the factory computer settings does not allow much degradation over time, so when the catalytic converter starts to age, it falls below threshold. That is what sets the light. If the shop went to Advance Auto, your cat is not stock, it is aftermarket. Again, based on my research stock parts last the longest, but are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive. I have learned to drive with the CEL on, I have a Scangauge, so when I get sick of looking at the light, I clear the code and it comes back in 100-150 miles. I don't plan on fixing my van, I live in a non emissions testing state, so I am not going to spend the money to address this issue. I personally feel this should be a recall. I like my Sienna, but the CEL on all the time is annoying. It may be time to get out some black electrical tape to cover the light
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Originally Posted By: little bob
Unfortunately, NC is an emissions state for newer cars/trucks(<1995?) so we'll have to get it fixed before the next inspection.
Originally Posted By: JC1
In Ontario we have emissions testing,
Regards, JC.
Originally Posted By: Barkleymut
Originally Posted By: little bob
Unfortunately, NC is an emissions state for newer cars/trucks(<1995?) so we'll have to get it fixed before the next inspection.
Originally Posted By: javacontour
Have you tried spark plug extenders on the post-cat O2 sensors?
It may get the sensor out of the stream enough to satisfy the computer, but still looks stock enough to pass most visual inspections.
Whatever condition killed the original cat will kill the new one OE or aftermarket if it wasn't corrected.
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