Need some advice here -
2004 Toyota Highlander 4 cyl with 2AZ-FE
200k + mileage
First year of not passing a CA smog check due to 'Not Ready' for Catalyst.
Smog Tech said to drive it for a while, then come back. Well I drove it to Vegas and back, total of 500+ miles added to the ODO, still not ready- according to my ScanGauge. I pulled the EFI fuse to reset the computer, and have driven it multiple times, about 200 more miles since and the indication is that it is still not ready.
I have been researching extensively about this, and most folks say there could be a number of reasons for this condition.
1. Lazy rear O2 - I last changed this out with an OEM sensor, about 80k miles ago.
2. Faulty Thermostat, not allowing the engine to reach operating temperature
3. Plugs, wires, etc (I have coil on plugs) need to be changed.
4. Battery/Alternator voltage
Via my ScanGauge, I can watch the Coolant temp reach 182-184F and then go down to about 177F and then go back to 182F
while driving, it ranges from 180-195, so I assume my thermostat is working correctly.
The plugs honestly should be changed, but would those really have anything to do with it if the engine is running well?
No fault codes or anything, I checked with my ScanGauge.
Battery/Alternator voltage seems fine... 12.4 volts with the engine off / Ranges from 13.2-14.0 volts while cold, and levels out to about 13.1 - 13.2 while hot.
Has anyone had this experience? What did you do to solve it?
I have done several "drive cycles" for this particular engine, but still is 'Not Ready'
I guess I will start with the least expensive parts first - Coolant temp sensor/thermostat/plugs and go from there.
2004 Toyota Highlander 4 cyl with 2AZ-FE
200k + mileage
First year of not passing a CA smog check due to 'Not Ready' for Catalyst.
Smog Tech said to drive it for a while, then come back. Well I drove it to Vegas and back, total of 500+ miles added to the ODO, still not ready- according to my ScanGauge. I pulled the EFI fuse to reset the computer, and have driven it multiple times, about 200 more miles since and the indication is that it is still not ready.
I have been researching extensively about this, and most folks say there could be a number of reasons for this condition.
1. Lazy rear O2 - I last changed this out with an OEM sensor, about 80k miles ago.
2. Faulty Thermostat, not allowing the engine to reach operating temperature
3. Plugs, wires, etc (I have coil on plugs) need to be changed.
4. Battery/Alternator voltage
Via my ScanGauge, I can watch the Coolant temp reach 182-184F and then go down to about 177F and then go back to 182F
while driving, it ranges from 180-195, so I assume my thermostat is working correctly.
The plugs honestly should be changed, but would those really have anything to do with it if the engine is running well?
No fault codes or anything, I checked with my ScanGauge.
Battery/Alternator voltage seems fine... 12.4 volts with the engine off / Ranges from 13.2-14.0 volts while cold, and levels out to about 13.1 - 13.2 while hot.
Has anyone had this experience? What did you do to solve it?
I have done several "drive cycles" for this particular engine, but still is 'Not Ready'
I guess I will start with the least expensive parts first - Coolant temp sensor/thermostat/plugs and go from there.