I had the engine light on and took it to a toyota dealer. They said i have to replace the cat convertor. they also said I may need a PCM if the light does not go off. May also need a A/F ratio sensor if it will not come out. total estimate by dealer:
$788 (cat converter)
$1210 (PCM if needed)
$250 (A/F sesor)
So in all i may end up paying $3100
I have a local mechanic who is ready to change the cat convertor for $250.
My problem is how do i know if its the rear or fron convertor thats faulty.
I need some advice before I get it done
Thanks in advance.
Some help:
P0420 Error Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The information provided from the dealer doesn't instill a lot of confidence in their troubleshooting abilities.
There's also at least one TSB on that code:
EG024R-04 APR 07 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC P0420 Set
Have them show you this TSB. It appears to apply to the 4-cylinder, not sure about the V6. I don't have immediate access to what's in the bulletin, but they should have no problem showing (and explaining) it to you unless they're afraid you'll find something out they don't want you to know.
If you google Camry P0420 you'll find a LOT of reading material; seems to be a popluar topic.
Just noticed you're in Grayslake; my late business partner was from there. Spooky.
So i need to go back to them and ask for the TSB ? Whats TSB? thie TSB will gime more info of why the this code came up right ?
Technical Service Bulletin. They're tech notes to mechanics on specific issues that don't quite measure up to the need for a recall. Might or might not be anything useful in your case, but worth looking at. There's no requirement to show it to you, but the info is not classified or proprietary. You can just mention you did some research and a TSB on that specific code was mentioned. They may put you off - it may in fact not apply in your case - but I would press to read it with my own eyes if it was me, especially considering the amount of work they are proposing.
Side note, if you opt to pay for a subscription on Alldata.com you get access to all TSBs as well.
Yours is a 4 cyl?
ok, my wife's lexus RX300, which is Toyota, threw that code prolly 4 o5 times since we bought it. mof, every Lexus we looked at, in 2001, either had CE light on or had to have front upper O2 sensor replaced. some sort of Toyota blunder on those. oh, used ones, of course, we do not buy new.
so, as i am here, in sane mind, all i did was to replace gas tank cap - 3 times, or simply reset code and blow a can of Seafoam through gas tank. car is closing on 120 000 miles now, i think i finally replaced that O2 sensor around this summer or so. honestly, don't even remember if i did, or not, with 4-5 cars to maintain. but on our 3.0L V6, it's the very top one in the front of the engine exhaust manifold.
someone at that dealership is trying to take you for expensive ride. P0420 is not $3500 in repairs code.
P0420 Error Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
Interesting reading and possible solutions if you own a Toyota.
Originally Posted by the_tow_guy
There's also at least one TSB on that code:
EG024R-04 APR 07 Engine Controls - MIL ON/DTC P0420 Set
Here are some of the details of the TSB:
ENGINE
EG024-04
REVISED
Title:
M.I.L. ON DTC P0420
Models:
'02 - '04 Camry (2AZ-FE) (Non PZEV)
Introduction
Some 2002 - 2004 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine may exhibit a M.l.L. ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) in the Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM). The ECM (PCM) logic has been modified and a redesigned catalyst has been provided.
NOTE :The repair procedure in this TSB is similar to TSB No. EG013-04 Excessive Sulfur Dioxide Odor. The recalibration of the ECM (PCM) should only be performed ONCE.
Applicable Vehicles
^ 2002 - 2004 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE engine (non PZEV) and automatic transmission produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
TMMK Line 1 - 4T1BE3#K#4U323000
TMMK Line 2 - 4T1BE3#K#4U869000
Tsutsuni - JTDBE3#K#40283686
The bulleting goes on and on about perform the repair but basically there is an updated catalytic converter and a software update for the PCM. YOU SHOULD NOT NEED A $1200 PCM !! The dealership must load the updated software into your existing PCM (kinda like when you do a Windows update on your PC.) Expect to pay up to 1hr labor time for this, anything more is a ripoff. The PCM update alone will probably not solve your problem. The part number for the converter you need should be 25051-0H011 - $360 at 25051-0H011 - OEM Toyota CONVERTER SUB-ASSY. Replacement should be no more than 1.5 hrs labor. Sometimes the O2 sensor may get rusted to the cat and cannot be removed without damaging it. I would not recommend the aftermarket $250 cat.
This is for the 4 cylinder engine with auto trans only. It does not apply to V6s or manual trans vehicles!
Originally Posted by ukrbyk
someone at that dealership is trying to take you for expensive ride. P0420 is not $3500 in repairs code.
I hate when they do stuff like this , why can't they just be fair about it? They'll probably make more money in the long run from good word of mouth/reputation, repeat customers, etc.
Thanks for adding the TSB info, Ed.
Still hasn't been established what engine is involved with the subject car here.
Tags: code, camry, Below Threshold, Below Threshold Bank, Catalyst System, Catalyst System Efficiency, Catalyst System Efficiency Below, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Efficiency Below, Efficiency Below Threshold
