Does anyone know the temperature that a first gen (03) catalytic converter runs at?

I just threw a PO420 code today on the way to work.

I haven't had a chance to check my MAF, gas cap, or exhaust leaks. I really trust the batch of gas I have, and I don't smell any rotten eggs, but I'd like to be certain.

I ran seafoam about 400 miles ago and I want to make sure I didn't clog my cats. I know you can use a laser thermometer and measure the temp of your cats at running temperature to see if they work. Does anyone know these numbers? Thanks!

 

Thanks!

 

If you would have clogged your cats, you would notice a loss of power. It is possible the catalysts are just weak from age/wear. The running temps will be lower with weakened cats. There really isn't a printed spec for this value either, but the values given above are generally what you might see. Looks like you already know to check for exhaust leaks. The gas cap and MAF values will not cause a catalyst code either. MAF can cause rich or lean codes, and the gas cap can cause EVAP codes.

 

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. That's what I hate about only having this a few months. I'm still not 100% sure what's "right" when it comes to how this truck behaves. I could hear or feel when something was wrong with my old taco, but this new one is odd to me. I can't tell if I'm low on power, if that's how it's always been, or if it's all in my head. I'm getting my best gas mileage ever so far, so I don't think I'm running rich or lean.

I smelled my exhaust today and it smelled vaguely sulphur-y, but then again, I've never smelled it normally, so I don't know what's "normal".

 

Looks like it is finally time for me to write that thread on the Toyota P0420 code and how to diagnose it.

 

Isn't 420 the heater circuit for the sensor?

 

no that is a different code

again, most likely cause on an 03, in 2013...?
o2 sensor is used up. cats are likely fine. correct diagnosis saves
time a trouble guessing of course, but all o2 sensors have a finite
life typically somewhere in the 110,000-160,000 mile range

seafoam likely coated the sensor with added mung and shortened it's life

 

Yes please!



Also, the CEL/MIL went out today, so I guess it stopped throwing the code?

Yesterday I pulled the air filter and inspected it ( for no reason ), re-tightened my gas cap, and fiddle with the sensor wires. Then I drove about 30 miles to hit some range. Light was still on.

Started the truck up this morning and drove to work and back and the light never came on.