New to forum and new (used) Tacoma

Hi all,

I recently purchased my first truck, a 2002 Tacoma SR5 TRD 4x4 V6 5 speed (180k miles). I have been browsing the forum, and have finally joined.
I could use any thoughts from any seasoned Tacoma owners about what to expect, what to do first maintenance/upkeep wise, typical issues at this life stage, etc.
I have only had one issue so far. The check engine light came on with code p0420. I have the print out from a local auto parts store, but I could use the advice from you all about what's going on here. if need be, I will re-post this in the appropriate forum, I'm just using this as my intro.

Thank you!

-S

 

welcome to TW!

had the po420 code show up on me a few weeks after buying mine. i installed a URD O2 simulator and deleted the rear cat altogether. no more check engine light since (~7k miles) and reads normal for emissions inspections.

lets see pics!

 

Thanks for the reply!
URD is the brand right? Can you explain in somewhat laymen's terms what the simulator does? And what exactly do you mean by deleted the rear cat? I looked under the truck and I saw what I thought were two cat converters. Is that so?

Thank you.

If you don't mind please take a look at a couple other posts I put in this topic. Under driveshaft something, and about fuel grade.

 

Yes URD is the brand. it plugs in the harness connected to the O2 sensor (under passenger seat). Theyre are 2 cat converters, and i simply cut the rear one off and replaced with a straight piece of pipe. Since i removed it, it basically fools the computer into thinking that it is still in place, so no check engine light.
http://www.urdusa.com/product_info.php?products_id=1230100014

simulator under passenger seat:


replaced with straight pipe:

 

Cool, I understand, mostly. So when you removed the rear cat the O2 sensor came out too? And the simulator simulates the singnal from the sensor...? I doubt I will be able to do the removing of the cat myself as I don't have a shop or the tools. What did it entail?
If I did that, what do you think would be the impact on a future decision to replace the entire exhaust?
Wow. and is we you are located in Lenoir, which is very close to me, thus NC emissions won't be an issue.

THANK YOU

 

Welcome

 

O2 sensor stays in place. the simulator is just a relay that plugs in the harness under the seat to fool the computer. shouldnt effect any future exhaust u might add

to remove cat: 1. cut cat out 2. replace with pipe (2 1/4" i believe). thats it