2001 Toyota Tacoma Catalyctic Converter

Hey so I recently bought a 2001 Toyota tacoma 6 cyl access cab V6 4WD truck with 127k miles. The check engine light came on and I took it to my mechanic who is saying it needs a new Catalyc Converter. Also it appears the the previous owner switched out the rear axle and replaced it with an older model tacoma axle. Do any of you guys have experience with the Cat converter going out around that mileage? I am quoted at about $600-$800 for a new one and want to make sure I am not throwing money away.

 

I would try some Cataclean first to see if that makes a difference before spending $$$.
check your o2sensors.
I have a 2002 with 232k and used some cataclean and that took care of the CEL.

 

You need to get temps. of both converters ( assuming you have 2 ). The front s/b hotter than the second one. Many times the donut in the flange goes bad allow an imperceptible level of air ( oxygen ) to enter your exhaust stream thus triggering the dreaded 0420 code. You won't even see the exhaust leak but it creates a Venturi and fouls the sample your sensors are looking at. No way your converter is bad at that low milage as long as you're not losing coolant and or oil internally.
Good Luck!

 

I agree with both of the above in that it could be an Oxygen Sensor. If you know the code that it's throwing, please post it.

 

Hey thanks for your replies guys! So I believe the code is a Po171 for fuel system too lean bank 1.
I took it to a toyota specialist and they said it needs a new cat converter which is quoted at $600 plus any work on the sensors that need to be replaced..

I trust that mechanic so I am planning on getting the converter replaced. Also I noticed that when the engine is hot (after I have started it on stopped the car multiple times) When I start it up, it starts slow and lazy. Rumbles for a bit and then finally starts up. A few times it even has died on me if i dont turn the key and keep it in the ignition position for atleast 3 seconds.

I am hoping that ^^^^ fixing the cat converter will also fix my starting issue.
What do you all think?

 

If the converter was on its way out you'd probably have the P0420 code. I had an issue where I thought the converter was stopped up but I was told to pull the oxygen sensor to let the exhaust out before the converter and see if there are any noticeable changes. No difference. Like Ritchie said, unless you're losing oil or antifreeze, the converter is probably fine. I would start with checking for vacuum leaks, cleaning the MAF sensor, test the oxygen sensor or replace it, run some fuel system cleaner and change the fuel filter afterwards. All of these are more likely to be the culprit and certainly a lot cheaper. I actually tried to change my fuel filter earlier today but the nut was seized and I'm going to have cut it off and replace the fuel line. I changed the plugs and wires as well, the truck is running much smoother now.

 

A P0171 code is not commonly related to a bad catalytic converter...at least not on its own. Its usually the code you get when you have a vacuum leak somewhere, a bad MAF, O2 and/or AF sensors, or maybe a crack in your exhaust. I'd get those ruled out first before you commit to a new cat.

 

When I got a P0171, Toyota threw all kinds of mechanics and parts at my truck and nothing fixed it (thank god for my aftermarket warranty)...finally a master tech was called in and he found an unplugged port on the back of my supercharger. Plugged it and the code went away.

 

I just replaced my rear cat and both 02 sensors. I went with Magnaflow. I bought both Cats new but only one would fit due to my exhaust is somewhat custom. My code was P0420 code. Replacing both 02 sensors and the rear cat cleared my code. for the both cats and o2 sensors, it cost me around $900

 

Be careful cutting that fuel line

 

Haha I can disconnect the line at the back of the fuel filter just not the front. I need to locate a line first though.

 

I need to do this also. I think the one that's on there is from the factory

 

Mine too haha, 286k miles later. Should be full by now...