P0420 Code

This place in Duarte gives you a free retest within 2 weeks if you don't pass (I think a lot of places offer something like that)... Could always try option 1 first and if you don't pass, replace the cats and try again

 

perfect

will do that

will go to your place

 

Did the OP get this resolved? If not, I have a primary question. The only important one here...

Is the replacement cat converter throwing the code an OE. Or an aftermarket?

 

Not sure, he hasn't been back around after his one and only forum post. For what it's worth, I replaced both OEM cats with CARB approved Magnaflows (WAY less $$$$) and passed smog with those.

 

Just clear it and drive it bro. Unless it needs the convertors due to clogged exhaust. If it takes 300 miles before MIL sets than you should have no problem getting monitors to run on a toyota. Just my 2Cents.

Congrats bro!!

 

Thats my initial plan. Clear CEL, smog it. Hope it passes (if it does, not doing the CATS), and go on living life for next two years....

 

Magnaflow is hit or miss. When it comes to aftermarket they are designed to be bare minimum performing parts (and you can equally tell so when you compare their size to the OE cat converters) for minimum pricing. They usually only last 2 or 3 years at most and hell, in most cases they don't even make it past the emissions dyno testing before they need to be replaced again even though you just replaced it! CARB approved or not. I am glad to hear they are working out for you though.

 

What do you recommend instead ?

 

I know they aren't comparable to OEM but I was told by numerous sources they were the best aftermarket brand to go with. Nothing compares to OEM though, which is also why you pay $1k per OEM cat versus a few hundred each for aftermarket. The Magnaflows were the more expensive option for aftermarket at the shop I went to...they initially wanted to put in Catco brand cats for $100 less but I told them to put in the Magnaflows instead.

Even if I have to replace them every couple years at $650 or so I'm okay with that, better than the $3600 Toyota wanted to charge me for OEM install

 

Obviously OEM every time for cats. If you canmot afford that steep bill, which I more than totally understand. Magnaflow would be the next desirable choice.

I agree. Anything short of Magnaflow and they are pretty cheap ass. Even Magnaflow sometimes puts out some shoddy stuff. I guess it just depends on application.

 

I have the same issue. Got the P0420 code and found this leak. Did you find the right gasket, and if so, did that solve the problem?

Looks in the shop manual that it's a round gasket, but no part number is given...

 

YES circle gasket got at autozone for $5 is japan made too . Yes it solve my problem after reseting the code .

 

Man my exhaust smells

It is embarrassing when idling

 

You've got an air/fuel ratio problem. Doubtful it is "caused" by a bad CAT.

 

Hmmm

How can I solve it ? Any ideas ?

Appreciate the help

P0420 code though

 

Several things can cause that code. Computer aided diagnostics are usually the best method of figuring out what's wrong. My 2000 2.7 had the same code and it was caused by an air/fuel ratio sensor that had stuck on one voltage output. It seems that this failure is the most common cause of P0420 but certainly not the only. To the backyard mechanic, sometimes replacing the most likely culprit is the way to go because the cost to fully diagnose is often more than the $100 sensor. If I were you, I would check that there are no leaks in the exhaust plumbing and that your fuel filter is not clogged. If neither, replace the air/fuel ratio sensor and see what you get. Provided you don't break studs, it's literally a 10 minute, 2 bolt job.

 

thank you

 

Well after code being on for about 1200 miles

Without resetting it , it just turned off by itself

 

It'll be back.

 

I am sure of it