2006 Tacoma P0420 code

So I have been getting the P0420 code. I have a 2006 Tacoma with 270000 miles on it. I just replaced the O2 sensor in bank 1 and cleared the code. After about 500 or more miles the code comes back. What could be my other options besides the obvious cat replacement?

 

Not much, really your only options are to; delete the cat and run 02 sims, live with it, or replace the cat.


You got 270000 miles out of a part with a 100k life expectancy, I say it had a good run time to replace.

The only thing "cat cleaners" do is clean your wallet so don't waste your time or money, played that game before.

OE is obviously best, but if that's out of the budget magna flow I've heard gets good reviews.

 

I had no choice but to replace them or if you live a state that is not California, then get the 02 simulator. It works.

 

Before replacing the catalytic converter have you eliminated exhaust leaks, damaged exhaust pipes, damaged O2 sensor wiring/connectors, plugged catalytic converter?

 

Yes I have. So what is a good brand to go with?

 

Get a cheap high flow cat from Flowmaster or whatever you can find on Amazon. Then do the spark plug arrestor o2 sensor mod so you won't get a CEL. You can feel good you aren't hurting environment as much as going catless, and still kill the CEL.

 

Could I just try the arrestor first?

 

Sure you could.

 

So I bought the arrestor can I use just one connection or do I need to use both section?

 

This code ended up being a bad cat for me, which double sucks because I live in CA and we have to run CARB approved cats. Fortunately, for 1st gens Magnaflow makes CARB approved cats that are 10x cheaper than OEM Toyota ones. I believe 2nd gens can only go with OEM cats if you need CARB approved ones though, but if that doesn't matter then go aftermarket.

 

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/maintenance-tech/702538-fixed-long-term-fuel-trims.html

 

The dreaded P0420 code! If worse comes to worse and you need to replace your Catalytic Converter then please give us a call at 707-544-4761 and we can offer up a replacement option or two. Don't for get to ask for your TacomaWorld Forum discount.

 

Best case would be to do some troubleshooting and correct the problem rather than masking it.. an OBDii reader is cheap (bluetooth and app is even cheaper).

 

So I replaced the cat and drove over 500 miles when the P0420 code came back. Are there any other suggestions on what else could be causing this code?

 

Read above..

 

If you replaced it with a high flow cat, it can/will cause you to throw a PO420. If your exhaust is otherwise modified it can cause PO420. PO420 just says catalyst operating below efficiency. A reader really won't change that or give you more insight. If you have one that does live data (like a bluetooth dongle and torque app, highly suggested) it might show you a lazy o2 sensor, or a sensor stuck at a voltage. I'm assuming the o2 you replaced was the the o2 post cat converter?

 

I replaced sensor 1 on bank 1 side which is the one prior to the cat.

 

Yeah that's the wrong one. It didn't hurt to get a new one of those either, but you need the post cat sensor which measures catalyst efficiency.