For those w/ P0420 code

Swapped my spark plugs, and goodbye check engine light. Everybody say ‘goodbye check engine light!’
Bye!
V6 Engine over here. Also I just used spark plugs that are for a lawnmower. jk

 

Goodbye check engine light! Yea the smaller spark plugs are cheaper, whatever fits

 

Welcome to TW. ..
A P0420 code is usually not spark plugs related error. It's likely a failing O2 sensor or cat. Don't be surprised if it comes back.

 

I thought that code came on when it was time to buy a bag of weed?
But seriously, it will be back....

 

Yup what he said, I wanna say that one is the drivers side (v6) and p0430 is passenger side (v6). I'm feeling too lazy right now to google it. The fact that changing the spark plugs removed that code just tells me that your cats are right on the brink of failing. You can get ahead on it by removing your o2 sensors and cleaning the carbon off of them and plop them back in. That should get you some more time on those sensors before the code comes back.

-J

 

After mine failed, I took it to a local scrap yard that pays well for converters. The guy looked up the numbers and it fell under a category called "LOW GRADE FOREIGN ". Toyota makes them to last up till the warranty is up. Still got $30 for it !!

 

For your cats? I got 40$ each for mine. That was a few years ago though. I got more for the Cats than the 700lbs of scrap, lol.

-J

 

I also took in a smaller cat off of a civic and got $60 for it.

 

One plug was loose, so maybe that coulda caused the code? Not loose, but def not tight tight. Ez to pull out with socket wrench

 

Yep, y’all called it. CE light back on. I have the seafoam spray to clean them. Do you know if the o2 sensors need to be dried well before I reinstall them?

 

You need a catalytic converter.

 

What I need is money, so trying to hold off on a catalytic converter otherwise I wouldn’t be in here.

 

I'd spray sensor let it dry a little and reinstall. If the CE light doesn't bother you don't worry about it. If it starts to run like shit, then weigh your options then.

 

Do you have a bore scope?
When I did my a/f and 02 sensors I could see the ends of the cat with the scope.
I did the 02 cleaned and dried and also disconnected the battery for like an hr.
Code returned I replaced both sensors on my 4 banger.
Cleared codes again it’s been good since.

 

I plan on using either a spritz of MAF cleaner or carb cleaner on the plugs before I reinstall them. They'll dry fairly fast just sitting out, I'll wipe them with a shop cloth prior to reinstalling them. Additionally, I plan on doing the Spark Plug Non-fouler mod prior to reinstalling my sensors. As a side, my configuration isn't stock hence the route with the non-foulers to fix my issue.

-J