P0430 Code... What should I do?

Well my check engine light on my 2005 TRD Offroad Taco has been on for quite some time now and I was told by the dealer 25000 kilometers ago that it was the catalytic converter. Just read the code myself tonight with a OBD2 Diagnostic Tool and confirmed it. I know I should of had this rectified by now but finances just didn't allow it at the time so easy on the criticism please lol.
I have spent a couple hours now reading all the posts on the topic (ie. o2 sensors vs. cats etc.) I do not believe that I have any symptoms other then poor gas milage which I started to experience at around 80k. The CEL came on at 159k and I am at 176k now.
Should I just relace the oem cat at the dealer? I was looking at going with an entire new exhaust system as well (magnaflow). Perhaps this would be the better choice and bang for the buck? What would I need from magnaflow in addition to the exhaust? I assume two magnaflow cats, and the o2sim from urd? Also, the o2sensors seem to be corroded pretty bad. Should I replace them as well? To simplify... what exhaust components would you guys/gals buy if you were in my shoes with a truck that has 176000k on it?

 

keelometurs?

 

yes... kilometers

 

i think i'd stick with an oem cat and then go with whatever exhaust you like. aftermarket cats dont work real well on these trucks.

 

This came from a different forum:

Hello All,

I just received a letter in the mail from Toyota oxygen sensors. They stated that they have had a lot of complaints about the 2 oxygen sensors before the catalytic converter. This would be Number 1 Oxygen Senor, Bank 1 and Number 1 Oxygen Senor, Bank 2. They said that they are going to warrant these parts up to 7 years or 90,000 miles because of the check engine light coming on with the indication that the oxygen sensors are bad. I have replaced mine already, but they will reimburse if you have documents showing that your replaced them and that you own that vehicle.

If you did not receive a letter like I did, I would suggest contacting Toyota:

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A, INC.
Toyota Customer Experience, WC 10
19001 South Western Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501

The P0430 code like you said could be O2 sensors or the cats. I'd try the sensors first, they're cheaper than cats (especially if you can get Toyota to replace them for free).

 

I had the exact same problem last year. Luckly they took care of it right away.

 

You could also try spacing out the rear o2 sensor with a spark plug anti-fouler. They come 2 in a pack and you drill on out to 1/2 inch. Place that one on the sensor. Then screw both of them into the pipe. It slows down the flow across the sensor thus not tripping a code. You can get them at your local auto store. It's a cheap test and or fix. GL

 

Nifty stuff! Wouldn't have worked for me when mine threw the infamous code, mine was the heater circuit blown open. I actually spent some time thinking about how I could put a big resistor across the heater circuit leads to fool the ECU, but ended up replacing the sensor. Not cheap little things.

 

Yeah the anti-fouler trick is to confirm cat codes. If it's the sensor ,that will need to be replaced.

 

Should I or do I have to replace both sensors at the same time? Or just on the side with the bank 2 cat? Should I just get the oem sensors or go with aftermarket? What sort of cost would I be looking at? Thanks!

 

honestly....i'd replace both at the same time. dont buy from dealer tho..........and do not go aftermarket. aftermarket ones will crap out very quickly.

get denso oem ones from rockauto.com...........way cheaper than the dealer....and u get a tw discount.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I have been away for a while and now that I am back I want that CE light gone and will try the things mentioned. One thing that I have noticed is that after I reset the code it does not come back on again until I remove the gas cap and fill the truck up with gas. It then comes right back on. Would that provide any clues as to O2 sensor vs a cat?