Look for help: Camry 97, P0420, catalyst efficiency low bank #1

[lexyacc]

I just bought a 1997 Camry V6 3.0 about 15 days ago, but now the engine light (stead yellow) is on. I called the previous owner and he said he never had engine problem before (I believe what he said).

Today I check the code out, it is: P0420, catalyst efficiency low bank #1

I am a summer intern student here at NJ and want to drive the car back in Iowa (it's about 1k miles). My question is if it is safe to drive it back to Iowa without fixing this problem, because it is hard for me to find a honest garage shop here. If I have to fix it, how much would it cost ?

I appreciate all your help. Thanks so much !

[lexyacc]

BTW, is it a serious problem ?

[samarai912]

you'll be able to drive it safely. its may be a bad 02 sensor. The sensor itself can be bought for less than 100 bucks. don't pay some one else to do this , its an easy fix. there should be a tread on how to change your sensors here on TN. good luck.

[lexyacc]

Thanks a lot !!

But if the problem is the converter, is it safe to drive such a long way ?

[ASG14]

90% chance it's the Sensor (normal for them to go bad).

[lexyacc]

thanks a lot !!

[camlex]

that your cat. yes, you can drive, but you have change your cat.
i replaced with orallly brand "Walker" total cost was $244

Hope that helps.

[freestylez]

good luck with this code...it was a pain in the ass for me!
the code came up and i changed the cat converter with an aftermarket replacement one...worked fine for about a month...then the code popped up again...had to replace the aftermarket cat with a toyota oem cat converter and changed the O2 sensor too inorder to pass emissions on time...it seems like the camry does not like aftermarket cat converters because i heard about people still having problems with an aftermarket unit, i would recommend you find an oem pipe

[lexyacc]

thank you all ! So I can drive it back to Iowa (1k miles !) and find a shop to fix it.

Thanks for all your help.