3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Well, the ole' '97 Camry CE 5-speed has about 204K miles on her now. She was running great till it started throwing the check engine light on. The code I'm getting is P0420- Catalyst system efficiency below threshold. I have a scanner built into the Scangauge I monitor my fuel mileage with. I always scan the CPU as soon as the light comes on. I reset it, and the light stays off, but will usually come back on within 100 miles or so.
I'd appreciate any help on this and what to check or diagnose. I've read things like pre or post-cat 02 sensors or the catalytic converter itself. Wondering if anyone here might know what usually makes this code occur with the 2.2L's.
Code I'm getting- P0420~ Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold.
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'97 Camry CE 2.2L 4-cyl, 5-speed, American Edition, 204.5K miles. My 1st Camry but my parents had them since we got our first '90 DX used in '92 and I learned how to drive on them!
I think it's most likely your oxygen sensors. You may need to change out both the upstream and downstream.
You also need to make sure your engine is properly tuned, and that it's not dumping more contaminants that hurt the new sensors. For example, valve clearances, timing belt, plugs, no vacuum leaks, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 78kitty
Well, the ole' '97 Camry CE 5-speed has about 204K miles on her now. She was running great till it started throwing the check engine light on. The code I'm getting is P0420- Catalyst system efficiency below threshold. I have a scanner built into the Scangauge I monitor my fuel mileage with. I always scan the CPU as soon as the light comes on. I reset it, and the light stays off, but will usually come back on within 100 miles or so.
I'd appreciate any help on this and what to check or diagnose. I've read things like pre or post-cat 02 sensors or the catalytic converter itself. Wondering if anyone here might know what usually makes this code occur with the 2.2L's.
Code I'm getting- P0420~ Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold.
Thanks everyone & great job on finding that article. I bought some Sea-foam to add to the next fill-up to try first, then it'll be 02 sensors & finally a cat. However, not sure if it's due to the 20 degree cooler weather or that I went to Marathon instead of BP on my last fill-up but the check engine light hasn't come on this week. Keep my fingers crossed, maybe that particular BP got a bad shipment of gas or something. Course, that would too easy though.
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'97 Camry CE 2.2L 4-cyl, 5-speed, American Edition, 204.5K miles. My 1st Camry but my parents had them since we got our first '90 DX used in '92 and I learned how to drive on them!
what brand to get pre and post Oxygen sensor bank1 and bank2 to fix P0420 ? I heard BOSCH Oxygen sensor doesn't work on Toyota because it can give misfire? can someone fill me in this matter? what brand that work for you? I know you can get from dealer, but can other brand aftermarket works as good as dealer brand?
Bosch does work for me. For the downstream you can use the excellent planar type sensor that's more resistant to contamination. The $58 #15733 requires you to splice on the old connector. Done that, easy enough. For $25 more you get one with OEM style connector (#13353) so no splicing.
If this is non-Calif, then the 15733 can also be used upstream. Or you'll have to get the Calif 13733, which looks like a rebox of Denso. In this case get the Denso, it's cheaper.
Just use what's spec'ed in the Bosch catalog (or Denso catalog, or NGK catalog), you should be fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1996camry
what brand to get pre and post Oxygen sensor bank1 and bank2 to fix P0420 ? I heard BOSCH Oxygen sensor doesn't work on Toyota because it can give misfire? can someone fill me in this matter? what brand that work for you? I know you can get from dealer, but can other brand aftermarket works as good as dealer brand?
BTW, the ones I listed were for 78kitty's 1997. If you have a 96 it's unheated thimble.
Sure, it's very possible that your catalytic converter failed. In the Motor.com article the P0420 came on while tester showed the car was "blowing zeros" out of the tailpipe!
I fixed a Honda V6 with P0420 with Bosch sensors. No Densos for me unless no other choice.
Bosch is a tier-one manufacturer but also reboxes what they don't make. This serves as a one-stop shop for parts, like AC-Delco as well.
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