2003 Camry 4 CYL - P0420 code - $$ scenario associated with possible causes

[swataz]

Hello all-

Just last night, my 2003 Camry's Check Engine came on. We brought it to Autozone where the guy checked out the code and it came back P0420.

So, a little research later after being mistakenly told to check my gas cap (wrong code, dude!), I see that it is related to emissions, including O2 sensors and Catalytic converters.

It is past the TSB warranty, as it has 107,000 miles on it, so I guess my biggest question really is, in people's experience, what is the ballpark damage from a reputable mechanic, and, yes, even the dealership if necessary.

Thanks for any insights you folks have...I definitely did NOT need this right after the holidays!!

[warlock]

PO 420??? lol your car is smoking pot. lol



realy i would just go get an O2 scocket and check the O2 sencer. if realy bd you might need to replace it. all and all if you do it your self its way cheaper.

[JohnGD]

If you're in NY, your car may have the California emissions system (along with MA). If so and if your car is PZEV, then you should have 15yr/150K mile emissions coverage. So check your warranty again just to make sure.

Originally Posted by swataz

Just last night, my 2003 Camry's Check Engine came on. We brought it to Autozone where the guy checked out the code and it came back P0420.

So, a little research later after being mistakenly told to check my gas cap (wrong code, dude!), I see that it is related to emissions, including O2 sensors and Catalytic converters.

It is past the TSB warranty, as it has 107,000 miles on it, so I guess my biggest question really is, in people's experience, what is the ballpark damage from a reputable mechanic, and, yes, even the dealership if necessary.

Thanks for any insights you folks have...I definitely did NOT need this right after the holidays!!

[swataz]

Thanks for the replies folks, even after posting in the wrong gen forum....nice to see this forum has actually nice folks who don't flame!

I would pray to the gods that I DO have a California emissions system installed and that warranty is in effect!

BTW, what is PZEV?

[swataz]

Thanks again for the help. I did a little research on PZEV vehicles. Not sure if having the CA emissions makes my car automatically inclusive in that vehicle type, and I am kinda scared to actually leave it to the dealership to be above board about it.

Going to go do some major research now!

[ghettosled]

either its a faulty O2 sensor or you need a new catalytic converter. replace the O2 sensor first. if code persists, replace the cat.

[swataz]

Thanks...i was wondering how tough of a job that is, the O2 sensor...not that I don't do my share of work on my 99 jeep piece of junk I own. Doable for the weekend mechanic ?

[swataz]

The verdict is in after a week of driving it, and apparently, of course it is the most expensive friggin' repair, the Catalytic Converter. Thanks to all who have posted in this thread. MY head will now explode as a I add to my debt.

[TRCar54]

O2 sensor is very simple. Having an O2 socket makes the job much easier.

I'll hope to be swapping the front cat / exhaust manifold on my 2000 I4 this weekend. Just have the torque specs and gasket orientation correct and it should be cake. If you can work on a 4.0 Jeep you'll find this very simple.

Front cat is $335 at the dealer. Make sure they give you 10%. My guy does it all the time.

Good luck,
Jay in MA

Originally Posted by swataz

Thanks...i was wondering how tough of a job that is, the O2 sensor...not that I don't do my share of work on my 99 jeep piece of junk I own. Doable for the weekend mechanic ?

[projektvertx]

Originally Posted by swataz

Thanks for the replies folks, even after posting in the wrong gen forum....nice to see this forum has actually nice folks who don't flame!

I know I'm going off topic here, but I also want to second that sentiment People in the gen3/4 forum seem to be a real nice group of people. Very mature. This is the 3rd or 4th thread I've seen in the last couple of weeks that have been posted to the wrong gen forum, but I'm always impressed by how people are willing to respond with great input and advice anyways Keep up the good work guys That's why I like TN (or at least this part of it), no flaming

[05DCLB]

There is a tsb for the p0420, replace ft cat{exh manifold} and a re-flash on your cars computer.