TSB for P0420 - 2000 Camry

[louye2]

Does anyone know if there is a TSB for a 2000 Camry 4 cyl. with the infamous P0420 code?

I am hoping a computer software reflash is available similar to the one for 2002 - 2004 Camrys.

I do plan to replace the O2 sensors myself (190K miles on them) with Denso's, but hesitate to replace the CAT without more research. Seems like a lot of folks have replaced all three parts, only to have the P0420 return.

Thank you for your advice.

[chronoti]

http://www.alldatadiy.com/recalls/index.html

search for the tsb name then google said tsb

[louye2]

The local Toyota dealer told me the cat needed to be replaced for $1400 and there was no TSB for a P0420 code on a 2000 Camry. My local mechanic also diagnosed that the cat needed to be replaced and would charge me $550 for the repair.

Based on advice from the knowledgeable folks on this site, I replaced the front and rear O2 sensors with Denso's from Rock Auto. I cleared the P0420 code, drove a few hundred miles and passed the NH emissions inspection. The code has not returned and the car is running very well. So, the moral of the story is, don't always take the diagnostic advice of your mechanic if what they are telling you doesn't make sense. A cat should last the life of the car under normal circumstances. It's very easy to diagnose P0420 as a cat problem and make more money by replacing a very expensive part.

It was a little difficult taking off the rear O2 sensor, but I was able to do it using the special O2 wrench I rented from AutoZone and a MAPP gas torch to heat up the exhaust pipe.

In addition, even though I live in NH, my car had a CA emissions system, so the front O2 sensor was really an air/fuel sensor and had to be replaced with a slightly more expensive sensor ($111). Your local dealer can look up your VIN and tell you if it is a CA car.

Best of luck to all P0420 code holders. I hope my O2 replacement experience is helpful to you.

Lou

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

I just double checked, and the dealer is correct, there is no TSB for a P0420 for a 2000 Camry. I am at least glad to see that you were able to get away without purchasing a converter.

[Yuko]

I have both a 2001 and 2002 Camry. I got a P0420 (bad catalytic converter) on the 02 at 114,000 miles. I check the exhaust for leak, bad O2 sensor, talk about reflashing the ECU. But later I found an easy fix.

I bought a pack of Spark plug Non-fouler/defouler for $4. Drill a 1/2" hole almost though the center to clear the O2 sensor. Screw it onto the post O2 sensor and install it back on the exhaust system. I have pass 4 years of inspections and now at 157,000 mile no CEL.

Here's the package (Sorry I had to borrow a pic from the net)


Here it is installed on the post O2 sensor. It rusted a bit.


Here's how it works. The Pre (before) catalytic converter O2 sensor deals with Air/Fuel ratio and measure the exhaust gas. The Post (after) O2 sensor only measure the different of the exhaust gas after the convertor. By moving the sensor a little back from the exhaust gas, it tricks the sensor to think there are less emission. The car still run prefect, Only mess with the sensor after the catalytic convertor.

Of course the correct repair is to replace the catalytic converter but $954, I'll go for four bucks. On the 2000 Camry with the 4 cylinders, the post O2 sensor is at the middle of the exhaust system. Just install a defouler there and done.

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by Yuko

I have both a 2001 and 2002 Camry. I got a P0420 (bad catalytic converter) on the 02 at 114,000 miles. I check the exhaust for leak, bad O2 sensor, talk about reflashing the ECU. But later I found an easy fix.

Here's how it works. The Pre (before) catalytic converter O2 sensor deals with Air/Fuel ratio and measure the exhaust gas. The Post (after) O2 sensor only measure the different of the exhaust gas after the convertor. By moving the sensor a little back from the exhaust gas, it tricks the sensor to think there are less emission. The car still run prefect, Only mess with the sensor after the catalytic convertor.

I'm liking this idea. Seems like voodo, but there are some other threads here on TN saying to do this. I'm saving this to my O2 stuff, in case I get a P0420 error. It will be the first thing I'm going to try. Thanks for the tip.

[Jason.MZW20]

Originally Posted by ajkalian

I'm liking this idea. Seems like voodo, but there are some other threads here on TN saying to do this. I'm saving this to my O2 stuff, in case I get a P0420 error. It will be the first thing I'm going to try. Thanks for the tip.

Well be careful because CA spec 1MZs trim off of the post-cat sensor to enhance catalyst life and efficiency as well as reduce emissions further. The 5SFE doesn't. I haven't tested any non-CA emissions 1MZs, so I don't know if they do it too.

I had an exhaust leak on my 1MZ and the post cat sensor was reading a little lean - fuel trims were bumped up on BOTH banks to compensate for a perceived "lean" condition.

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by Jason.MZW20

Well be careful because CA spec 1MZs trim off of the post-cat sensor to enhance catalyst life and efficiency as well as reduce emissions further. The 5SFE doesn't. I haven't tested any non-CA emissions 1MZs, so I don't know if they do it too.

I had an exhaust leak on my 1MZ and the post cat sensor was reading a little lean - fuel trims were bumped up on BOTH banks to compensate for a perceived "lean" condition.

Good info, thanks.

So far I don't have any problems, but if I get the dreaded code, I'll spring for the $4 first to see if it fixes it before I spring for $1,000 for the CAT.

.

[73sport]

Not the expert on this, but it seems that if this is done to car which has good working functional cat, that it could, over time kill it.

On a separate note:
Cars running in the limp mode for extended periods of time are very hard on the CAT! Granted, the newest cars take this into account so as not to kill the cat but the Gen1/2/3/4 stuff may not be so forgiving. . .


That story up there makes me wonder if those types of shops resell used cats? <shakes head>

[breezethru700]

Is this the right part # 42002? just want to make sure I buy the right size, 18mm right?


thank you

[louye2]

Yes, the 18mm size is correct for your Camry. The actual thread size is M18 x 1.5. If you find that there is not enough room between the top of the O2 sensor and the floor, there are vendors who sell a right angle non-fouler. Check out this link for more information:

http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/heade...r-threads.html

Lou

[breezethru700]

sweet, thank you!