Yet another code

[jsun_14]

My 2001 Camry LE has had numerous codes the last couple years.

In Sept. "06 it was PO446 which resulted in replacing canister valve and vacuum switch. In Jan. "07 it was EGR PO401 code. The mechanic cleaned the EGR Modulator. In Sept., same code, this time it got ROH EGR Valve Assy. In December it came on again this time it got intake gasket set, AZ EGR Valve, cleaned EGR Passage and Pipe and replaced valve. Came on again in Feb. "08, changed EGR Valve under warranty. In March got VAS Modulator.

The car made it to Spring 2010. This time it is a P102, bank 1, sensor 2 code - oxygen sensor malfunction, O2 sensor after catalytic converter according to the parts guy that tested the code. He quoted me a price of $89.73 for the part.

My questions: Have other Camry owners experienced as many codes as this car seems to keep racking up? The car has to have its state inspection by the end of the month. Therefore, I have to have this fixed soon. What does a dealer charge to fix this, is there any chance it is under warranty? Based on other forum postings, it seems that is unlikely. How complicated is this to fix? The car has 80,000+ miles and runs great. The check engine light is the only problem. What exactly does the O2 sensor do? Thanks for the help. I have used the forum before and it really helps me to understand what I am dealing with.

Roberta

[LynchburgCSI]

That is quite a few codes. The emissions system can be finicky sometimes... but not at 80,000 miles! Hmmm. Usually emissions thing are fine after a quick clean up. For example, the infamous P0401 usually responds well to cleaning the EGR valve.

The Bank 1 Sensor 2 O2 Sensor isn't hard to replace. Oxygen sensors read the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gasses and report back to the ECU. The ECU then uses this information to adjust the air/fuel mixture going into the engine... also known as "fuel trim".

Anyways... $90 is about right for an oxygen sensor. Labor tends to be about $60/hour. Personally, I could do the job in 30 minutes or less, easily. Take note: ONLY USE NGK OR DENSO PARTS FOR THIS! Bosch and no-name brands don't like to be in Toyotas.


Some videos:

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

[fenixus]

you can buy original Denso (same as OEM) post-cat sensor off ebay for around $40-50.

check your Denso part number here:
http://www.densoaftermarket.com/cata....php?part=o2sn

the rest of codes (infamous EGR system from hell and EVAP canister) may happen due to age, not really due to mileage.
I personally had to rebuild the whole EGR sub-system with all new parts (except for VSV which turned out OK) as everything was more or less going bad already at 68k miles (2000 solara 5s-fe).
didn't have any trouble with EVAP yet (and I hope it stays this way!)

I also had replaced all oxygen sensors (including my California spec upstream AFR sensor pre-cat) at ~72k miles because I though it would run better with fresh ones
... well ... it doesn't really run more efficient, but feels good anyways hehe

[BMR]

Emissions systems are warrantied much longer than the rest of the car. I *think* Toyotas are 8 years/80k miles. So I think you're out of luck, but call a dealer and ask them.

[jsun_14]

Thanks, these videos were fantastic. The O2 sensor was explained very easily and clearly. I appreciate your input. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly. I called the dealers, their prices ranged from $247 to $400. Ouch.

[Chris Crash]

Please don't buy them from the dealer. Find them online for cheaper. Fenixus always seems to be able to find the cheap O2 sensors online haha

[LynchburgCSI]

You're welcome!

As Chris said, PLEASE don't buy the O2 sensor form the dealer. HUGE waste of money. See if the dealer won't accept a part that YOU buy for them to install.

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Please don't buy them from the dealer. Find them online for cheaper. Fenixus always seems to be able to find the cheap O2 sensors online haha

haha, no not always, but am trying to beat all prices down ...
Last time I bought post-cat Denso sensor ('02 1mz-fe) for like $44+s/h:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...1137&viewitem=

4cylinder 5s-fe uses same rear/downstream/post-cat sensors
Denso part number 234-4137.

here is a DIY on the job (post-cat o2 sensor replacement):
DIY : Downstream Oxygen O2 Sensor replacement

annoying task, but still quite easy, biggest problem for me was the damn rubber grommet which I was pushing from outside to inside ... gosh ... don't do that like I did, spent over 30 minutes to push the grommet in from under car, I guess it would have been easier the other way around. follow the DIY and you will be good

[jsun_14]

I have been calling around. The cheapest partfrom the dealer is $85. The part I really found hard to swallow was the $163 labor charge for something that theoretically should take 30 minutes.

[jsun_14]

I'll check it out. Thanks, Chris!

[LynchburgCSI]

Heck, meet me half way from here and I'll do it in a parking lot for less money.