01 camry check engine light - converter/sensors

[sp0008]

Hello,
I'm a new user to this group and looking for help to solve this nagging problem with my 01 camry. Our mechanic has been working on this for the past month....without much luck. Car has 140k miles on it.

Long story short......Check engine light is on.....code indicated emission control problem. Mechanic has replaced the rear catalytic converter along with both o2 sensors and all spark plugs. Light goes out for a short time....all runs well for maybe 100 miles....then returns. Car intermitently idles rough while stopped but once up to speed runs fine. Occasionally when downshifting going up a hill, engine seems to skip......but once up to speed runs fine.

Thanks in advance for any help....and appreciate your time!

[BamZipPow]

What was the code(s)? I'm guessing P0420? Is this a 4 or 6 cylinder? I'm guessing auto transmission?

Best thing to do is use a engine diagnostics program like AutoTap or AutoEnginuity that has data logging. That way you can see what was going on when happens. I'm guessing yer mechanic has already checked fer the obvious like spark plugs, the coils?

Did yer mechanic perform a smoke test to eliminate any possible vacuum leaks? How clean is that throttle body? When was the last time the timing belt was changed?

[sp0008]

Thank you. The Camry is a 4 cylinder automatic. Yes the mechanic has checked and replaced the spark plugs. I will verify with him as to the other items you suggested. Thanks again!

[tony1967]

Originally Posted by sp0008

Hello,
I'm a new user to this group and looking for help to solve this nagging problem with my 01 camry. Our mechanic has been working on this for the past month....without much luck. Car has 140k miles on it.

Long story short......Check engine light is on.....code indicated emission control problem. Mechanic has replaced the rear catalytic converter along with both o2 sensors and all spark plugs. Light goes out for a short time....all runs well for maybe 100 miles....then returns. Car intermitently idles rough while stopped but once up to speed runs fine. Occasionally when downshifting going up a hill, engine seems to skip......but once up to speed runs fine.

Thanks in advance for any help....and appreciate your time!

On my 01 Camry 4 cylinder 172,000 miles. I had a P0420 code took it toyota. Service wanted me to change the rear cat and replaced spark plugs they wanted $650 to do that. I watch a video on Scotty Kilmore.com and he suggested to put a gallon of lacquer thinner to a quarter tank of gas. I ran it for a hundred miles and the light was still on. When I change my plugs I disconnect the battery and then the CEL went off and has not come on since and it has been about 6 months now. I don't know if it was the spark plugs or the lacquer thinner, maybe the CEL needed to be rest after the fixed. Not sure what your problem is but you may want to unplug the battery just the black cable and then reconnect it and see if it CEL comes back on.

[sp0008]

Thank you! I really appreciate your help!! I'll post updates on how I make out!