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

[swataz]

Hello all-

Posted this under the Gen 3 & 4 forums accidentally, sorry for the redundancy, but wanted to get it in the right forum.

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!!

[5 Speed Stick SE]

The code if true is from a low efficiently cat. and it will have to be replaced but I have read quite a few forums where the cat was fine and it was the sensor that was giving false readings. I have thrown the code on a toyota of mine and just reset it. I have had the smog test and it is perfect, in the top 5 percent of the lowest emissions after throwing and resetting the code so it makes me believe it is the sensor that caused the code. I might start with replacing the downstream O2 sensor if you throw the code again. There could also be a exhaust leak throwing the code too.

[swataz]

Thanks, these are good insights, and much appreciated.

[somick]

That what I have in my records:

TSB No. EG013-04


Quote: “Some 2002 - 2004 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine may exhibit a M.l.L. ON" condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) in the Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM). The ECM (PCM) logic has been modified and a redesigned catalyst has been provided.
NOTE :The repair procedure in this TSB is similar to TSB No. EG013-04 "Excessive Sulfur Dioxide Odor." The recalibration of the ECM (PCM) should only be performed ONCE.”

Hope this helps,

Sam

[swataz]

Originally Posted by semyonlibman

That what I have in my records:

TSB No. EG013-04


Quote: “Some 2002 - 2004 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine may exhibit a M.l.L. ON" condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) in the Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM). The ECM (PCM) logic has been modified and a redesigned catalyst has been provided.
NOTE :The repair procedure in this TSB is similar to TSB No. EG013-04 "Excessive Sulfur Dioxide Odor." The recalibration of the ECM (PCM) should only be performed ONCE.”

Hope this helps,

Sam

Thanks Sam, very interesting TSB. Even though my car is out of warranty, it would seem this is a low-labor, lower-cost job if it is indeed the process needed to rectify my P0420 code issue!

[somick]

Originally Posted by swataz

Thanks Sam, very interesting TSB. Even though my car is out of warranty, it would seem this is a low-labor, lower-cost job if it is indeed the process needed to rectify my P0420 code issue!

Dealers do know about this TSB. I was at the dealer this weekend complaining about the famous coolant loss and I saw this TSB on his computer.

Let us know what happens...

Good luck,

Sam

[swataz]

Originally Posted by semyonlibman

Dealers do know about this TSB. I was at the dealer this weekend complaining about the famous coolant loss and I saw this TSB on his computer.

Let us know what happens...

Good luck,

Sam

Thanks and will do. I am collecting a few of these TSBs related to the dreaded P0420...always good to be an informed customer/car owner.

In my experience, ignorance is what they prey on.

[AlmightyCamry777]

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0420


P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

What does that mean?The catalytic converter has an oxygen sensor in front and behind it. When the vehicle is warm and running in closed loop mode, the upstream oxygen sensor waveform reading should fluctuate. The downstream O2 sensor reading should be fairly steady. Typically the P0420 code triggers the Check Engine Light if the readings of the two sensors are similar. This is indicative of (among other things) a converter that is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). It is part of the vehicle emissions system.

OBD-Codes.com on FacebookSymptomsYou will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms.

CausesA code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
Retarded spark timing
The oxygen sensors in front and behind the converter are reporting too similar of readings
Possible SolutionsNeed a catalytic converter? Visit our catalytic converter shopping area for the lowest price on your replacement converter!

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting a P0420 error code include:

Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.
Use a scope to diagnose the oxygen sensor operation (Tip: The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady).
Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor (HO2), replace if necessary
Replace the catalytic converter
One thing to note is that many vehicle manufacturers offer a longer warranty on emissions-related parts. So if you have a newer car but it's out of it's bumper-to-bumper warranty, there still may be warranty on this type of problem. Many manufacturers give a five year, unlimited mileage warranty on these items. It's worth checking into.

[jef9876]

Cost me $820.00 for the front cat. Mine starting failing at 140K and failed at 160K. It is a common problem. Dealers will try to sell both front and rear cat replacments.

[5 Speed Stick SE]

That looks like 700 bucks over a good aftermarket cat Did you look at a replacement that wasn't a toyota part? There are quite a few with a warrantee that isn't over 120.

[AlmightyCamry777]

Originally Posted by jef9876

Cost me $820.00 for the front cat. Mine starting failing at 140K and failed at 160K. It is a common problem. Dealers will try to sell both front and rear cat replacments.

when the cat on my 1988 nissan pickup went out i replaced with a bolt on unit from the internet (generic) for $100 - so far as i know most catalytics have pretty much the same guts inside. A little cutting with a hacksaw or power sabre saw, or better yet a $20 harbor freight grinder, and just bolt that mofo on, done.
The smog machine probe doesnt know the difference and that's all most people care about anyway, just make sure the cat is pointed the right way when you bolt it on!

[jef9876]

I tried an aftermarket cat on my old Impraza, ran like crap, even with an new o2. I know I will never have to pay for another one for the car. You can find a rear cheap, the front is intergrated into the manifold.
If I remember corectly, I think $400.00 was the best price on something not made in China.
I wish Toyota would help out since this was very common in higher mileage cars, along with rusting filler necks, if they do, my dealer pocketed it. It is still the very best car I have ever owned.

[swataz]

All in all the damage was fairly steep, but less than a grand with tax and labor. I still feel cheated but I do not have the skill set to fix this problem myself and all OEM cats I saw in my web searches were $400 plus.

I do agree that Toyota should have extended my warranty to cover this, and I perhaps should have bitched more but as long as the thing runs, passes inspection and my wife is safe, I don't care anymore. Learning to let go!!!