Service Engine Soon light is on.....

[joeking]

I have an 03 Corolla with 215,000 miles and the check engine light came on when I was driving on the interstate. It came on before and I unhooked the battery and it was ok. However, every time I go on the interstate it comes on after about 40 to 150 interstate highway miles. I didnt do the diagnostic on it. Does anyone have an idea to repair it without having to spend the money on the diagnostic? Thanks in advance.

[falnfenix]

sure. pull the code - go to Autozone and rent a code reader...or go to Pep Boys/Salvo and have them pull it for you.

[Bitter]

i'll venture a guess that its EGR related, when you're not on the highway do you ever get above 45mph for more than 3 minutes?

[REN69]

215,000miles in an 03? probably time for the light to pop up, cars don't run forever dude; but I'll bet it's probably emissions related due to the mileage.

[joeking]

Thanks guys. I will have it checked out and let you know. Honestly the car should still go another 200,000. After all, it;s a Toyota.

[jon_570]

how do you get that many miles in a lil over 3 years?

[ghost_ryder35]

Originally Posted by jon_570

how do you get that many miles in a lil over 3 years?

I'm assuming he's in sales or commutes a lot to get to work. He did say after 40-150 highway miles

[bonnie*]

Follow the suggestions from community members:

1) falnfenix vbmenu_register("postmenu_1579355", true); : sure. pull the code - go to Autozone and rent a code reader...
KNOW DTC TROUBLE CODE

2) Bitter vbmenu_register("postmenu_1579394", true); : ... guess that its EGR related, when you're not on the highway do you ever get above 45mph for more than 3 minutes?

3) READ THE THREAD Do-It-yourself Check engine Light diagnosis. First follow the diagnosis step 5 : EGR – Exhaust Gas Recycle, carry-out self maintenance for EGR SYSTEM and reset the code. If it remains unsolved then follow other steps too!
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t171748.html

Provide your detailed feed-back, once it's resolved.

Tks
bonnie*

[joeking]

Ok here's the deal. The car was purchased from a local hospital and was used on the interstate 375 miles per day to deliver exrays. I put 7,000 miles on it myself. I had the check completed and it needs a cat coverter. The shop wanted 1,116.00 to replace the cat. I checked the net and found a new direct fit unit 87 inches long...pipes and all for $288.00 delivered to the door. I also found a weld in cat for only $59.95. I know if I bought the $288 deal I would be in great shape. Has anyone ever tired the weld-in catalytic converter? I believe I would be better off spending the $288 and not have to worry about it. Let me know what you think. The $59 sounds great however I do not know if it will be an installation problem. It looked a little hokey in the sales picture.

[ghost_ryder35]

buy the direct fit cat, save you lots of time with welding. damn that car got those miles piled on real fast

[REN69]

Just get one welded in dude, if not get the direct bolt on one.. $1100 to replace a Cat, that's just ridiculous.

[ghost_ryder35]

Originally Posted by REN69

Just get one welded in dude, if not get the direct bolt on one.. $1100 to replace a Cat, that's just ridiculous.

he can do the bolt on one in his driveway, i imagine he would have to pay someone to weld the 59.99 one in (P.S. you get what you pay for)

[joeking]

I called the discount muffler shop in the area and the guy told me over the phone that he could install a converter (the weld in type) for $159.95 out the door. He said he didnt show one in stop but thought he could find one that would work. The muffler shop has a good reputation so I made an appointment for Thursday.

[Bitter]

is the weld in an OBD2 cat? i'd be wary for $60... if its not an OBD2 3 way converter you'll probably fail the next emissions check or pop another engine light, probably P04xx.

what was the original code, you never told us? sometimes a bad O2 sensor or other problems can lead to a false diagnosis of a bad converter, 200k isnt that many miles for a converter.

[joeking]

The $33.67 diagnosis: computer scan data,inspect other components: P0420 Catalyst Efficiency. Sevices recommended: Replace catalytic converter assembly/Reflash PCM.