99' 02 Sensor/ Cat. C. Issue

[LizVS1119]

I am at such a loss because i have no idea what the F is wrong with my car. I inherated this lovely piece of machinery from my step-father who drove the crap out of it until he was rear-ended and decided that I could have it. I have been struggling with it to pass inspection and it just wont. Here is the story:
The OBD was saying that the catalytic converter was faulty, after researching it the mechanic told me it was the o2 sensor and replaced it. Months later the computer is still reading as "not ready to be tested" as in the new code for the sensor hasnt been processed yet. Toyota told me there was nothing they could do and so I continued to drive it around hoping mileage would reset the computer as the mechanic had told me. Recently after exausting every avenue they know they have simply told me Im sorry, I dont know. . . .
I need to know! I cant afford a new car and dont want to pay to replace the computer if there is somthing else I could try . . . Someone please help!!
Thanks

[Dr Tweak]

Try taking the negative cable off the battery for a while and that should reset the computer.

[LizVS1119]

I did try disconnecting the battery and they have tried to reset the computer using the OBD or whatever it is they use through the computer itself. Our most recent test is we removed the fuse for the engine and the exhaust for a few minutes and then put them back . . . On friday or so we will see if that worked. The worst part about this whole dibocle is that I have to park on the street in Boston and I get a parking ticket for this stupid thing about every other night!

[foodaa]

Do you still have DTCs?
Do you know what monitors have not run? The mechanic should be able to see with his scanner what monitors are not ready. Or is it just the O2S monitor that is not ready?
You can try to bring it to another shop and get a 2nd opinion.

[ffpmlex]

Another possibility is that you could have a leaking exhaust...that can give off OBD codes that say you have a bad oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. Go under the vehicle and look at the exhaust system. Check for leaks and cracks...get a telescoping mirror and flashlight and look at the topside of the exhaust, too. Look at the spots where the exhaust is welded. A telltale sign is a brown, grey, or black spot that doesn't look like rust. If you see any of this stuff, get another opinion. Go to a DMV pre-test shop so they can hook up your exhaust to a diagnostic machine...those are way more complex than OBD tools.

[OEMonkey]

good questions fooda.

LizVS1119, why do you need to know if all the monitors are ready? is it so you can go ahead and have the vehicle smog checked? is the check engine light on? driveability problems? what was the original DTC(ie P0420)?

Any repair shop w/ a dyno can run a drive cycle to get all the monitors ready. Of course, if you get a MIL while running a drive cycle then that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.

[LizVS1119]

Ok, SO. . . the 02 sensor has reset and the catalytic converter still is saying its not ready to be tested. I have put several thousand miles on the car and it still wont pass inspection. I have disconnected about everything in the car and reconnected, I brought it to toyota and they were stumped, I have had three mechanics and 2 inspection stations look at it and they all are on personal missions to figure out what is wrong with this beast. I have looked underneath the car for crack/leaks and have been unable to find anytying wrong. I love my car but I am on my last legs here. . . I just realized I have paid 400 bucks in parking tickets because I park on the street in Boston and the meter maids are merciless. Please help because I dont want to get rid of my baby!

[Bingo]

I don't know how this are back East but I would just find a "friendly" smog place where you can give 40 bucks so the can "fix it" and then "pass it". Good to have friends in low places.

Bingo

[94_Rolla_Guy]

this sounds wierd id take it somewhere else and have someone else look at it, the other thing is that the car has 2, 02 sensors Pre and Post converter? also if the code says you have a bad catalytic converter than maybe you have a bad converter, the ECU looks at the 2 O2 sensors and compares the readings to determine if the catalytic converter is working correctly