P0420 code, have 2zzge egine, recommened replacement?

[maxtrix03xrsvirgin]

I have a 03 Matrix xrs, engine type 2ZZGE. I recently went to get my car inspected at VIP (fyi..I live in NH) and it failed because of code P0420. I'm being told that I need a new catalytic converter. According to my engine sticker info my model passes both US EPA and California emissions standards, which seems to make a difference when searching for the right part online.

After reading through several posts/strings, I'm getting worried that fixing this won't solve my problem. I do know that if I do need to replace the cat/cov that it's problably best to stay away from the aftermarket parts.

Any thoughts...and further...any recommendations on a suitable replacement?

[mikered30]

How many miles do you have?

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

PM sent for some infomration. As far as replacement, if you don't go OEM, you'll have to check around or ask the members what they did.

Originally Posted by maxtrix03xrsvirgin

I have a 03 Matrix xrs, engine type 2ZZGE. I recently went to get my car inspected at VIP (fyi..I live in NH) and it failed because of code P0420. I'm being told that I need a new catalytic converter. According to my engine sticker info my model passes both US EPA and California emissions standards, which seems to make a difference when searching for the right part online.

After reading through several posts/strings, I'm getting worried that fixing this won't solve my problem. I do know that if I do need to replace the cat/cov that it's problably best to stay away from the aftermarket parts.

Any thoughts...and further...any recommendations on a suitable replacement?

[maxtrix03xrsvirgin]

229k miles

[EL CONTRADOR]

Hi!!

I've been reading A LOT on this P0420 problem and found out a few good thing you might like to know!!!

I lot of people have the same problem that we do, some changed everything related to emission system. Cats, o2 sensors, MAF, MAP, Temperature Sensor and still had the light coming on!!

On thing that not a lot a people think of checking is the Ethanol rating in the gasoline they use!! Toyota tacoma are set to use Gas with less then 10% ethanol... So what i did is I empty my tank and filled it back with ethanol Free Gasoline, unplug the battery to erase the codes and Guess what, no more light...

The problem with ethanol is that it doesn't burn like regular gas at all and our O2 sensors do not reconised the exhaust gas so your check engine light turn on!!!

I was using Gasoline that had 12% Ethanol and didn't know it!!

Try that and let me know what happens

Thanks

[fishexpo101]

Could try resetting the ECM and see if the code comes back. More than 70% of those P0420 do not show up after being reset - "automagically" fixes itself. If the code pops back immediately, then you have a definitely issue causing the CEL. Could be as simple as an exhaust leak or more likely, a bad downstream (post cat) O2 sensor. You'll have to backprobe the sensor to be sure.

It is possible at that mileage that the catalytic converter has gone bad - more so if the car consumes any amount of oil. In that case, start shopping around - depending on the smog laws there - you could be stuck purchasing a cat that is legal for Federal and Cali specs - usually means OEM and expensive..

[yotatrix]

i changed the cat and 2 O2 sensors and replaced cat with a obd ii replacement

[littleslim1474]

Well your theory on the gas with the ethanol is just a theory. O2 sensor do not read gas at all they check the level of oxygen in the exhaust based on what it reads from the outside. And Airfuel sensor do the same but have a greater operating range to work in. You could just clear the code and drive to see if it come back right away might get lucky. But the ECM check the CAT operation by running the engine lean and seeing how long it take the oxygen to show up at the downstream O2 sensor then rich to see how much fuel the converter brake down before the down stream sensor see the rich condition. If the CAT doesnt fall in between the operating range in the ecu it sets the code. The CAT is basicully a sponge the absorbs oxygen and uses it to break done unburnt gas. So as long as both sensor are reading and not reading slow all u need is the cat and maybe the sensors. If u go aftermarket make sure it meets CAli standards to be safe. Hope this helps