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Toyota Camry Check Engine Light - Catalytic Converter

150 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2012 at 8:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry, Sedan

Messages Page 4 of 16

#27 of 150 Re: 2001 Toyota Camry 4Cyl Ck Eng Lt, P0420 [grizz17] by chet01588

Mar 09, 2009 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: grizz17 (Mar 09, 2009 9:44 am)
Hi Folks, Long time since I made my original post. I went through many cat converters before I got it right. Bottomline - be careful about aftermarket oxygen sensors. The dealers replaced the CATs but never even looked at the O2 sensors. When my mechanic changed it, it would not work well with the computer system in the Toyota, causing it to run rich, thus burning out 3 more CATs. (All replaced by my mechanic at no charge.) I finally took it to a dealer who knew how to fix the problem (3rd try). That was over a year ago and (knock wood) no problems since. I have had my Camry for about six years and the engine light was on for most of the first 4 years. Watch out for those O2 sensors. Good luck to all!!

#28 of 150 Re: of 5 2001 4Cyl Check Engine Light - Catalytic Converter by chet01588 [sunporch] by bsternberg

Mar 11, 2009 (11:48 am)

Replying to: sunporch (Mar 30, 2008 6:38 pm)
sunporch or anyone. Any South Chicago suburbs master toyota mechanics you can pass on?

#29 of 150 Re: 2001 Toyota Camry 4Cyl Ck Eng Lt, P0420 [toptech] by azmustang

Mar 25, 2009 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: toptech (Mar 09, 2009 4:41 pm)
I also have a 2001 camry 4 cyl with catalytic converter issues. The car has 91000
miles. The exhaust pipe in front of the catalytic converter broke off, requiring the
replacement of the rear catalytic converter. My mechanic did the replacement with
what I would think is an aftermarket replacement, since the total bill was about $600.
( I am only learning now of the the problems with non-Toyota replacement converters.)
The converter was replaced 6-8 weeks ago. A few weeks ago, the engine light came on. My mechanic said that the code came up that now the front converter needs to
be replaced. Based on what I've been reading, this may not be a final fix since the
back converter is aftermarket. I have asked the service people at my Toyota dealer
if they can determine if the replacement rear converter will work adequately if I go
ahead and replace the front converter with a Toyota converter. They told me that there really is no way to determine that. I am looking at at least $660. for the dealer
to replace the front converter. If the rear converter does not work adequately, then I am looking at an additional $1,325 to replace the rear converter with a Toyota
converter. If both air sensors are bad, there is the chance that the repair bill could
be even $400 higher. I'm trying to determine if it is time to cut my losses. The worst case scenario is that these repairs could add up to about $2,400. Potentially
another $2,400 into an 8 year old car??? The choices seem to be prepare for the
possibility of $2,400 in repairs, or take my chances and just drive it the way it is.
Any experience with how long I might be able to continue driving it if I do nothing?
Or risk the $660. to replace the front converter? Thank you for your thoughts.

#30 of 150 Re: 2001 Toyota Camry 4Cyl Ck Eng Lt, P0420 [azmustang] by rearwheeldrive

Mar 27, 2009 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: azmustang (Mar 25, 2009 9:29 pm)
Wow what a Catalytic problem.
 
First, air sensors should be easy to change, and about $25.00 dollars each. You're check light is coming on? I would not get to concerned about the light. It could be improper installation on the rear converter.
 
Not much could go wrong here though. I would get an Emissions test to check for exhaust pollution levels. I think converters reduce NOX's gases.Then go from there.This is only the exhaust and dosn't effect the engine at all only the atmosphere.

#31 of 150 Yet another check engine light question by bryanbbfan

Mar 30, 2009 (10:50 pm)

I too have a check engine light question. I just purchased a used 1997 Toyota Camry from a private party. The condition of purchase was that the seller would get a current California smog certificate and replace the plug wires before I would buy it. So the next day, the seller had a completed smog certificate from that day and new plug wires under the hood. I completed the purchase. About six miles out the door, the check engine light comes on. I have in my hand a legitimate smog inspection report stating that the car passed date today, and there are brand new plug wires under the hood.
 
My question is: Is there something either the smog check or tune up technician could have done, or forgot to do, to make the check engine light come on?
Is there some sort of code that was supposed to be reset and possibly forgotten?
 
It is difficult to believe that there some failure so soon after a passed smog check.
 
Thanks

#32 of 150 warranty on exhaust system (front) / Catalytic Converter by wenhq

Apr 05, 2009 (8:14 am)

Could anyone help me on this?
 
I bought a used 2001 Camry CE in year 2005. I had no idea about the separate emission warranty until now. I failed my state inspection in MA last year (Setp. 2008, around 70K miles) for the bad catalytic converter. However, i never got the check engineer on. I went to Toyota dealer and replaced the catalytic converter, which costed me $1300. I remembered that i asked the service manager if this is under warranty, and he said no.
 
Now (7 months later), I realized there is a emission warranty, which is for 8 yrs / 80K miles. Could anyone confirm this for me since i don't have the owner's warranty booklet? I just checked my repair receipt last night, and it stated as Exhaust System (Front). It didn't say Catalytic Converter. Is the Exhaust System (Front) same as Catalytic Converter.
 
Tomorrow, I am going to the dealer and ask for the money back. Is there any chance I can get my money back since the catalytic converter is under warranty?
 
Thanks and any inputs are appreciated.

#33 of 150 Re: 2001 Toyota Camry 4Cyl Ck Eng Lt, P0420 [rearwheeldrive] by toptech

Apr 11, 2009 (11:45 am)

Replying to: rearwheeldrive (Mar 27, 2009 2:54 pm)
25 Dollars for an air fuel ratio sensor? lol some people are not even on this planet. And it only has one if it is california emission. It has afr in the front and ho2s in the rear.

#34 of 150 Re: 2001 Toyota Camry 4Cyl Ck Eng Lt, P0420 [azmustang] by toptech

Apr 11, 2009 (11:52 am)

Replying to: azmustang (Mar 25, 2009 9:29 pm)
There is no good way to determine wich one is causing the light to come due to how they are tested is by looking at the rear o2 sensor and that sensor is monitoring both converters! But from experience aftermarket converters on these cars DO NOT WORK OR WORK FOR A VERY VERY SHORT TIME AND ARE A WASTE OF MONEY.Amazing how many garages have no clue and waste hard working peoples money. Take it back to the guy that put the aftermarket cat and let him fix it the rite way.

#35 of 150 Re: 2001 Toyota Camry 4Cyl Ck Eng Lt, P0420 [toptech] by rearwheeldrive

Apr 13, 2009 (10:53 am)

Replying to: toptech (Apr 11, 2009 11:52 am)
I replaced mine just for laughs. $31.99 Autozone. 1987 Corolla. 4 cyl.
 
  The new models have gone up. Does anyone go to junk yards? You can find cheaper prices and sometimes you get lucky and find a new part. A sensor should be easy to remove, (search blog 1990 Q-45, a trip to the junkyard). Although converters are sold for scrap and missing most of the time.

#36 of 150 2003 camery le check engine light/catalytic converter by cbayhoo

Apr 19, 2009 (10:59 am)

The check engine light came on about 600 miles into an 850 mile trip. Everything was OK and had it checked at dealer upon arrival. $101 for diagnosis and $767 estimate for new cat converter (code p0204). Let me chew on that!! My son called his trusted mechanic and was told $300 total. Then called my mechanic at home---he said drive it! I'm home in VA and light is still on but car runs OK. So, what's next? State inspection is in Sept.

Messages Page 4 of 16

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