Catalytic converters code light in my 2007 Camry.

[redwitch]

Last edited Tue Jan 9, 2018, 06:58 AM - Edit history (1)

Car won’t pass inspection. Shit! Any tips on how/what to do. Just had the suspension repaired to the tune of 2200, have no emergency fund left. Just did one go round with Cataclean, will a second application help?

Signed

Desperate in NY

Update: code light is off! Cataclean seems to have done the trick. Happy dancing.

[Sailor65x1]

1. What is the actual code?

The number I mean. Probably starts with "P."

Most catalytic codes are the result of a disparity between the upstream and downstream O2 sensors (Which Is often caused by a sensor and not the cat). If you can get the code from the scanner, it will help.

[liberal N proud]

2. Oxygen Sensors (O2)

But you really need to investigate the OBD2 code.

O2 sensor are usually 50 to 150 for parts alone.

[quickesst]

3. I agree with the other posters

O2 sensors are more likely to go bad long before catalytic converter. Take it to just about any auto parts store and they can run an OBD2 scan and give you the exact code or codes. I picked up an OBD2 scanner about 10 years ago at Harbor Freight Tools. Works great. One of the best 40 bucks I've ever spent. Good luck with your car.

[redwitch]

4. Son has a code scanner.

I think the code was po420? He had to see his mechanic today and is asking about it for me. The problem is there are 2converters and I think 2 sensors. Praying it isn’t the whole thing-over $3000 to repair and we don’t have it. It’s our only car.

[Sailor65x1]

5. Ok, do you have the V6 then?

P0420 is actually pretty common; it's the "Catalyst System Efficiency" code, and it represents that disparity I mentioned above. It is also one of the codes most commonly caused by a flaky or carbonized sensor as opposed to a bad cat.

If you do have the V6, and 2 cats, then you have 4 O2 sensors. One upstream, one downstream, of each cat.

[redwitch]

6. No idea! I will have to go out to car to look.

And it is too cold still for me, will check when I go out in a bit.

Would you recommend changing out sensor(s) first to see if that’s the problem?
Will they know when they take it out to look which has the problem?

[Sailor65x1]

7. Yes, take a look

If you have 2 cats then you have dual exhaust which says V6.

Also, please have your son check the text attached to the scanner code on the screen. It should read a "Bank" at least. That will help with left side vs right side.

Yes I do recommend looking at sensors first. I'm looking at yours now. Rockauto is the cheapest so far. Unfortunately, Toyota put different part numbers in different places, so you can't just buy 4 of one sensor.

[redwitch]

8. Thanks for your input, much appreciated!

The car runs like a dream for whatever that’s worth. I would assume if there was a problem the car would be sluggish or have some noticeable issues which it doesn’t have.

[Sailor65x1]

9. You're very welcome

Typically, this set of codes won't cause the vehicle to run poorly, at least not initially. They concern what's happening after the engine has already developed power.

I don't know where in NY you are, but if it's anywhere near the Capital District, and you'd like, PM me. I live here also and would be happy to help if you need it.

Also, remember that NY's 7-day "Fail cycle" can buy you time, since you are technically legal during that period and it can be repeated usually.

[redwitch]

10. Hey whatd ya know, were neighbors!

About an hour north of the capital district. I have decided to have them fail me and buy 10 days to run another cycle of Cataclean. It worked on another car several years ago and would be way cheaper than any repairs. Fingers crossed!

[redwitch]

11. And thanks for the offer.

Until I come up with some cash no one can help much. I will update when I know what is going on.

[redwitch]

12. Okay, so how many miles do I have to drive with the check engine light off...

Before I will pass the emissions test? I am so very happy!

[Sailor65x1]

13. There isn't a fixed number of miles,

But it tends to be around 50, so here's the way to be sure:

Your son's OBD scanner should have a category called "Emissions test," or "State test." If he looks at it right now, there will be a series of values that read "Inc" for "Incomplete," because the values have reset. In fact, any time you clear a code, you will typically go back to an "Incomplete" condition.

When the car runs long enough for the computer to decide these readings have updated enough, those values will switch from "Inc" to "Ok" or "Good."

So drive around as you normally would and check those readings a couple times a day. When the "Inc" indications go away, you are ready.

If your son isn't around at any given time, pull into a Valvoline oil change store. If you ask them they will plug their scanner in and tell you whether your sensors are ready to pass. Any NY inspection shop can do this, but I mention Valvoline because they will typically do this for free.

[redwitch]

14. Thank you!

Will have son check it tonight when he gets off work. And then I will get the inspection done immediately! Such a huge relief!

[Sailor65x1]

15. That's great news! You're welcome!

After some time goes by you might notice a little bit better mileage, also. With new sensors reading correctly, the computer can optimize the mixture properly.

[redwitch]

16. That sounds good to me.

I have to do quite a lot of driving for my sales job. I try to combine trips to save money, mileage and to not pollute any more than I have to. I do my best to maintain the car to that end. Car is running really well!