2004 Front 2 Cats out Can't Pass Smog in Cali

[luvmy4rrunner]

Just looking for guidance or advice....I've got an 04 SR5 182K California freeway miles on it, smog guys (3 different ones) tell me my front two CATS are out, I'm willing to spend the $1500 to get those replaced, but in your opinion what's the chance that I do these and then need to replace the backs...which will be another $2,000 or more.... my car is in great shape no misfires, no electrical no rattles etc....i was hoping to keep a few more years......is it worth the risk to do the front two and see if it works? AND BTW my car passes smog in every category
EXCEPT for the damn engine light related to cats.

 

[JBecker]

I'm sure it's probably not good to do legally in CA, but have you tried 02 non foulers? Put them in the rear 02 sensor spots, clear the code and get some miles on it to get the computer ready to do your smog.

I've seen this trick work in some cases and not in others, but considering the price it's worth a shot.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-42002?seid=srese1&gclid=CLjX6sW81L0CFYN0OgodNDYACg

 

[luvmy4rrunner]

I'm sure it's probably not good to do legally in CA, but have you tried 02 non foulers? Put them in the rear 02 sensor spots, clear the code and get some miles on it to get the computer ready to do your smog.

I've seen this trick work in some cases and not in others, but considering the price it's worth a shot.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-42002?seid=srese1&gclid=CLjX6sW81L0CFYN0OgodNDYACg

Thank you Becker I will look into that..... love my 4Runner this is first thing to fix on it and just fricking annoying that I NEED it for my registration.....

 

[Kmvreter]

... EXCEPT for the damn engine light related to cats.

How long have you had the CEL on?

 

[JBecker]

No problem. Just be aware that you might need to use 2 spacers on each sensor if 1 doesn't work.

Also hope you don't get an inspector who does a good visual check. Usually they will just make sure the cats are on there, and overlook a sensor that sticks out an inch farther than normal. Some don't even bother looking.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

I'm sure it's probably not good to do legally in CA, but have you tried 02 non foulers? Put them in the rear 02 sensor spots, clear the code and get some miles on it to get the computer ready to do your smog.

I've seen this trick work in some cases and not in others, but considering the price it's worth a shot.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-42002?seid=srese1&gclid=CLjX6sW81L0CFYN0OgodNDYACg

Sure have to love the description of the defoulers:

"These Dorman spark plug non-foulers are designed to move the oxygen sensor probe away from the exhaust gases. This causes less oxygen to be picked up by the sensor and tricks the fuel computer into thinking that the air/fuel mixture is richer than it is. This will make the fuel computer thin out the mixture so that less fuel is consumed."

Haven't heard it described that way before. Usually the term is "lean".

Anyway, if the cats need to be replaced I would think you could have a welding shop replace the primary cats. If the factory manifolds are at the end of their life then you have an excuse to find an aftermarket solution and have aftermarket cats welded up (less than $100 per cat).

Are you failing due to to high HC, high NOx, high CO?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Can you post the smog results? The gas analyzer data may be useful. Or are they failing you based on DTCs?

 

[oljedi11950]

Have you replaced all you o2 sensors also ?

 

[DC runner]

Yea, before you jump to cat replace your 02 sensors.

I can't promise, but a bad o2 sensor could be the culprit. Much cheaper to replace them, and easier, than a cat so worth a shot.