Catalitic converter

[lash92ssei]

I had an experience with my 99 4Runner (SR5) that I thought I'd pass on. Last Nov. my check engine light came on while driving and I dropped it off at the dealer.

Background to this is I purchase this vehicle new in Oct of 98. Had all the services performed by the dealer at the required intervals. This also included cleaning of the throttle body etc. when recommended. I also used Mobil 1 oil and had a K&N air filter. The vehicle had 106K miles on it. It was babied from the time I purchased her. I had intended to keep it for at least 300K.

Got a call the next morning from the dealer and was told the reason for the check engine light was that my Catalitic Converters needed to be replaced, and that it would cost 2K to fix.

Was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

 

[NoDak]

doesnt the emission system have a 7yr unlimited mileage warranty on it? or is it 5yr unlimited warranty.

 

[lash92ssei]

doesnt the emission system have a 7yr unlimited mileage warranty on it? or is it 5yr unlimited warranty.

6yr or 60K I think

 

[Pribilof]

Lash, where are you located? Knowing your local emissions laws and / or testing procedures would help me offer advice on a fix. You could use aftermarket cat(s), or a MIL eliminator, etc.

 

[NoDak]

this is a direct rip from toyota's website.

this is what i found but its applies to new vehicles. does the old 3rd gens have the same type of warranty?

Federal Emission Coverage: Components under the federal emission defect warranty are covered for 3 years/36,000 miles from the date of first use and specified major emission control components are covered for 8 years/80,000 miles from the date of first use. Specified major emission control components under emission performance warranty are also covered for 8 years/80,000 miles from the date of first use. In addition, emission performance warranty is applicable for 2 years/24,000 miles from the date of first use in states and local jurisdictions that require a periodic EPA-approved inspection and maintenance program.

guess i was confusing rust thru warranty to emission warranty it seems, since the rust thru has unlimited mileage.

 

[mikes4runner]

Got a call the next morning from the dealer and was told the reason for the check engine light was that my Catalitic Converters needed to be replaced, and that it would cost 2K to fix. [/B]

2K to replace converters

Rip off...run...run....

and only 106K...I have 117K on my converter.

something smells fishy.

What went wrong with the converter?. Maybe just the O2 sensor.
that I could see maybe going up at 106K.

 

[lash92ssei]

Thanks all for your responses.

As to what went wrong with the converter, the service manager just stated the code from the computer showed the converters were bad, had no idea why, and they had to be replaced in order to correct the check engine light.

Cost for converters (beware there are two converters on the V6 3rd gen) was 900.00 apiece plus labor.

There may have been a cheaper solution (an after market converter, or used, etc.) but I chose to thank the service manager very much, and then traded mine in, and purchased a just traded 02 with the Toyota extended warr.

Bottom line: Just be aware that it appears the converters may be a weak link in your vehicle. Be prepaired.

 

[Kmvreter]

Converters

Actually the V6 has 4 converters and 4 sensors. Big dollar fix but there is an 8 year warranty.