CEL help!

[jj511]

I own 2000 (CA) Toyota 4Runner, V6. I'm currently living in NC but have to pass inspection here, my CEL came on recently and the guy is quoting me $1400 (parts + labor) to fix my catalytic converter. I saw his scanner and it was throwing the P0420 code multiple times....

I need to pass the inspection but I definitely dont have that kind of cash right now, what's the best option?

Please HELP!!

 

[T4R_Finally]

I own 2000 (CA) Toyota 4Runner, V6. I'm currently living in NC but have to pass inspection here, my CEL came on recently and the guy is quoting me $1400 (parts + labor) to fix my catalytic converter. I saw his scanner and it was throwing the P0420 code multiple times....

I need to pass the inspection but I definitely dont have that kind of cash right now, what's the best option?

Please HELP!!

JJ, I have the exact same issue but I live in a county that doesn't have emissions testing. I have the same truck and am getting the same code. However, mine is not throwing repeating codes. I can reset mine and it may not come on again for days but has never come back on right away. I bought a new Denso downstream O2 sensor (part #234-4153) I'm going to try on mine before I go to the expense of replacing the CATs. That sensor is the one that throws that particular code. I checked my vehicle's history and it has been in the shop 3 times for a CEL that I can find, and each time the problem was resolved by either cleaning or replacing a sensor and not a fix to the actual part it was warning about. Once was for a accellerator sensor issue, once was traced back to a dirty MAF sensor, and the third was for the Air Fuel sensor that sits upstream of the CATs.

I'm hoping the O2 sensor is a cheap and easy fix to the P0420. I'm willing to spend the 62 bucks to find out. Right now, though, I'm just having problems getting the nuts to come loose to remove the old one.

Even after you clear the code, you are going to have to drive it x number of miles before they will pass you on emissions.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, you can try replacing the downstream O2 sensor like T4R_Finally says. Go to the Tutorial and documentation reference thread and there is a link to an )2 sensor thread that has tons of info on O2 sensors. Just be sure you ONLY BUY DENSO. They are OEM and are the best.

Also, try listening for an exhaust leak. I have been throwing that code for a long time, and I can definitely hear an exhaust leak, but I have been unable to find the dang thing.

 

[T4R_Finally]

I posted the Denso part number. That's the correct number for a CA emissions '00 T4R. I ordered mine off of ebay. Many here order them off of Amazon. About the same price on both. The guy at the parts store wanted to sell me a Bosch for $170. Stay with the Denso. Not a bad idea to change the sensor when you change the CAT anyway. If you still get the code with the new sensor, at least you sort of get a 2nd opinion before doing the CAT work.

 

[jj511]

I posted the Denso part number. That's the correct number for a CA emissions '00 T4R. I ordered mine off of ebay. Many here order them off of Amazon. About the same price on both. The guy at the parts store wanted to sell me a Bosch for $170. Stay with the Denso. Not a bad idea to change the sensor when you change the CAT anyway. If you still get the code with the new sensor, at least you sort of get a 2nd opinion before doing the CAT work.

wow, thanks for the replies everyone. I checked Amazon for that part number you mentioned (part #234-4153) but for some reason the Amazon website says this part doesnt fit my vehicle. Are they wrong?

Also, is this part difficult to replace? I haven't done any fixes myself though I have a friend who works at an autoshop, so maybe he could do it?


PS, the link I found from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-415...000&vehicleType=automotive&newCar=1&carId=001

 

[Nelsonmd]

wow, thanks for the replies everyone. I checked Amazon for that part number you mentioned (part #234-4153) but for some reason the Amazon website says this part doesnt fit my vehicle. Are they wrong?

Also, is this part difficult to replace? I haven't done any fixes myself though I have a friend who works at an autoshop, so maybe he could do it?


PS, the link I found from Amazon: Amazon.com: Denso 234-4153 Oxygen Sensor (Air and Fuel Ratio Sensor): Automotive

Go to the tutorial and document reference sticky, and click on the link to the O2 sensor thread. In that thread is a link to URD's O2 sensor guide. You will find the correct denso part number there. Don't pay much attention to what Amazon tells you. Depending if you are cali or federal emissions, the part number will change. I think the change is just tail length, and the 234-4153 is the longer tail length, so it should work, but the tail may be a bit long. Might as well get the correct one.

I don't mean to be annoying by not just linking it here. Just trying to get you familiar with the tutorial and documentation sticky because it has TONS of useful information and answers lots of common questions.

 

[T4R_Finally]

Theoretically, it's not hard to change on your own. It's just 2 nuts you back off of 2 studs, unplug the wiring clip, remove, replace with new one. Make sure to replace gasket - new gasket comes in the box with the Denso. Below is a link to the same exact one I bought from the same place I bought it. Took 2 days to ship to me here in NC. If you have CA Emissions (should say on window sticker under options, should say on sticker under hood, and you should see 2 CATs under the truck), then this is the right part for the downstream O2 sensor.

DENSO 234-4153 Oxygen Sensor | eBay

 

[jj511]

Theoretically, it's not hard to change on your own. It's just 2 nuts you back off of 2 studs, unplug the wiring clip, remove, replace with new one. Make sure to replace gasket - new gasket comes in the box with the Denso. Below is a link to the same exact one I bought from the same place I bought it. Took 2 days to ship to me here in NC. If you have CA Emissions (should say on window sticker under options, should say on sticker under hood, and you should see 2 CATs under the truck), then this is the right part for the downstream O2 sensor.

DENSO 234-4153 Oxygen Sensor | eBay

I actually have a 2WD 4runner with CA emissions, so according to the URD link:

1999 & 2000 Cali auto, 2WD/4WD V6; Front: 234-9002
1999 & 2000 Cali auto, 2WD V6; Rear: 234-4155

it's the second one (234-4155) you're talking about, right? thanks again.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I actually have a 2WD 4runner with CA emissions, so according to the URD link:

1999 & 2000 Cali auto, 2WD/4WD V6; Front: 234-9002
1999 & 2000 Cali auto, 2WD V6; Rear: 234-4155

it's the second one (234-4155) you're talking about, right? thanks again.

Yeah, he assumed 4WD, if you are 2WD, then you should have the 4155.

If you look at the long post I made in the O2 sensor thread, the 4155 apparently has a 24in tail length, so if you went with the 4153, your plug wouldn't have reached. That happened to me because I ordered the wrong one (54 instead of 53), which is why I went a little crazy on the details in that thread... glad you figured it out beforehand.

 

[T4R_Finally]

Yep, sorry I did assume since you didn't specify. I was just able to get mine swapped out. If you do it yourself, save yourself some trouble and use a 12mm 6 point socket or wrench. I threw everything I had at it yesterday and couldn't get the nuts off. Borrowed a 6 point socket this afternoon and had no trouble at all.