Exhaust questions

[Indytyler]

2001 4runner sr5 4wd


I just left my local toyota dealer from having my "check engine" light diagnosed. Service guy tells me it is bad catalytic converters, and handed me a quote for almost $3500.... Obviously I paid my $40 fee and walked away.

He also said... "Aftermarket converters do not sync up with toyota computers, so going that route won't fix the light"

Believe it or not he didn't try to sell me, he just said "I wouldn't fix it if I were you"

So my question..

Has anyone had trouble with aftermarket "not sync up" with toyota computer?? I don't see why aftermarket wouldn't work fine..

Unfortunately my 4runner wasn't well cared for previously, so I have been fixing stuff left and right, with only 128k I feel like there is plenty of life in it, and am ok, with investing reasonably in repairs... Any input would be great. Thank you.

And a pic, just because..

 

[Mc1337sauce]

I'm running a Magnaflow cat on my 3RZ 4Runner and it works just fine. The aftermarket cats are ceramic so they do not last as long as an OEM Toyota one, but they will work just fine for a few years at the very least.

 

[Darwinian_Crusader]

If I'm not mistaken, aftermarket ones make the rear O2 sensor unhappy, but you can just fix that with a rear O2 sensor simulator. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can confirm or deny this.

 

[ScubaS]

It sounds like you have the dreaded P0420 code which is common (I have it too). Don't bother replacing the cats, the OEMS are too expensive and aftermarket's don't have a good track record for eliminating the code. Look into 02 simulators. They're not my favorite fix but they're the most practical option.

 

[Indytyler]

Yep, I should have posted it originally..

Code p0420

 

[Millerad1651]

Mine has been running a Magnaflow cat for over 4 years now without any problems. I'm not sure what problems they have syncing with the computer, but mine never had that problem.

I'd leave it be for now, if the code keeps popping up, just replace it with the $100 Magnaflow.

 

[Indytyler]

It will go about 4-5 days after code is cleared before it kicks back on...they cleared it again today so we will see...

No way I was spending 3k, but I have read a few people using the magnaflow...

 

[mphudak]

I'm running Napa Cat's on mine. Nearly 4 years later, no issues. I would find a good local muffler shop and talk to them about options. My shop recommended the Napa's cat's over anything else. He has seen issues with the generic/universals not lasting and when he installs them its when someone insists because they plan to sell the car.

 

[AZ4Running]

Aftermarket converters work just fine. I have installed more than i can count including many on toyotas and have never had an issue. Get Magnaflow converters because you do get what you pay for. Also $3500 seems really over priced even for the dealer. Been a machanic for over 5 years so i have some experience with this. I will be looking into replacing my cat soon since it is OE and has 258k on it and has to be at least a little restricted by now, i will be using Magnaflow fwiw.

 

[Indytyler]

Az- I agree it was crazy pricing! Thanks for the info!

 

[Red October]

Usually when catalytic converters go bad it is because they have either seen a long life of normal wear, or because there is another problem and they are a "victim." Cats basically burn off extra combustibles in your exhaust, those "extras" have to be caused by something. To much "extras" and the cats start to melt down and stop doing their job. Thats why sometimes people will replace the cats and then have them fail a short time later (Note, aftermarket cats do melt down sooner than OEM for several reasons, OEM have metallic cores vs ceramic and therefore withstand higher temps, and OEM have usually 2-3 times as much core material as aftermarket so they last longer), and then say that aftermarket cats don't work, when really they never fixed the problem that caused the cats to fail ion the first place.

I say find out why the cats are going bad before you just throw money at fixing something that may not be the root problem.

 

[AZ4Running]

This is true. Typically too much unburnt fuel will cause the early death of a cat. burning oil and coolant can as well. From experience most of the time the cat just wears out or falls apart. Typically if the vehicle is running well and has no issues you just have a bad cat and can just replace it, but not always. I have replace plenty of cats from driveability issues like leaking injectors, worn ignition components, intake leaks or coolan buring from blown head gaskets. Good luck hope we have helped some.