In search of local Colorado advice and help

[asabs6]

Hey guys,

First official thread post here so don't hate too hard if I'm resurrecting some questions that have already been covered. I've spent countless hours browsing and posting replies in other threads related to my issue but haven't had any responses yet and I'm getting desperate as my time is quickly approaching for me to get my fixes taken care of.

Backstory:
I purchased my first 4runner in early December from a guy in Chicago-land area. It's an '04 SR5 4WD, picked it up with 133K original miles, and now has 136K after getting it back to Colorado and taking some mountain trips over the holidays. So far the only mod I've been able to afford and have time for is putting new Hankook Dynapro AT-m's on it which have been great.

So far it has been AWESOME. I don't know how I got by before without 4WD and I don't think I'll ever own anything other than a 4Runner unless Toyota comes out with something better in the future (unlikely). Here's my dilemma:
Since day 3 the CEL and VSC lights have been on and have not gone off. I had my old mechanic back in Chicago read the codes before driving back to CO and PO430 was the result. I was told to run some fuel injector cleaner with premium and that opening it up on my trip back to CO might do the trick. Nothing. I've tried Seafoam (reluctanctly) and nothing. AutoZone read it again when I got out here and same thing, eluding there's an issue with the CAT/ O2 system. I took it over to Complete Auto Care in Lakewood for some investigation and they charged $125 to tell me it needed a new CAT (big surprise) and recommended I replace both CATs and all 4 sensors. Before I drop $2K on it I'm determined to find another solution that will buy me some time so I can pass the emissions test and get the CO registration completed.

I've spent a lot of time researching solutions and here's a few of the solutions I'm looking to try:
Spark Plug non-fouler O2 sensor trick (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92619-10$-fix-failed-catalytic-converter.html)

Replacing O2 sensors without replacing the CAT

Resetting the system with a Toyota specific code reader

Worst case I would like to purchase a CAT online and having a local shop do the install but I haven't found a shop willing to only do the work without purchasing the parts from them (see link for example https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G3A4NBW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2P985UG1YLI2I)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to meeting some other CO T4R owners and learning more about this amazing machine and all the modifications possible. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[HOJeepster]

Hey guys,

First official thread post here so don't hate too hard if I'm resurrecting some questions that have already been covered. I've spent countless hours browsing and posting replies in other threads related to my issue but haven't had any responses yet and I'm getting desperate as my time is quickly approaching for me to get my fixes taken care of.

Backstory:
I purchased my first 4runner in early December from a guy in Chicago-land area. It's an '04 SR5 4WD, picked it up with 133K original miles, and now has 136K after getting it back to Colorado and taking some mountain trips over the holidays. So far the only mod I've been able to afford and have time for is putting new Hankook Dynapro AT-m's on it which have been great.

So far it has been AWESOME. I don't know how I got by before without 4WD and I don't think I'll ever own anything other than a 4Runner unless Toyota comes out with something better in the future (unlikely). Here's my dilemma:
Since day 3 the CEL and VSC lights have been on and have not gone off. I had my old mechanic back in Chicago read the codes before driving back to CO and PO430 was the result. I was told to run some fuel injector cleaner with premium and that opening it up on my trip back to CO might do the trick. Nothing. I've tried Seafoam (reluctanctly) and nothing. AutoZone read it again when I got out here and same thing, eluding there's an issue with the CAT/ O2 system. I took it over to Complete Auto Care in Lakewood for some investigation and they charged $125 to tell me it needed a new CAT (big surprise) and recommended I replace both CATs and all 4 sensors. Before I drop $2K on it I'm determined to find another solution that will buy me some time so I can pass the emissions test and get the CO registration completed.

I've spent a lot of time researching solutions and here's a few of the solutions I'm looking to try:
Spark Plug non-fouler O2 sensor trick (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92619-10$-fix-failed-catalytic-converter.html)

Replacing O2 sensors without replacing the CAT

Resetting the system with a Toyota specific code reader

Worst case I would like to purchase a CAT online and having a local shop do the install but I haven't found a shop willing to only do the work without purchasing the parts from them (see link for example https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G3A4NBW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2P985UG1YLI2I)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to meeting some other CO T4R owners and learning more about this amazing machine and all the modifications possible. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Adam

Might sound crazy, but sometimese if your gas cap isn't on completely it will throw these codes I believe. If you don't have a Scan Guage II to clear the codes, I think a stealership will for you.

 

[Ahawl03]

Hey guys,



First official thread post here so don't hate too hard if I'm resurrecting some questions that have already been covered. I've spent countless hours browsing and posting replies in other threads related to my issue but haven't had any responses yet and I'm getting desperate as my time is quickly approaching for me to get my fixes taken care of.



Backstory:

I purchased my first 4runner in early December from a guy in Chicago-land area. It's an '04 SR5 4WD, picked it up with 133K original miles, and now has 136K after getting it back to Colorado and taking some mountain trips over the holidays. So far the only mod I've been able to afford and have time for is putting new Hankook Dynapro AT-m's on it which have been great.



So far it has been AWESOME. I don't know how I got by before without 4WD and I don't think I'll ever own anything other than a 4Runner unless Toyota comes out with something better in the future (unlikely). Here's my dilemma:

Since day 3 the CEL and VSC lights have been on and have not gone off. I had my old mechanic back in Chicago read the codes before driving back to CO and PO430 was the result. I was told to run some fuel injector cleaner with premium and that opening it up on my trip back to CO might do the trick. Nothing. I've tried Seafoam (reluctanctly) and nothing. AutoZone read it again when I got out here and same thing, eluding there's an issue with the CAT/ O2 system. I took it over to Complete Auto Care in Lakewood for some investigation and they charged $125 to tell me it needed a new CAT (big surprise) and recommended I replace both CATs and all 4 sensors. Before I drop $2K on it I'm determined to find another solution that will buy me some time so I can pass the emissions test and get the CO registration completed.



I've spent a lot of time researching solutions and here's a few of the solutions I'm looking to try:

Spark Plug non-fouler O2 sensor trick (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92619-10$-fix-failed-catalytic-converter.html)



Replacing O2 sensors without replacing the CAT



Resetting the system with a Toyota specific code reader



Worst case I would like to purchase a CAT online and having a local shop do the install but I haven't found a shop willing to only do the work without purchasing the parts from them (see link for example https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G3A4NBW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2P985UG1YLI2I)



Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to meeting some other CO T4R owners and learning more about this amazing machine and all the modifications possible. Thanks in advance.



Cheers,

Adam

If you are close to the boulder area, I highly recommend Charley's garage. He only works on toyota's. he has never over charged me, and I've brought parts to just hired him for labor before and he's totally fine with that.

Best of luck!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[asabs6]

If you are close to the boulder area, I highly recommend Charley's garage. He only works on toyota's. he has never over charged me, and I've brought parts to just hired him for labor before and he's totally fine with that.

Best of luck!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome thanks for that advice. I suspected the gas cap but AutoZone told me it was a waste of money. For $15 it's worth a try, right! I'll do that first and post what happens. Boulder isn't a bad drive so I will also look into Charley's.

 

[asabs6]

BTW Ahawl03 I'm digging what you've done to your rig this past year, looks awesome. Might be coming to you when it comes time for some lift and body mods advice as well!

 

[CXS]

I'll guess you have a bad 02 sensor or bad sensor wire. That's where I'd start and move to the cat next. I had a bad cat years ago and had it cut out and a new one welded in its place. IIRC it costs $300 - $400 from a very reputable shop in Denver.

Where in Denver are you? There are a few good shops in the area.

 

[asabs6]

I'll guess you have a bad 02 sensor or bad sensor wire. That's where I'd start and move to the cat next. I had a bad cat years ago and had it cut out and a new one welded in its place. IIRC it costs $300 - $400 from a very reputable shop in Denver.

Where in Denver are you? There are a few good shops in the area.

I'm in Lakewood but I work from home so I can be flexible with driving a bit further to get to a good shop. Thanks for advice on checking the O2 sensors and connection wires first.

 

[CXS]

I'm in Lakewood but I work from home so I can be flexible with driving a bit further to get to a good shop. Thanks for advice on checking the O2 sensors and connection wires first.

I use Ken's Auto Service - expert auto repair - Aurora, CO 80012 in Aurora. They are good and honest shop. They do most of my maintenence including t-belt which they did recently.

AA Performance Muffler - Englewood, Colorado - Family-owned and operated installing custom performance muffler, exhaust systems and brakes in the Denver area and beyond. is the best exhaust shop around. They'll cut and weld a cat if you have a bad one and save you close to $1,000 over the dealership.

 

[Anteupp]

save yourself the headache and $$$ just install the non foulers on the downstream 02 sensors, clear the code, let the computer do its thing until its in "ready status" get your emissions test and call it good!

 

[zonianbrat]

I live in Wellington which is pretty much becoming North Ft. Collins so since I am still in Larimer county I have to do emissions also. I just went through what you are about to go through. I had the 0420 code and sometimes the 0430. I have a Bluetooth code reader and the torque app on my phone so I can read and reset some codes. I suspected a bad cat or o2 sensor. I read online that a shade-tree mechanic way of telling if a cat is bad is by looking at the inlet temp and the outlet temp to the cat and if it colder on the outlet that it is not doing it's job. I have a temp gun and tested all of them with this theory and the cat just below the drivers seat had an inlet of like 500 but an outlet of 260 or so. I suspect this is the bad one. I also read on this forum I believe that the code will be triggered if the cat is performing at below 95% efficiency. I ran 91 octane fuel and a small can of octane booster and ran the truck down the highway on the way to get my emissions test. In the parking lot I reset the cel. I passed emissions well within state limits. So basically I suggest going and resetting the codes and getting an emission test before you dump a lot of money into a cat converter because your CEL is on when you might be well within state emission limits. 25 dollars versus 2K..... worst they tell you is you failed and have to get it fixed. Good luck

 

[asabs6]

I live in Wellington which is pretty much becoming North Ft. Collins so since I am still in Larimer county I have to do emissions also. I just went through what you are about to go through. I had the 0420 code and sometimes the 0430. I have a Bluetooth code reader and the torque app on my phone so I can read and reset some codes. I suspected a bad cat or o2 sensor. I read online that a shade-tree mechanic way of telling if a cat is bad is by looking at the inlet temp and the outlet temp to the cat and if it colder on the outlet that it is not doing it's job. I have a temp gun and tested all of them with this theory and the cat just below the drivers seat had an inlet of like 500 but an outlet of 260 or so. I suspect this is the bad one. I also read on this forum I believe that the code will be triggered if the cat is performing at below 95% efficiency. I ran 91 octane fuel and a small can of octane booster and ran the truck down the highway on the way to get my emissions test. In the parking lot I reset the cel. I passed emissions well within state limits. So basically I suggest going and resetting the codes and getting an emission test before you dump a lot of money into a cat converter because your CEL is on when you might be well within state emission limits. 25 dollars versus 2K..... worst they tell you is you failed and have to get it fixed. Good luck

Thanks for this tip, like you said it's worth a shot. Would the standard code-reader from AutoZone (or eq.) do the trick, aka no need for Toyota dealership specific reader?

save yourself the headache and $$$ just install the non foulers on the downstream 02 sensors, clear the code, let the computer do its thing until its in "ready status" get your emissions test and call it good!

Anteupp, do you have any experience with doing this? I've read up on a couple experiences and sounds like it's pretty reliable. If it ends up being a bad CAT would this prevent me from knowing and cause potential damage to the system from running on an inefficient CAT? Again, worth a shot before dumping money into it right away.

I use Ken's Auto Service - expert auto repair - Aurora, CO 80012 in Aurora. They are good and honest shop. They do most of my maintenence including t-belt which they did recently.

AA Performance Muffler - Englewood, Colorado - Family-owned and operated installing custom performance muffler, exhaust systems and brakes in the Denver area and beyond. is the best exhaust shop around. They'll cut and weld a cat if you have a bad one and save you close to $1,000 over the dealership.

CXS thanks for the referrals, I'm going to try a couple of the cheaper options first but if it comes down to the CAT replacement I'll definitely call over to AA Performance. Hopefully there aren't any other major repairs in the near future but if so Ken's sounds like a solid place. BTW I read through your write-ups on your 4Runner and Cruisers, nice work with all of your rigs!

 

[asabs6]

THIS FORUM ROCKS! I've never had such immediate and quality replies on any other forums I've been on in the past, thank you guys for your loyalty to the community!

 

[Anteupp]

Thanks for this tip, like you said it's worth a shot. Would the standard code-reader from AutoZone (or eq.) do the trick, aka no need for Toyota dealership specific reader?



Anteupp, do you have any experience with doing this? I've read up on a couple experiences and sounds like it's pretty reliable. If it ends up being a bad CAT would this prevent me from knowing and cause potential damage to the system from running on an inefficient CAT? Again, worth a shot before dumping money into it right away.

hey asabs6, yeah I've done this on my 2001 honda civic my 2005 tacoma and a friends 2005 explorer, all with positive results. No more CEL and no adverse effects (bad gas milage,other CEL codes ect). Good Luck hope it works for you. don't forget to buy yourself an offset 02 sensor socket from harbor freight or rent it from auto zone for a 30 dollar deposit. That paired with a flex head long handled 3/8"'s ratchet and you'll be on your way to passing that emissions test in no time.

3/8" Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench

 

[zonianbrat]

Thanks for this tip, like you said it's worth a shot. Would the standard code-reader from AutoZone (or eq.) do the trick, aka no need for Toyota dealership specific reader?



Anteupp, do you have any experience with doing this? I've read up on a couple experiences and sounds like it's pretty reliable. If it ends up being a bad CAT would this prevent me from knowing and cause potential damage to the system from running on an inefficient CAT? Again, worth a shot before dumping money into it right away.



CXS thanks for the referrals, I'm going to try a couple of the cheaper options first but if it comes down to the CAT replacement I'll definitely call over to AA Performance. Hopefully there aren't any other major repairs in the near future but if so Ken's sounds like a solid place. BTW I read through your write-ups on your 4Runner and Cruisers, nice work with all of your rigs!

No need for a Toyota type scanner. Any obdII scanner should work fine as long as it will clear codes and not just read them. I would test whatever one you buy to make sure that once you reset the code it does stay off for at least the time it takes to test emissions. I bought one online that stays plugged in so I can just bring up the app on my phone. It isn't anything fancy but It also will read real time data too. I use it when towing our pop up so I can monitor transmission temp.
Something similar to this although I do not know if you use android but you get the idea:

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Product...745311&sr=8-3&keywords=bluetooth+obd2+adapter