P0420 Code, Had 2 Consults, Need advice!

KnightFiyah · 2016-05-25T21:30:09+00:00

Hey guys, This is my first post here and I wish it was about how much of a 4Runner fanboy I am but it's me stuck in a tricky situation . I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and it threw a P0420 Code not too long ago. I did a lot of reading about this mysterious code and a lot of people have had success with replacing the A/F or Front O2 Sensor. I thought this was my issue as well since I've noticed a massive drop in my MPG lately; I thought it was just a bad sensor causing the car to run really fuel-rich. Anyways I take it in to a place that specialized in Japanese cars and the guy seemed convinced it was the Cat. I offered up the possibility that it was one of the O2 sensors but he said it was a very slim chance. I wanted a second opinion so I went down to my local Toyota Dealership of Lake City (I'm from Seattle, WA) and went in telling them I just needed the O2 sensor replaced. A couple hours later the service rep comes out telling me they didn't replace the O2 sensor and that the code they pulled was telling them it was for the Cat. I asked if the technician had checked to see if either of the O2 sensors needed replacement and he said yes and also seemed convinced that it was one of the Cats. (I'm taking what he said with a grain of salt because I wasn't talking to a technician, just some guy that files paperwork and talks to customers) Basically where the urgency in all this comes into play is that I leave this Saturday morning on a trip to Canada. I have an appointment tomorrow at the same dealership to determine which one of the cats it is so that they can try to get the part in on Friday to replace it. Both the massive decrease in mpg as well as the check engine light being illuminated has me on edge for leaving for a 3+ hour drive to Canada both ways but I've had these plans for a while so I'd really love to take my car there. You guys are my last hope. I'm desperate for any kind of help or feedback you guys can provide for me in this short amount of time I have before I have to leave the country. Thanks, Harrison