P0430

[uncledon]

nice thread. my first post so don't hate, been reading this site for awhile just now decided to join.
I to have the P0430 light and the trac off light come on intermittently..on my wifes 2012 4runner. this thread seems to be older 4runners though, none my year. does this change anything on location of sensor? or possible problems? im a car guy, do most work myself...and for family and friends. so changing out exhaust or sensors isn't a big deal for me, I just looking to see which sensor to start with on this one. our 4runner has 126k miles on it. this is the first issue that has came up. great vehicles.

 

[rodsrunner]

I also replaced the driver side after cat sensor two and half months ago, light came back on the other day, I cleared the code P0430 and will see how long it takes for the CEL light to come back on.

 

[yinhole]

Failed smog

Hi all:

Newb here in CA. I have a 04 with 199,500 miles. CEL, VSAC, TRAC lights are all on. Failed CA emissions test recently with P0420 and P0430 codes. Shop I went to is suggesting replacing all cats, which is crazy expensive.

Anyhow, gonna try the gas cap, o2 sensors, and exhaust leaks mentioned in this thread to try and salvage the car. Motor is still really strong.

Will post my experiences. Thanks to everyone who provided info above.

 

[Sarsema]

Have same issue P0420 on bank 1 soon i will order O2 sensor DENSO and install it on passenger side cuz is on bank 1.Will let you know if it’s fixed.

 

[yinhole]

Hi all:

Newb here in CA. I have a 04 with 199,500 miles. CEL, VSAC, TRAC lights are all on. Failed CA emissions test recently with P0420 and P0430 codes. Shop I went to is suggesting replacing all cats, which is crazy expensive.

Anyhow, gonna try the gas cap, o2 sensors, and exhaust leaks mentioned in this thread to try and salvage the car. Motor is still really strong.

Will post my experiences. Thanks to everyone who provided info above.

UPDATE: Paid $110 for new Denso o2 sensors and passed CA emissions. The Runner lives to see another day. Replacement did not, however, fix the VSC/TRAC lights, but as mentioned in another thread, I got the sensors mixed up because I didn't know that the V6 and V8 have different placement for the o2 sensors.

 

[nm_alien]

I just purchased an '05 V6 SR5 with 195K miles. When I test drove it, the thing ran great and didn't have the CEL on. I plugged in my OBD2 scanner and discovered that one of the readiness monitors (the one for Oxygen sensors) was not fully set but there were no active codes in memory. The PO stated that he had just replaced the battery so I assumed he just hadn't driven it enough drive cycles to set that readiness monitor.

I took it out on the freeway yesterday for about 15 minutes and then some stop and go driving for another 15 minutes. No CEL yet but I am getting code P0430 [Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)]. So now I'm angry. I'm angry at the PO for possibly hiding the fact that it was having this issue previously and I'm angry with myself for not being more diligent with my test drive, scanning and questioning. The county I live in requires an emissions test to get it registered. If there is a code, it won't pass and then I have to go through a lengthy process of getting an estimate showing the repairs will cost more than $300 in order to get a 1-year waiver/extension from the Vehicle Pollution Management Division in order to be able to put a license plate on it. And of course, I still need to fix it.

The next step is to decide if I want to throw parts at it or if I should take it to my local shop to hook up there ScanTool and attempt to diagnose if it's a catalytic converter or a sensor issue. I was looking at a diagram of the complete exhaust system. I see 4 cats. Does the O2 sensor go between the cat below the manifold and the lower cat? Seems like there should be a final O2 sensor(s) after the second set of cats?

 

[nm_alien]

Talking to a couple local friends on the IH8MUD forum they have offered to run their Techstream software to help me diagnose the problem. The trouble is that I live about 30 miles away from them and I'd have to drive through town with no plates on the vehicle. NM does not offer temporary tags for private vehicle sales.

Now I'm wondering why I don't have my own personal copy of Techstream. I own 3 Toyota products ranging in production dates of 1999 - 2008. I have several friends and relatives all with similar vintage Toyotas. It could be a really handy tool for customizing settings and diagnosing problems.

Any advice on procuring the Techstream software and the miniVCI cable? Are there multiple places to get it from? Are there versions that are specific to different years of vehicles or do all OBD2 vehicles function with Techstream?

 

[Rommel]

Hi everybody, also having the same problem with P0430, mine is the V6 SR5 with 218,000. Catalytic order is sadly restricted thanks to the loony politicians in California. Has anybody tried that O2 spacer yet? I'm up for smog test before November 14 expires.

 

[nm_alien]

Hi everybody, also having the same problem with P0430, mine is the V6 SR5 with 218,000. Catalytic order is sadly restricted thanks to the loony politicians in California. Has anybody tried that O2 spacer yet? I'm up for smog test before November 14 expires.

Mine stopped throwing the code after I replaced the spark plugs (which were the original set at 195K miles) air filter and gas cap. I get a green light with all readiness monitors set and no codes.

 

[Rommel]

Mine stopped throwing the code after I replaced the spark plugs (which were the original set at 195K miles) air filter and gas cap. I get a green light with all readiness monitors set and no codes.

Yeah, mine just did the same thing, I changed all four of the O2 sensor, replaced all 6 spark plug, changed one ignition coil which was not toyota OEM, air filter, gas cap, and mine is green light with all the readiness monitors and no code as well. Buying a Catalytic converter in California is very painful for crossovers, SUV, and Trucks thanks to the loony politicians here.

 

[crztoy]

Sharing my experience in hopes to help someone else save some time. Failing Smog test...

P0430 - Catalyst Monitor Bank 2
Check Engine (CEL) and VSC-TRAC/VSC-OFF (slippery road indicator) light ON
2004 4Runner 6cyl 4x4 - has 4 sensors.
Engine side sensor (upstream) monitors "dirty air", muffler side sensor (downstream) monitors "clean air".
if the CEL is lit, it also DISABLES the VSC/TRAC systems

NOTE: After each session, I'd reset codes and drive ~50-60 miles and No-help = P0430 came back
1. Changed gas cap. For VSC-TRAC/VSC-OFF. No-help.
2. Replaced Alternator. Failed test. No-help.
3. Replaced Battery. Failed test. No-help.
4. Cleaned Battery terminals. Low voltage affects ECU. No-help.
5. Replaced Air Filter. Power increased. No-help.
6. Replaced PCV valve. No-help.
7. Replaced Spark Plugs. No-help.
8. Cleaned MAF sensor. Used CRC MAF sensor cleaner. No-help.
9. Checked for air leaks in exhaust system. Duct-taped shop-vac blower to cold tailpipe. Should easily hear and feel air pushing out.
10. Replaced Bank 2 O2 sensor downstream of driver's side CAT (DENSO 234-4805 $100). No-help.
11. Replaced Bank 1 O2 sensor downstream of Passenger's side CAT (DENSO 234-4804 $100). No-help.
12. Replaced Bank 2 Air Fuel sensor upstream of driver's side CAT. (DENSO 234-9047 $165). No-help.
13. Replaced Bank 1 Air Fuel sensor upstream of Passenger's side CAT. (DENSO 234-9047 $165) No-help.
14. Replaced Cyl 2 Coil. [Fixed P0302 Cyl2 Misfire code].
15. Replaced Catalytic Converter (Dealer prices). [Fixed P0430 - Catalyst Monitor Bank 2 code]. Passed Smog TEST.
-Bank 2 California Catalytic Converter with studs (17150-31011 $642.38)
-Manifold gasket (17173-31010 $25.68)
-Downstream exhaust gasket (90080-43036 $18.99)
-Nut Lock (90080-17187 $15.98)
-Take front tire off. Soak all nuts with Liquid-Wrench.
-Remove:
Six Manifold nuts 12mm
Two Downstream 14mm nuts + one Downstream 14mm nut for bracket
Two Downstream 10mm Torx studs (removal needed for CAT to come out)
Disconnect Bank 2 Air Fuel sensor plug
Wiggle CAT through the bottom
-Installation: reverse removal

VSC-TRAC/VSC-OFF (slippery road indicator) light ON when put on Drive...another day...

 

[Terminator03]

Sharing my experience in hopes to help someone else save some time. Failing Smog test...

P0430 - Catalyst Monitor Bank 2
Check Engine (CEL) and VSC-TRAC/VSC-OFF (slippery road indicator) light ON
2004 4Runner 6cyl 4x4 - has 4 sensors.
Engine side sensor (upstream) monitors "dirty air", muffler side sensor (downstream) monitors "clean air".
if the CEL is lit, it also DISABLES the VSC/TRAC systems

NOTE: After each session, I'd reset codes and drive ~50-60 miles and No-help = P0430 came back
1. Changed gas cap. For VSC-TRAC/VSC-OFF. No-help.
2. Replaced Alternator. Failed test. No-help.
3. Replaced Battery. Failed test. No-help.
4. Cleaned Battery terminals. Low voltage affects ECU. No-help.
5. Replaced Air Filter. Power increased. No-help.
6. Replaced PCV valve. No-help.
7. Replaced Spark Plugs. No-help.
8. Cleaned MAF sensor. Used CRC MAF sensor cleaner. No-help.
9. Checked for air leaks in exhaust system. Duct-taped shop-vac blower to cold tailpipe. Should easily hear and feel air pushing out.
10. Replaced Bank 2 O2 sensor downstream of driver's side CAT (DENSO 234-4805 $100). No-help.
11. Replaced Bank 1 O2 sensor downstream of Passenger's side CAT (DENSO 234-4804 $100). No-help.
12. Replaced Bank 2 Air Fuel sensor upstream of driver's side CAT. (DENSO 234-9047 $165). No-help.
13. Replaced Bank 1 Air Fuel sensor upstream of Passenger's side CAT. (DENSO 234-9047 $165) No-help.
14. Replaced Cyl 2 Coil. [Fixed P0302 Cyl2 Misfire code].
15. Replaced Catalytic Converter (Dealer prices). [Fixed P0430 - Catalyst Monitor Bank 2 code]. Passed Smog TEST.
-Bank 2 California Catalytic Converter with studs (17150-31011 $642.38)
-Manifold gasket (17173-31010 $25.68)
-Downstream exhaust gasket (90080-43036 $18.99)
-Nut Lock (90080-17187 $15.98)
-Take front tire off. Soak all nuts with Liquid-Wrench.
-Remove:
Six Manifold nuts 12mm
Two Downstream 14mm nuts + one Downstream 14mm nut for bracket
Two Downstream 10mm Torx studs (removal needed for CAT to come out)
Disconnect Bank 2 Air Fuel sensor plug
Wiggle CAT through the bottom
-Installation: reverse removal

VSC-TRAC/VSC-OFF (slippery road indicator) light ON when put on Drive...another day...

Just so you know, once the CELs have been cleared, it’s very simple to reset the VSC/Trac lights. You basically have to short 2 terminals on the ODBII port following a procedure of shorting, turning the key on and off, etc. There are several threads on here about it. I’ve had to do mine, and I’m pissed that I waited almost a year before clearing it since it was so simple! The only thing I did different than most of the threads is that I made a tool to do the job rather than using a paper clip, or wires to do the procedure. I bought a ODBII pigtail off eBay for about $15, and wired a switch to the 2 terminals that needed to be shorted. I’m glad I made the tool because a month after I cleared it, I had a brake failure that caused the lights to come back on and I was able to quickly reset them again after the brake problem was corrected. Just as an FYI, there are also YouTube videos showing how to clear the lights. I watched them, but ended up just using .pdf someone posted in a thread from a Toyota service manual outlining the procedure.

 

[EDECEKO]

Ive tried replacing 02 sensors, gas cap, checking exhaust for leaks/loose nuts, etc.

Can't get the p0420/p0430 to clear.

Repair shop (not dealership) gave me a quote to replace the cats at $3500

FML

 

[4RunnerMexico]

Spark Plug anti fouler will get the codes to go away. Been running them between the cats and the O2 sensors for 20k miles no codes.
Theres she videos on youtube how to set them up.

I also live in a state that doesn't have vehicle inspections so...

 

[Terminator03]

Spark Plug anti fouler will get the codes to go away. Been running them between the cats and the O2 sensors for 20k miles no codes.
Theres she videos on youtube how to set them up.

I also live in a state that doesn't have vehicle inspections so...

Yep, I lived with the codes for almost a year before breaking down and trying the anti foulers. Worked like a charm, and just got my sticker last week. Now all of of the lights are gone, and all the trac and VSC stuff works as it should.

 

[EDECEKO]

Spark Plug anti fouler will get the codes to go away. Been running them between the cats and the O2 sensors for 20k miles no codes.
Theres she videos on youtube how to set them up.

I also live in a state that doesn't have vehicle inspections so...

Willing to give it a shot but can't find any at part stores websites that fit my 08 4.7 4runner.

 

[Terminator03]

Willing to give it a shot but can't find any at part stores websites that fit my 08 4.7 4runner.

You don’t buy them by vehicle model. There is a specific part number that you can get right at any Autozone, or Advance Auto in the Help section. I’ll see if I can find the thread with the part number and instructions. Basically you have to drill one out to 1/2”, and the other at 3/8” and screw them together, then screw the sensor into them.

Here is the thread that has the part number and instructions
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92619-10$-fix-failed-catalytic-converter.html

 

[hutchison]

You don’t buy them by vehicle model. There is a specific part number that you can get right at any Autozone, or Advance Auto in the Help section. I’ll see if I can find the thread with the part number and instructions. Basically you have to drill one out to 1/2”, and the other at 3/8” and screw them together, then screw the sensor into them.

Here is the thread that has the part number and instructions
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/problems-warranty-issues/92619-10$-fix-failed-catalytic-converter.html

worked for me. having just below a 'high efficiency cat' is no issue with no less than 4 cats! plus a back box. i will replace exhaust parts with parts with cats when they fall apart, until that time .....

 

[Zatch_]

Been wrestling with this code for a while now, when I clear it, it comes back after 350-400 miles. Considered replacing the downstream O2 sensor, but the anti-foulers seem like the reliable 'fix' for this code being thrown out intermittently so I'll give it a whirl.

 

[crztoy]

Thank you Terminator03, I'll give that a try to fix VCS TRAC/TRAC OFF light. I've done everything else..ha!

By the way, the Spark plug Fauler fix, although it sounds like a good one, will not work for California smog test. The test guy checked visually for it and also ensured that my new cat was legal for Cali.