Cat Converter needs replacing, is that common for the 6 cyl?

[rdrunr]

My wife's 2004 Solara convertible check engine light has been on for close to a yr and we have decided to finally try to get to the bottom of the problem. The code seems to suggest the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The car has 85k on it. Is this common with the 6 cyl? Any chance Toyota will cover it's replacement?

Any info will surely be appreciated!

[bbq bob]

my cat went at 113,00

[kingkakyle]

wat code?
i have a p0420 code which says its a cat problem
but i took it to the dealer and they said it might be an 02 sensor problem

so to make it short
if its the cat its free replacement because of the 8 year 100k? emmisions warrenty
if its an o2 and not the cat, they will charge u for the diagnostic (110$ in my case)

im at around 48k, came on around 47k but i have a 4cyl

[99BlackSandv6]

Hey man, not flame or anything, but WHY would you wait a year to get a CEL checked? You could have made the costs for repairs way more by waiting. Plus if there is a problem with the emissions stuff or the fuel delivery, you can end up losing gas mileage and engine life. Please don't ignore a CEL.
But anyway, I had two of my O2 sensors fail at about 95k Mi. so that could be the problem, and if it is a bad cat, that can lead to O2 sensor failure too. Either way I'm glad you are finally getting it fixed.

[NightRider]

Think it's bs that most of these type of problems happen over 100K when a lot of people's car's warranty's end at 100K

[akora12]

I would clear the code and see how long it takes for the CEL to return, if at all. I'm not sure about the gen 2's, but the gen 1's can run a tad rich from time to time causing the O2 sensor after the cat to give a faulty reading. I threw a P0420 code twice a couple of years back and it's never returned since.

[TadS]

I just run O2 sims and no cats on my cars . Problems fixxed.

[Midias]

For code p0420 do the anti fouler mod. 5 dollars less than 30 min install time and you are all set.

[NightRider]

whats the anti fouler mod?

[Midias]

whats the anti fouler mod?

Using the SEARCH function and SEARCHING for the term "anti fouler" this crazy tutorial comes up in the list of SEARCHED threads.

http://www.solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php? ... nti+fouler

Might help?

[kevingtb1]

Hello just new here, hope to stay long. Thanks

[kevingtb1]

By the way I need help. I was confused if the magnaflow catalytic converter is pretty good?and also where to buy? I do searched and I tried it here for some queries Magnaflow Catalytic Converter. Anyone tried it here.? Any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks.

[NRDriver]

I just run O2 sims and no cats on my cars . Problems fixxed.

if you throw an o2 sim on it and it has a clogged cat it will hurt your engine

[FLUXEMAG]

Unfortunately, the emmissions warranty on the catalytic converter is 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first.

I have the P0420 code as well, and am searching around for a cheaper cat, because I have 84k on my 05 solara. And it could still be the O2 sensors, but not likely since that is the only code I have.

It took a long time for the code to reappear after it was reset, probably because I never drive the required speed/distance to have the test trigger. First time my wife drove it the code came back. But you fail emmissions anyways even if the light is off after being reset, because the test would say Not Ready. So you can't just reset it and go take the test.

[FLUXEMAG]

Haha! I borrowed my friend's OBDII reader after the downstream O2 sensor replacement didn't fix the P0420 code. I was going to replace the upstream O2 sensor, but it was a bastard to reach because of a heatshield covering it and the exhaust manifold. So I reset the code, and it said "not ready" until the code came back. I would not have passed emissions. My registration was due, so I had to figure this out. After resetting it several times over a week, and checking the code every time I stopped the car after driving a while, I finally got a passing signal from the OBDII. I went straight down to the emissions test and passed. Got a two year registration renewal. A day later I got P0420 again...but I will trade the car in before I need to fix it. The car runs fine, I'm sure it's a marginal emissions issue with the bank1 catalytic converter. The one O2 sensor cost me $68 on Amazon, and they accepted the other one as a return. Also I didn't have to buy the cat for $300 OE fit, $650 dealership. I probably would have done the OE fit, but I just couldn't get my hand in there to remove all of the bolts.