Bratik

My brother have a check engine light on his 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 2.4L 5sp.
After taking it to Advance Auto part he got print out with the following:
PO420

Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank one)

Any one has an idea?

Thanks.

lee

code is 420?

well, theres only one fix for that...





sorry i had to...

MTL_4runner

HAHAHAHAHAHA....Lee you crack me up.

While Lee's fix might make you care less about the problem, it won't do anything to remedy the situation. First I would have Toyota verify that they will not fix it under waranty since it is an emissions item and usually carries a higher mileage guaranty than the rest of the vehicle. Next I would look into getting a replacement high flow converter which should be in the $100 range.

arielb1

Hey Bratik,

When I first saw your thread, I thought to myself... HEY, I just dealt with that on my Honda Accord. CEL P0420. This is a OBD2 code. To make a long story short...I finally convinced Honda of Hollywood to replace my catalytic converter for free.

Below is a thread I type on Honda-tech.com

Write up - Dealer replaced catalytic converter 98 Accord OBD2 P0420...finally for free. « » 2:03 PM 11/29/2004 Reply Edit

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OBD2 P0420
What an ordeal just to resolve this problem!!! Watch out for those Honda Dealers...they want your money.

I will make the story short as possible. My check engine light CEL came on intermittenly. I got an OBD reader from Autozone for rent. You will have to put a deposit down, but rental if free. I got an P0420 from the OBD2. You will not pass smog in California with this code even if the CEL is off. The code stays in computer memory. If you need to pass smog, like I did, clear the code in memory using OBD2, insert two bottles of Chevron gas additive, and drive 110 miles. The 110 miles will log data into the computer so it will hopefully pass smog. Cross your fingers you will pass smog.

Honda Accords have a problem with catalytic converters going out. My Accord is a 98 with 73k miles. I first took my Accord to the dealer with the code, but they said a different code came up and for me to ignore it. They still charged me $85.00.
This was in July, meanwhile I was still getting the CEL.

Several forums people have been posting that they get this code, but have not been able to resolve it. The day before bringing my Accord to the dealer, I performed a task. I removed the primary and secondary O2 sensors, wiped it clean, and reinstalled it. Don't use solvents to clean the sensors

When I got to the dealer, I showed them my OBD2 reader with the code P0420. The manager said it was the O2 sensors, but I told him I had replaced it with another one from my other car that (lying here) was from my other car. Same goes with the evaporative canister. Then, he attacked my gas cap. I told him it was 6 months old. The manager then said the cat converter was not under waranty. I reminded him that the cat has an extended waranty by Honda for 8 years or 80,000 miles and for him to check. He actually wanted me to pay for the cat. He did not have to check with Honda manufacturer. I guess after trying to get me to pay for stuff I did not need, he okay'd to replace my cat converter. After doing tons of research, I am sure replacing my cat will resolve the problem. Honda will not do a recall for the cat converter. They will wait for you to bring it in with the CEL. If you are savy enough and be able to prove it, hopefully they will change it out based on the warantty and not try to con you to buying stuff. Don't give the dealer even one dime. Good Luck!

Bratik, it doesnt matter if it is a Toyota or Honda. A federal mandate is a federal mandate. I am sure this will apply to him as well. Below is the entire thread.

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1070027

Bratik

Thanks man, I'll pass this infor to my brother.