I'm new to the forum, but not new to toyota..
I've got 140,000 on my 03 4runner v6..
The engine light came on, I took it in to the dealer, they said the catalyctic (I know I butchered that) converters are out of spec. They will be happy to replace them for $1,500..
No thanks, anyone else had this? I'm driving it as is, but the trac control is off etc.. Plus I won't pass the emission check when its time for my lic renewal.
I have to solve it sometime, but I'm not keen on the $1,500 fix.
Any suggestions??
I told the dealer this could be a new problem w/ 03 4runners w/ the v6.
I may have been one of the earlier owners to hit the 140,000 mi mark.
Other than this engine light I love the 03. This is my 6th toyota.
Thanks,

 

If it really is the cat, you can probably find aftermarket at a much better price. But, I would first take it to someplace that can pull the CEL code for you to verify the source. I,m not sure about your area, but several parts suppliers in my area, (Advance and Pep Boys) will conect an OBD II reader and pull the code for free.

 

Here are my thoughts on this:

As a mechanic I have worked on hundreds of thousands of cars. I have seen probably 2 or 3 cat failures. It is much more rare than people think but many times when a mechanic can't figure out what is wrong they run out of ideas and suggest the Cat. I don't know why this is but techs do it.

Chances are if you have a CEL on he ran the codes and got a O2 sensor out of range. If he is suggesting replacing the cat I would assume the code was for the downstream o2 sensor (post cat).

If it were me I would pull the codes myself and if what I stated above is correct and there are no codes for the upstream O2 sensor I would throw a oxygen sensor in it before replacing the cat.

my 2 cents.

 

I agree with MickDady. Catalytic converters don't often fail while it seems the O2 sensors on the 4th gens are not the most resilient. I've heard numerous cases of O2 sensors failing on the 4th gens (mine including) and throwing a check engine light. On mine, the CEL light came on, the VSC, VSC Off, and ATRAC lights all came on. This all happened after Toyota replaced the CATs and reprogrammed the ECU for the sulfur TSB. When I brought it in, they diagnosed it as a failed O2 sensor.

Take it to another dealer and get a second opinion. Taking it to a Pep Boys/Advanced Auto is also another good idea. They'll pull the codes for free hoping you buy the replacement parts from them.

 

I was told to disconnect the battery neg. and then re-connect it to clear the warning light. It worked..
I drove 300+ mi the last few days, and the light is still out.
If it comes back on I will go to auto-zone, they have the computer check device that will tell me what code is causing the engine light.
If it does turn out to be the 02 sensor, what should I expect that to cost me at a dealer?? Is it something I can buy aftermarket? Is it something I could try and replace myself?? I'm not a mechanic, but am o.k. w/ some repairs, and not affraid to try.
Thanks,
Jeff

 

I can't say for sure, but i don't think it would be that difficult to change. It appears like it just bolts in on my 3rd gen. I haven't tried to take any of them out, but thats just what it appears like at a glimpse.

I would stay away from the dealer at all costs. My local dealer quotes me at 3 times the cost i can find the same parts for online, now that is just ridiculous because it still doesn't include any work.