Hi all,

Been a long time since roaming this forum, did a search but couldn't find much on this specific issue. But I have a question. I'm not the most car savvy individual and wanted some input. I have a Diagnostics Trouble Code P0420 on my 2000 4Runner- this refers to - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). I called a dealership to get the scope of cost, labor is about 160$, I was told this could run up to 1,400$ in parts because of the parts needed. The parts weren't specified until they pull the cat and check it all out. But I questioned the cost again, they said some parts are made of platinum. This stunned me as either their were being sarcastic or there were actually platinum parts. What is your thoughts, are there platinum parts associated with the cat, manifold and exhaust system?

Second question, if i have this replaced, dealer or elsewhere, should I keep all the old metal and scrap it myself?

Thanks in advance,

 

I think the catalytic converter has platinum in them. I guess you could keep it if you get it replaced. After all it is your cat. But there may be some law against somebody without the proper licensing or something.

 

The platinum is in the catalytic converter but you can find aftermarket cats for cheaper. If you can diagnose it yourself replacing the Cat, 02 Sensor, or A/F sensor is not that hard. Here is a link to the troubleshooting page for that code:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/...e/cip0420o.pdf

 

Thanks guys

 

I think every car manufacturer must warranty the emission controls up to 80K miles. not sure if you qualify.

 

He is most likely not covered under any warranty, it is usually time based also like for 80k or 8 years whatever comes first. The cat converter does have platinum in it which is why tweaker's go and steal them off of our yota's. As it was mentioned earlier, aftermarket cats are usually cheaper and you can get them installed at an exhaust shop. If you wait to long, all that material that is coming apart in your cat will clog the exhaust and cause issues with power, acceleration, and stalling. I don't know what the laws are in your state, but here in Oregon, anyone can scrap cat converters and get money, also check with the shop to see if they will charge you a core charge for the old cat.

 

Yeah I don't qualify under my warranty. I have 115k. I know I wont pass emissions right now here in Northern VA. Additionally I anticipate having a new cat on in the next month.

 

Does anyone have experience with after market cats verses oem. Would getting a used cat from a low-mileage junkyard rig be a safe compromise??