Around here you can pop into an Autozone and they will pull the OBDII CEL codes for you FREE. Other major auto parts stores may also do that.

 

This is where I'm ordering from. I haven't had a chance yet today. http://www.obddiagnostics.com/

It's the same one Gadget sells on Underdog Racing.

You hook it up to a Laptop and use the free software.

Erich

 

The emissions standards are the same, but it is illegal to modify the environmental compliance systems on the vehicle. If it came with 2 cats, it has to have 2 cats. If they don't do a visual inspection though, they will probably never know

 

I've had one of those for about 3 years now. It's a superb value.

I also have one of these which is awesome to carry with in the truck. I use it with a Palm M505 that I bought way cheap on eBay.

 

Or as was stated above, take it to the dealer and have them replace the cats under warranty. * years or 80,000 miles is the warranty term.

 

I have 93,000 miles, and I belive Fink is well over 80,000 as well.

Erich

 

Alright...

This has become an ordeal.

First off, I was sent the wrong set of instructions with the 02 simulator. Thankfully the wire that had to be completely cut was the correct one and the one that I just had to tap into was not.

I have not gone back and fixed it yet but I will do that tomorrow and then I will be able to accurately tell you guys if this fixes the problem or not.

Just thought I would post up with an update. I'll let ya know when I get it finished.

Fink

 

I have had the same problem w/ our 99 4runner. The code was for the front catalytic converter. Last week, I had the muffler shop take out both cats and I had a Magna Flow put in. So far, no CEL. I have the URD O2 simulator, but I haven't installed it yet. I am waiting to see if the CEL comes on first. Time will tell....
4x4fink, is your CEl still coming on, even after replacing the converter??

 

Cracker - How many O2 sensors do you have now? The one exhaust shop I talked to in town refuses to do any work with non stock set ups, so I'm still trying to figure out what to do. Luckily, after buying that OBDII tester, my CL hasn't come back on I haven't even used the tester yet! I must have scared it straight

Fink - I'm looking forward to seeing how the simulator works.

Side note: I don't understand why that front cat is so darn expensive? I've found the rear cat for the Cali emissions for $2xx but I can't find the front one anywhere but at Dealerships ($7xx - $9xx)

Erich

 

I had sensory in front and a sensor behind the stock catalytic converts. I told the shop to make sure the rear sensor was not more than 12" behind the new cat.

 

OK well...this is not making me very happy.

First off...the version of the instructions were sent with my simulator so I tapped into a wire that did not even need to be messed with, luckily I only had to tap into it and not splice into it.

Second, Gadget sent me the new instructions and I went back in today and cut off the sim wire from the bad connection and re-taped it. Got it hooked up correctly this time and about 35 or so miles into driving the Runner, my CEL goes off again

This time the code is:

P0136 - O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

What's the deal here??? I had no idea it was going to be this big of a deal or I would have dealt with the code I was getting the first time.

I sent Gadget an email asking him what could have caused this and what I should do next and I am waiting to hear back from him.

Anybody have any ideas on what could be going on here? I mean, the install was easy once I got the right instructions. Cut wire, strip insulation, twist together, solder, tape/heatshrink. The only thing that could be wrong is I got the wrong ends going to the wrong connections but I triple checked myself when I was connecting them and I just don't see that as a cause.

*rant off*

Fink

 

Damn Fink, I'd be frustrated too. Surely Gadget will help you through this as soon as he gets a chance.

 

Yeah, I was hoping to hear back from him today but I guess it was too late when I sent the email. I'd really like to hear back from him tomorrow morning as I have my first class of the sem. tomorrow and then after 1:30 the Runner will be at the dealership getting a bunch of stuff done to finish it off.

Thanks for the reply man, I'll keep this updated as I get more info on it!

Fink

 

I understand what you were trying to do, but I don't think you are tackling the P0420 code the way I would. The simulator is just a bandaid even if you were able to get it to work. You may need to get an OBD II tool like the laptop or PDA based types so you can actually see the output of each O2 sensor. You can also clear the OBD codes yourself by pulling the negative battery terminal for a minute or two.

 

Well I mean...the reason the code was going off was because the ECU was used to the specs of a CA emissions vehicle and then I freaked it out by taking off a cat so it was obviously a lot worse. Before this whole thing I was under the impression that the only way to fix this conversion between dual cats and a single cat was to either get a new ECU from a non-CA emission spec Runner or go with the simulator. So I chose the latter...I'm hoping this wasn't a bad choice.

Fink

 

New ECU might come with its own set of headaches. I forgot to reread the whole thread again so I redited my post. You really need to see what those outputs look like in order to solve it or just ignore the CEL altogether.

 

What would the outputs tell me? I don't have any knowledge of that stuff or the tools, think thats a test my buddies up at the dealership could run?

So are you basically saying that there was no point in doing the simulator?

Fink

 

There should be a voltage spec for the O2 sensors on a cal spec 4runner and you would need to check these against the acutal output of the sensors. You also need to check with Gadget that the simulator was made for a cal spec 4runner since the sensor's acceptable range may be different (I don't know the answer to that offhand).

 

Alright, I will write him an additional email about the CA emissions and then wait for his responses tomorrow.

Thanks for the help Jamie.

Fink

 

"You probably smoked the thing with the improper connections.

Try resetting your ECU and see if it comes on again.

Just to clarify, you do still have the rear O2 sensor installed in the stock location and in contact with the exhaust gas?

Gadget."

Sounds like he thinks when I used the initial instructions I toasted the simulator. I assume when he says reset the ECU that would be unplugging the battery just like I would to clear codes. If so then I've already done that.

I'm hoping its something as simple as just getting a new simulator but I have a feeling it's not.

I was hoping for a more descript response but I guess not.

I'll see if he writes back again tomorrow.

Fink