I Got A Light On The Dash :s

[Jones~32]

Hi,

Ive got the "Cat is overheating" light which keeps coming on and off, even when the cat isnt warm! (ie, 5 seconds after starting up from cold) strange thing is, I can trigger it on and off by easing the gearstick from right to left when in gear!

Anyone have any experience of this? I've heard this warning light is only on imports, so worst comes to worst, can I just ignore it or take the bulb out the dash?

Cheers

[GT4 BOOSTER]

my handbook states - this light will normally turn on for a few seconds when the ignition is first turned on.It will appear if the temperature of the catalytic converter rises to above normal.

WARNING

if the light appears when the engine is running,stop the vehicle in a safe area where there are no combustiable materials and turn off the engine.

Restart the vehicle after allowing it to cool for 10 minutes,if the light turns off it is safe to drive

If the light does not turn off,or it turns on again,have the vehicle checked by your nearest toyota dealer.

[Leeky]

Could be a blocked/dead cat...or could be a dead exhaust sensor. Either way get it to bits and check or get a garage to check it out

[Jones~32]

Thanks guys

Another question, if the cat is dead/blocked, wouldn't I notice a drop off in performance?

Cheers

[GT4 BOOSTER]

There are two ways a converter can fail, it can become clogged or it can be poisoned.

When catalytic converters fail they normally clog up with debris and block the flow of exhaust gas from getting out of the system. This will cause tremendous performance problems. In extreme cases it will prevent the vehicle from starting at all. Most of the time it just limits engine performance by choking the flow through the engine. So how do you check a catalytic converter without removing it from the car?? Sometimes an indication that a converter is clogged is that you don't go any faster when you push the gas pedal down. In addition there usually is a noticeable drop in fuel economy associated with a clogged catalytic converter. A totally clogged converter will cause the engine to die because of the increased backpressure.

There is no way for anyone to actually see a clog in a converter. Usually the only way to tell if a catalytic converter is clogged is to remove it and check the change in engine performance. When a mechanic suspects a clogged converter they may remove the O2 sensor from the exhaust pipe and see if there is a change in performance.

A catalytic converter relies on receiving the proper mix of exhaust gases at the proper temperature. Some engine oil additives or engine problems that cause the mixture or the temperature of the exhaust gases to change reduce the effectiveness and life of the catalytic converter. Leaded gasoline and the over-use of fuel additives can shorten the life of a catalytic converter considerably. Even some gasket sealers and cements can poison a converter.

A catalytic converter can also fail because of certain other factors. A number of problems could occur to the catalytic converter as the result of an engine that is out of tune. Any time an engine is operating outside proper specifications, unnecessary wear and damage may be caused to the catalytic converter as well as the engine itself. The damage is often the result of an incorrect air/fuel mixture, incorrect timing, or misfiring spark plugs. Any of these conditions could lead to a catalytic converter failure or worse.

[Jones~32]

Thanks for that

Just seems strange to me that moving the gearstick can make it go on or off! :!Removed!:

[daktari]

Thanks for that

Just seems strange to me that moving the gearstick can make it go on or off! :!Removed!:

Just a thought. Have a look around by the gear linkage under the bonnet. Make sure no wiring is in the vicinity of the linkage. While your at it check the wiring loom in that area anyway. Could be its trapped or has been trapped at some time.

[Jones~32]

Just a thought. Have a look around by the gear linkage under the bonnet. Make sure no wiring is in the vicinity of the linkage. While your at it check the wiring loom in that area anyway. Could be its trapped or has been trapped at some time.

Will do, cheers