P0420- Catalytic Converter Problem

[drza]

Hi,

Has anyone had P0420 error code which is to do with emissions come up? I have a Corolla 1.6 vvti 2003 model with 70000 miles on the clock and the engine warning light came on recently. I ran a check and then went to my local dealership. They said I would need to change the catalytic converter and also the engine cpu at a cost of £1800 altogether. They said it was not a threat to my engine and the worst that could happen is my fuel consumption would go up. Anyone have a similar problem? Is there a less costly solution? Any help would be greatly appreciated as £1800 seems quite steep to me to pay for a car I bought brand new only 5 years ago.

[drza]

Hello again.

I have read on another forum that catalytic converters are covered for 7 years by toyota under warranty. Is this true? Would appreciate any help.

Thanks

[Twincam.GTi]

P0420 – Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1)

**As a side note there are many ‘Trouble code definition libraries’ across the web:

http://www.eobd2.eu/DTCL.asp

So the Toyota dealer said your cat has failed! – did they check properly/how long did they take?

And this CPU needs replacing ??? – ‘CPU’ confused am I ! :o :o :o

Finally £1800 cost – how the hell did they come up with that figure!

You state initially that you ‘ran a check’. I presume you have your own code reader?

For example:

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GDEOBD.html

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GCR10.html

etc, etc.

…Or did Toyota Dealer tell you it was this?

Did Toyota clear code afterwards? – has light come back on?

Usually a lambda/oxygen sensor will fail /throw up a code long before a Cat will fail.

Did Toyota dealer check that?

As always with ‘fault codes’ they are only telling you ‘what it thinks’ is the area, they are NOT an instant ‘miracle cure’ for accurately telling you what is wrong – a lot of people both DIY’ers and TRADE would be well advised to remember this!

Finally I had this fault code appear early last year on a Japanese car – reason code appeared (WE THINK !?) was fact exhaust had been changed – even disturbing something on a car can sometimes generate a code. Code P0420 appeared and we thought the worst, then remembered exhaust had been replaced the day before, whether it was connected we will never know –we cleared code as no actual problem found and we couldn’t believe cat had simply failed (car not old or high mileage). Since then car has been through two M.O.T’s, no increase in fuel consumption and code not reappeared

-coincidence …I don’t know but it does seem likely in my case

So I have to ask …

…Have you had any exhaust replacement/work (yep, I know that was a long shot suggestion)?

7 years guarantee for a Catalytic converter from Toyota – this I know nothing about.

[Twincam.GTi]

I know it's an American site but this may give you a little more idea as well

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0420