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Check Engine = Catalytic Converter...

Howdy.

This is just a head's up. I have a 2002, 4cyl, AT, made in Japan. 40k, full synthetic, and regular maintenance. Absolutely no problems with her, but I've had that *@*&$# "check engine" light on quite a few times. I had the MAF and O2 sensors replaced (the O2 twice!). And last trip I took the damn light came on again.

I know it's just check engine (take it to the dealer asap), but that damn light is very disconcerting when you are on a trip, out of town, on lonely roads, etc. It just sits there are makes you wonder every time you look at the dash....

Anyway, I had a dealer out of state a few years ago tell me the code was catalytic converter. But then the light went out on its own. It came on again last trip (and went off again right after I got back). I took it into the dealer, exasperated, and the code (I guess it stays in memory?) was catalytic converter. Luckily, the service writer found a TSB on it...so the $500+ job was no charge even though she's now out of warranty. Phew!

So check those TSBs if you are getting check engine lights. I did a cursory look on various sites and didn't find the one for catalytic converter.

Great car! Now if the damn sensors that are supposed to tell you if it's a great car would stop coming on....

Reply to
Big Kahuna
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Why did you replace these? Didn't you have someone read the code?

ALWAYS check the code when the ECU throws one! My '95 Tercel kept throwing a P401, and I threw some O2 sensors at it, but I got them at cost.

Turned out it was a clogged vacuum line! I fixed it in 10 minutes and $0.

Reply to
Hachiroku

Yeah, Toyota seems to be having problems with these Denso heated sensors since 1997 (found TSBs all the way back). That led me to conclude that Denso sensors are junk and damage converters. It obviously cost Toyota quite a bit. Good thing you got all those sensors and the catalytic converter for free!

I use Bosch oxygen planar type sensors when available. Best in class. Personally I'd stay away from the kindergarten stuff from Denso.

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Reply to
johngdole

i have the same model, but haven't had the ck. eng. light come on but i do get nasty eggs smells from yime to time. can you post the link for the TSB's.

mike

Reply to
JerseyMike

The Egg smell is usually am indication of high-sulfur gasoline. Try changing brands for a minute.

Reply to
Hachiroku

It's really an emissions problem but too bad they are stone walling you. Initially, if you only have the rotten egg smell in all post 2002 Camrys, Toyota won't do anything. See TSB EGG 003-03, I mean EG003-03.

However, later (at least for trucks) Toyota suddenly realized the old catalytic converter was at fault and a NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER was made avaible so whatever gas you use won't cause the rotten egg smell. See TSB EG004-06.

So if the dealer won't replace the catalytic converter for free then call Toyota's 800 line. That's why people say Toyota quality is going down the rotten pipe.

Reply to
johngdole

Except when all the other makes of cars using the same gas station don't seem to have the problem.

Reply to
johngdole

I was running the same gas in my cars for years, and when I bought a Nissan 240SX, using the same gas, Fart City. My other car still ran just fine on it, but I had to change brands for the Nissan.

Reply to
Hachiroku

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