P0420 Code

[pilotvp]

I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L that has a P0420 code. What after market catalytic converter would be compatible with OEM substrate, while keeping the P0420 code from returning?? :unsure:

Topic

[dan]

i guess i could not tell you but most parts stores might be able to tell you, Napa or something, even ask the dealer, what brand of parts do Toyota use? this is a good place too start i think!

[Kevin Criswell]

[quote=”pilotvp” post=77721]I have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L that has a P0420 code. What after market catalytic converter would be compatible with OEM substrate, while keeping the P0420 code from returning?? :unsure:[/quote]

I hate saying it, but I have found only the OEM converter will keep the computer happy. Universals and aftermarket bolt ups just don’t work well enough to keep that blasted P0420 code from reappearing. Remember Toyotas conform to all 50 states which includes having to pass CARB standards. So your replacement converter has to pass California’s emission standards to keep the code from returning. Most Universal converters are 49 state legal and are not good enough to keep the computer from flagging a P0420

The ECM would set a 420 code normally (Federal 19 state) when the cat got below some where around 75% efficiency.

Well with the CARB standards it will flag a 420 code when the cat gets somewhere around 95% efficiency.

This is where the problem with aftermarket cats come in.

Just about all non-OEM aftermarket cats are designed to meet federal emissions, because of this they are around 90% efficient at best when brand new. Since all Toyotas flag a 420 at 95% any aftermarket has already failed in the computers mind.

[Its me]

I have seen mixed success with aftermarket cats… Some throw the code almost immediately after installation, others work fine… Some people install a “test port”/threaded spacer between the O2 sensor and the O2 sensor hole in the exhaust… makes the code go away, but I believe is not legal (and people can get caught in states where emissions are inspected)…

OEM Cats are truly the way to go, but when you find out how much they cost, an aftermarket looks much more appealing…

-Karl

[Kevin Criswell]

Actually the 50 state legal cat is pretty cheap

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1364611,parttype,5808

the last one on the list is a 50 state cat and it is 287.79

Pricey, but nothing what I used to see, 50 state cats used to cost in the thousands.

[pilotvp]

I’ll be dropping the Cat this weekend to inspect the inside for integrity. If I can clean it first, then maybe gain a little more time from her. :whistle:

[EricTheCarGuy]

I haven’t had a lot of success with aftermarket cats unfortunately. Therefore I really can’t make a recommendation that would be worth anything to you I’m afraid. If you do go with aftermarket, let us know what you used and if it worked out for you. The information will help our database a great deal.

[pilotvp]

I dropped the Catalytic Converter, only being able to view the rear end of the converter. It looked intact. I sprayed brake cleaner going from rear to front, washed/ rinsed it very well with a carbon remover solution, then heat dried the assembly. Going to run her for the week and see how this turns out. 😉

[pilotvp]

I wanted to update this discussion on my catalytic converter, in that, my unorthodox procedure has kept the P0420 code away. The idle is much better, and the overall performance from the engine has improved. I hope this helps anyone with this expensive problem banana: .

[Kevin Criswell]

Glad that worked.

[Author]

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