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2000 Camry LE Check Engine Light - code p0420


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Tcamry2000
New User

Apr 10, 2010, 4:09 PM

Post #1 of 5 (4944 views)
2000 Camry LE Check Engine Light - code p0420 Sign In

10 days back I got my 2000 Camry serviced for 90K miles. Its 91203 miles as of today. Among other things Timing Belt & Water pump were also replaced. "Exhaust Assembly" had worn down and so that was replaced (not Toyota, but with aftermarket).(That alone was about $400).
Today the Check Engine Light came on. No issues in driving though... Car is running smooth as earlier. After doing some search on the web, I went to Autozone and got the same checked. They gave me a print out with a code "P0420".

Questions -
a) Isn't "Cat Converter" part of the "Exhaust Assembly" ?
b) Do you feel this problem could have been caused as an after effect of "Exhaust Assembly" job ? (one of the causes on the print out says "Air Leak in Exhaust before rear HO2S bank 1) Its been just 10 days... they told me everything else looks fine, no issues.
c) Continuing to drive the car would cause any serious problem or drop in mileage ?
d) When they do a "Engine Analysis" (that alone could cost me $100) would they get more indepth results then what the Autozone guy got ? or they would just do a check on all the probable causes to find the right one ?

Just spent ~$1500 on the car 10 days back... would appreciate your views.. they might help me make a decision on what I need to do here.

Thanks in advance.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 10, 2010, 4:25 PM

Post #2 of 5 (4940 views)
Re: 2000 Camry LE Check Engine Light - code p0420 Sign In

Hmmm. Aftermarket converter pipes and O2 sensors have had a history of troubles. You didn't mention replacement of O2 sensors as if you need to part with more money right now.

In that this is showing exhaust issues and that was just done why aren't you bringing this up with who did that work? Was the original converter pipe rusted or inoperative? They are expensive as the metals used are nasty expensive to make them.

I'd bring this up with the place that did the work. Might be just a connection of pipe isn't just right - hard to say,

T



Tcamry2000
New User

Apr 10, 2010, 8:40 PM

Post #3 of 5 (4934 views)
Re: 2000 Camry LE Check Engine Light - code p0420 Sign In

Thans for the response Tom.
The original exhaust assembly was damaged (rusted & had a hole) and they suggested that I change it. I looked at the original after the job was completed. It was really in a bad shape. I was never advised about anything around O2 Sensors.
I will be talking to the place that did the work but wanted to ensure that I have enough understanding before going back and saying that this has something to do with what they just fixed.
Read on a couple forums/responses that people have continued to use their cars without replacing O2 sensors. In your opinion is that advisable ?
If I continue to drive (car is running just fine as of now, I can't feel any difference) as it is, what, if any, other problems could be caused ?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 11, 2010, 3:50 AM

Post #4 of 5 (4931 views)
Re: 2000 Camry LE Check Engine Light - code p0420 Sign In

Ouch - Just checked Autozone's site for the sensors. Several possible depending on California emissions or exact OE fit.

Here's one of two if a four cylinder.........

Bosch / Oxygen Sensor Part Number:
13733 Price: $144.99
Application:
With California emission
Up-stream sensor (located before catalytic converter)
Warranty:
1 YR Notes: O.E. type Exact fit. Wideband ******************* This is the "upsteam" one - there's one "downstream" as well. That means before and after converter. This one is capable of making decisions on adjustments of fuel delivery and more to get it just right for maximum performance, efficiency, least emissions etc. The second is checking that all really worked including the converter and reports back but doesn't change adjustments to my knowledge. In that it's running well you probably aren't hurting anything for now but should bring this up with the place/person who installed the pipe that included the converter. The sensors were probably swapped over from the old one. In just removing them they could have been damaged. Essentially just a spark plug of a thing with a sniffer end. One problem is you can't use red hot heat (works well for rusted exhaust parts) to remove them and expect them to survive. Shop should be able to read and reset codes and with you pick a plan of attack now. If the light stays out and no leaks then roll with it for now. If not the next code should be more telling with this history. It's possible that non OE pipe has to go also for an original one and shop should help you to warranty that out and pay even more for the Toyota one. All this damn stuff is nasty expensive and trying non OE stuff can be the costly way in the long run. I know - I near lost my coffee when I saw the prices and those are not full retail!
It's not just this car or model. This stuff is expensive, T



Tcamry2000
New User

Apr 11, 2010, 6:34 AM

Post #5 of 5 (4925 views)
Re: 2000 Camry LE Check Engine Light - code p0420 Sign In

Thanks again. I will speak to them and see how it goes. From the details that you have given, looks like I am looking at another few hundreds going out of my poicket.Frown






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