My 2002 Camry I4 2.4L has had the infamous P0420 code on and off for some time. I purchased a wireless ODB II reader with Dash Command for the iPhone and iPad to check the fuel trim and AF/O2 sensor readings. I reset the code and managed to get away with it. At 160K right now, the P0420 would appear after just 30 miles. :headbang: I therefore decided to replace the AF sensor first. The Long Term Fuel Trim (-3%) and Short Term Fuel Trim (-7% to +10% bouncing like it should) are both good readings.
1. Cut the cable connecting the negative battery. Important! remove it from the path.
2. Cut the connection leading to the AF/O2 sensor. Simply exert extreme pressure on the back of the harness to remove the O2 connector.
3. Take out the alternator and the serpentine belt. It must first be removed because an exhaust manifold nut is just next to it. To produce slack in the belt, push down with a pipe and a 19mm socket in a clockwise direction. Then, slide off the water pump pulley. Two bolts are used to mount the alternator. the image below.
4. Jack up the vehicle and remove the nuts holding the exhaust manifold outlet flange. They are really small, but I have a powerful impact weapon.
5. There are five mounting bolts on the lower side of the exhaust/cat, three on the passenger side and two on the driving side. Loosen and take them away. Use my 18 inch breaker bar with a suitable extension since they are also quite little.
6. Next, take off the top heat shield. Remove a black dog bone mounting bracket that is blocking the way as well. The mounting bracket is only secured with two 14mm bolts.
7. Take off the AF/O2 sensor upstream. Use an O2 sensor socket, as I am doing here. Denso, it’s only been around a month.
8. Attach the engine with 5 nuts and a long extension now.
9. Gently remove the cat from the automobile now. Various engine views with the exhaust manifold removed My valves, as you can see, have some white residue on them, but other than that, they appear OK. Carefully clean the outlet side gasket and the gasket area. New hardware and gaskets are included with the new cat.
10. Take off the OEM heat shields and put the new cat with them. Eastern Catalytic Direct Fit ECO III Convertor is the new cat, however the fit is not great. I had to wiggle a little to get the heat shields installed.
11. Attack the new cat’s mounting brackets roughly and heave it back into the automobile. The mounting holes on the engine and transmission don’t really fit the direct fit at all. I can only use two of the three bolts on the engine side and one of the three on the trans side while tightening the trans side bolts. That must be how inexpensively aftermarket cats are produced.
12. Attach the remaining components. While it was out, I disassembled the alternator and examined the brush and bearing. After 160k, they are still fine. They will return exactly as they were.
13. Start your car and look for leaks. The new cat box has a sticker with clear instructions on how to properly acclimate the new cat. These are the procedures. Start the engine to bring it up to operating temperature. Step on the gas and maintain RPM at 2500 for two minutes. Let it cool before checking for leaks once more. The cat had a strong burnt scent, and there was some smoke as well. Don’t be too worried by the smoke; they were oil residues on the metal.
14. Turn the check engine light back on and do a test drive.
Overall, it took three hours; the cleanup and inspection for exhaust leaks may have added an hour. After only 15 kilometers, my cat monitor was ready, and the O2 readings are now normal, so I’m thrilled. I only wish the fit was more precise. 😆
In This Article...
How much does a 2003 Toyota Camry catalytic converter replacement cost?
Estimated cost to replace the catalytic converter in a Toyota Camry. Catalytic converter replacement for a Toyota Camry typically costs between $1,664 and $1,699. Between $117 and $147 is the expected cost of labor, while between $1,547 and $1,552 is the projected cost of parts.
Can a catalytic converter be changed by the owner?
Maybe you’ve observed that your car isn’t running smoothly anymore. Your fuel efficiency seems to be less than typical. Even a bad stench coming from the exhaust could be detected. It is obvious because the check engine light is also on. It’s time to start planning the replacement of your catalytic converter right now. Cost is important because, depending on the make, the part alone can cost anywhere from under $100 to $2,000 or more.
You stay near the lower end of the range if your vehicle is an older model or a diesel. The north end can be reached by a more recent vehicle, such as a Toyota SUV. Fortunately, because less time is required, the labor cost is lower.
DIY or Get It Repaired?
The part itself accounts for the majority of the expense of replacing your catalytic converter. It is one of those things that could make the job unworkable. That may influence your decision to forego it and look at new car or used truck prices instead.
Usually, getting there doesn’t take much effort. The component is right there in plain view because it is situated between the exhaust manifold and the muffler. Usually, the repair takes less than an hour. Depending on how it’s attached to the vehicle, you can either do it or you can’t.
Many automakers will weld components into place. The catalytic converter replacement process will probably take longer if yours is OEM. To make the repair, the old one will need to be removed using a Sawzall. Where the rubber hits the road is there. If you have the necessary equipment and knowledge, you can complete the task and save yourself about $100 on labor.
A catalytic converter may be bolted into place on some cars. It now falls under the DIY category. The likelihood of the hardware being rusty increases the difficulty of the repair. Using penetrating oil, the job can be completed quickly. However, if a bolt breaks or you are unable to remove them, you are left at a loss and must return to the store.
Do You Have to Replace It?
You must understand what a catalytic converter is and how it functions in order to respond to this question.
The catalytic converter is cleverly designed. It’s not a big component. The efficiency of the system is increased by the inside walls’ honeycomb design, which expands the surface area that comes into touch with the hazardous emissions. They are extremely costly because they include valuable metals like platinum or unique oxidation catalysts.
This element is crucial to the exhaust system of your car. The combustion of fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel is a major contributor to the release of noxious gases and greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 30% of the cost is related to transportation. The catalytic converter in your car uses the heated interior to change them into harmless compounds. The term comes from how quickly the reaction occurs at high temperatures.
In order to lessen air pollution, automakers began installing catalytic converters in automobiles in 1975. That alone is a strong argument for paying to have it corrected. But there are also some more pragmatic justifications for doing it.
Failure to do so puts your entire exhaust system in danger and could result in an insurance claim. Even though it happens infrequently, the soot and broken bits inside the device could start a fire. Your car must pass an emission test in some places. You won’t be able to lawfully drive your automobile until you have it replaced if it doesn’t.
Some may claim that a catalytic converter impairs the performance of their vehicle. Given that it adds a new link to the chain, the concept makes logical. The effect, though, is negligible. It probably won’t make much of a difference unless you drive a performance car. The alternative is to forego the OEM component and go for an aftermarket option.
Ironically, there are unintentional environmental effects associated with the manufacturing process. While catalytic converters reduce vehicle emissions, mining for the raw materials is a substantial source of pollution that has an impact on the environment and the local population.
Why Catalytic Converters Fail
The good news is that many automakers build this component to last the entire life of the car. The unfortunate fact is that nature and time can sometimes intervene. Frequently, an issue elsewhere in the engine is to blame. The device may overheat and start to degrade due to problems like coolant leaks or used spark plugs. When you start it, a strange noise is a surefire clue that it’s happening.
Additionally, if you just use your automobile for city driving, soot can accumulate inside the catalytic converter and hasten the same demise. The performance of the engine is hence one indication. To get the emissions through the exhaust system, it has to work harder. Potholes and other hazards can occasionally cause physical harm.
Thankfully, your check engine light will alert you as soon as something is wrong. However, it isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong with your catalytic converter. It can be something harmless like a loose fuel cap. Pull over right away and look for roadside help if it is flashing.
The Repair Process
A catalytic converter is simple to replace. One piece of specialist equipment, which costs under $20, is necessary for the process. What you’ll need is as follows:
- substitute catalytic converter
- Set of ratchets and sockets
- sensor socket for oxygen
- oil that penetrates
- Jack postures
Purchase the proper component for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. Instead of buying rebuilt, buy new. Place all four wheels of your car on the jack stands to begin. Before you start working on it, let the air circulate to cool off the components.
Track down the catalytic converter. The oxygen sensor and its connections must then be removed using the unique socket. Then, working from the back and moving forward, remove the bolts at the flanges using a ratchet. Do not pressure them. Spray penetrating oil on them as an alternative, and then give it some time to work. Give it one more go.
Then, all that remains is to replace the worn-out component with the new one. The oxygen sensor and its fittings should be changed. You’re ready to go once the catalytic converter is firmly installed.
As you can see, the fix is simple. The only things that make it more difficult and lengthen the catalytic converter replacement process are rusty bolts or a welded component. The task is easily manageable by a do-it-yourself mechanic.
When you’re finished, turn on your car to make sure the check engine light is off. It may indicate a damaged catalytic converter, but it may also indicate an issue with the oxygen sensor. Use a diagnostic scan tool to see if further repair is necessary. You might find it useful.
The catalytic converter in your car is crucial for minimizing the poisonous emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Fortunately, there is a quick repair that won’t take much time. To catch any issues early before they worsen, pay attention to any odd sounds or odors coming from your car.
How can a catalytic converter be fixed without having to buy a new one?
Power Sources and Fuel Additives Try driving your car for a few tanks of high-octane fuel, for instance, if you usually fill it up with the cheapest low-octane fuel. At your next fill-up, you might also try adding one gallon of lacquer thinner to ten gallons of gasoline to remove catalytic converter deposits.
Does it make sense to replace the catalytic converter?
Replace your catalytic converter as a last resort due to the expense involved. This is particularly true if your vehicle is really old, has a lot of miles on it, isn’t very reliable, and you reside in a state with strict smog regulations.
Before shelling out cash for a new catalytic converter, there are a few things you should try if yours isn’t actually broken. To begin with, have a mechanic rule out any further potential reasons of your symptoms by looking for items like:
- emissions leaks
- faulty oxygen sensor
- wiring issues
- Computer error codes unrelated to catalytic converters
- Is routine maintenance essential for proper engine operation?
Try the Italian tune-up first, followed by the catalytic converter cleaner, once all non-catalytic converter problems have been resolved. You will need to make a choice if these don’t work and you need to spend the money on a new catalytic converter. Here are some queries to consider:
- How much would a new catalytic converter cost, including installation?
- How much does your automobile cost?
- How many kilometers are there?
- Are there any other recurring problems with your car that could require a costly repair soon?
- Will the tires or brakes need to be replaced soon?
- Is it time to sell your car and take your losses?
Do I need a catalytic converter to operate my car?
The catalytic converter works as a component of an automobile’s exhaust system to lessen air pollution. Driving without a catalytic converter won’t in any way harm your engine or your vehicle.
Why is replacing a catalytic converter so expensive?
If you’ve ever had to replace a catalytic converter or are currently in that situation, you’ve undoubtedly previously wondered why it costs so much to do so. Why should this minor element eat up a sizable portion of your savings when it’s not like the complete engine or anything? Actually, there’s a solid reason you’ll have to spend so much money fixing it. This is why.
Expenses of replacing a catalytic converter
First of all, replacing a catalytic converter can easily cost more than $1,000. Why is this, then? The catalytic converter’s construction material comes first. The converter uses particular pricey metals that not only keep the exhaust clean but also extend the life of the component.
Second, the labor cost can be higher when servicing the catalytic converter on newer vehicles because it can be labor-intensive and challenging to access. On the other hand, if you have an earlier model, it can be rather simple to do it yourself.
In other words, replacing the catalytic converter is pricey mostly because it is made of precious metals and can be a bit tricky to change on some models. But since your car won’t run without it, it’s preferable to just get it changed if you need to.