2001 Toyota Camry Catalytic Converter check engine light co

Tiny
YANKEESTONK
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
The check engine light came on about 2 weeks ago. We took it to the mechanic who pulled the "bad code" for a catalytic converter. We scheduled it for this week. He reset the check engine light and it's been two weeks and it hasn't come back on. Could it have been a fluke? Should I wait and see if it comes back on? The car runs fine and isn't due for inspection for a year and a half. Thanks
Sunday, September 12th, 2010 AT 9:26 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi yankeestonk, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation this is what keeps the site going.

Should I wait and see if it comes back on? Wait for it to pop up again-BTW was the code a P0420 could be just an oxygen sensor glitch-
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 2:54 AM
Tiny
YANKEESTONK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi, thanks for the response. I believe it was the 0420 code. The mechanic (whom I trust) said it was "the bad one". He said that he always tries changing the Oxygen senseors first, as 1/2 the time they're the culprit. If the code comes back then they have to do the converter. However it's been 2 weeks and the light is off without doing anything. Can you get that code and it be a fluke?
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Yes sir-sometimes a code will just pop up with no apparent reason to make you worry that's something is wrong but there's none, then you erase it and won't comeback-could be just an intermittent from the HO2 sensors. There's one way to find out if there's a problem with catalytic converter is get a 5 gas analysis check.
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
YANKEESTONK
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi, where would I take the car for a gas analysis check?

Also, am I risking any further damage by NOT fixing it since the light is not coming back on? I'd like to wait, as it's a $400 job or so, the car seems to run fine and isn't due for inspection for 1 1/2 years. Thanks much.
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Go to an emission testing center/place/gas station that does it and have them do an I/M inspection to rule out the Cat-I know its expensive some can range to about 2K and the thieves makes good money on them-
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 11:18 AM

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