2002 Toyota Camry My oil smells like gas!

JULIE5719

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
16,000 MILES

I have a 2002 Camry with 160,000 miles. The check engine light has been coming on and going off since about 80,000 miles. The dealership would turn off the light and check and could never find anything wrong. Now the light stays on all the time and my oil smells like gas. I have had the fuel injectors serviced, but this did not appear to help. The smell is not as bad but it still smells like gas. The car smokes (white smoke) when I crank it in the morning and in the afternoon leaving work. The dealership says that it is the catalytic converter. Is this a possibility? I'm not sure how much money I want to sink into a car with this mileage, but I would like some suggestions as to what may cause this. Please help! Thanks!

3 Replies

STEVEW84

MECHANIC
673 POSTS

First, what are the codes for(need number and description). Second, when the last time you changed the oil and had a tune-up done? Third, has anything been done the car recently?

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Friday, August 7th, 2009 AT 7:00 AM

JULIE5719

MEMBER
2 POSTS

First, thanks for the reply! I looked on the dealership invoice and the code they have listed is P0420. I usually have the oil changed every 2 or 3 months (depending on mileage). The last tune up was at approx. 120,000 miles. I plan to change the spark plugs and have the transmission serviced at the next oil change or when the cat. Converter is replaced (if that is the problem). I pretty much do what is recommended. Could the PCV vlave also contribute to the check engine light? Is that something that should also be checked? No one has said anything about the PCV valve. Also, do other things contribute to the cat. Converter issues? Any input would be greatly appreciated!