2003 Toyota Tacoma Catalytic Converter problem?

Tiny
FOURLABSINVT
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 181,000 MILES
My truck has been having a problem with the catalytic converter causing the check engine light to go on. I cant get it inspected with the light on. The cost of replacing the catalytic converter is over $1100 ! I need to wait until I get my tax refund to pay for this repair, BUT the truck needs to be inspected NOW ! I used a product called Cataclean in an effort to get the light off for the inspection. The light went off BUT now there is 'chugging' sound. Could this noise, that sounds like a diesel truck only not as loud, have been caused by the catalytic converter cleaner? The muffler is less than 2 months old.
Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 6:39 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
OK so what is the code? If you don't have the code then if you would call around to your local parts stores and see if one does a free scan and get it scanned, write code down and have them clear it. Get back to me with the code. Now I need to know which 4 cyl 2.4 or 2.7 engine. Also where does the noise sound like it is coming from?
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Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
The convertor cleaner is most likely the cause of noise.

Most Toyota convertors are bolted on, if so, then remove convertor and look inside, if you see melted material or cracks/chunks of material then covertor will have to be changed and cause of problem fixed (rich/lean fuel ratio). Normal convertor looks like a honeycomb, some black soot is normal.

If convertor looks OK, then it may be a downstream O2 sensor that is bad.

If you cannot remove convertor, then have a backpressure test performed on convertor, it will tell you if convertor is clogged.

Convertors fail because of an incorrect air/fuel ratio or an impact event, such as running over road debris, convertor hitting a curb, rock etc.
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Friday, January 15th, 2010 AT 10:42 AM

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