A Toyota master diagnostic technician shares tips on how to diagnose a bad catalytic converter P0420 and P0430 and addresses common misconceptions.
In this video I am continuing on my series on how Toyota engine control works. If you are just stopping by this video, catch up on the rest of the series here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeFzfl0Q8rQUYuiNvQ_jw7gXEHtWEOun4
In this video I will start with the beginning of catalytic converters, what their primary function is in simple terms.
Starting with diagnosis I didn’t want to make a conventional video that’s usually available on YouTube. I wanted to share information that is otherwise not very available mainly on the newer car tests and how the OBD2 system runs a secondary test to check the O2 sensors.
I shared a graph on this video of both sensor 1 and sensor 2 in this video which is a good reference for a good catalytic converter. You always want to see your 2nd sensor not following the pulses of the 1st sensor.
Common things that would lead to a false P0420 or P0430 are exhaust leaks between the exhaust manifold and the 2nd sensor on the exhaust. A common method to check the exhaust is to block the exhaust using a shop towel and that will immediately show you any small leaks on the exhaust that you otherwise can’t hear because of the loud noise of the engine running.
I also cover the unfortunate catalytic converter thefts and make some recommendations on how to prevent catalytic converter thefts in your car if you live in an area with an increased theft rate. I hope you never have to go through the hassle of having your catalytic converter stolen because it is really a headache to deal with insurance and police over this matter. No one is exempt from these shameful thefts. The most recent theft that I’ve seen that’s becoming famous is our fellow Professional mechanic and awesome YouTuber @EricTheCarGuy Check out this video if you’re interested to see how these shameful thieves do their horrible act:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2IKVryajcw
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0:00 Intro
0:37 What do Cats do?
2:08 Diagnosis
17:01 Catalytic Converter Thefts
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Hi,
I have a 2004 Highlander with 215k miles on it and it runs as it came from the factory. I am getting the code P0430. Even with the code the car runs perfectly fine and doesn't show any symptoms of a failing cat. The car is very sneaky as it only shows the code if I drive the car like 100 miles straight but otherwise it wouldn't trip the code. I looked at the live data for Bank 2 sensor 2 and it shows 0 volts occasionally when the car is cruising on the highway at 70 MPH so I decide to replace the sensor but now a couple of months later I got the code again. I used a more advanced scanner and it showed on it that it detected gas leakage on bank 2 sensor 1. Any suggestions? What should I look for when looking at the live data?
Thanks for these valuable informations!! I have 2007 Highlander V6 with 141k miles. I bought it 6 months ago and drove almost 7K. While starting in the morning and during idle i can smell sulphuric or rotten egg like smell from exhaust. I can’t actually check if it does that while running. I don’t know when the spark plug was changed by previous owner and i haven’t done anything except oil change twice. There are no any codes while checking with OBDII scanner. Is that smell sign of failing Cat?? Thanks!!
Would you use a junkyard cat
I just bought a 2006 Prius with 210k miles, the check engine light on and only one code, P0420. It seems obvious the catalytic converter is bad. The previous owner said it burned oil on the 75mph highway. I changed the oil right away and used Liquid Moly engine flush as according to the directions (run in oil for 10 minutes before changing oil). Now I'm not noticing any oil consumption. An I good to change the catalytic converter now or should I wait to see if there's still something that would foul a new catalytic converter again?
Ahmed thanks for explaining things. Awhile back the cat went out on a 2002 Camry I owned. I got the error code while on a road trip to Chicago. My friend was a mechanic and diagnosed it for me. The car still ran fine and I got it replaced when I came home from the trip. Wasn’t cheap fix though. But it was the only thing I ever had go in that car. My mechanic says that the 02’s were known for this. I had about 100,000 miles on the OD.
The roaring engine…it sounds like a civic racecar.
Nope it's just a Prius without a catalytic converter. We get them roughly once a month at our dealer.
Amazing. I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks AMD!
Thanks a lot. Very useful information.
Yoo quick question what r ur thoughts on the toyota chr 1.8l hybrid ? Keep up the good work !!
Wow perfect timing! We are looking into a hybrid Toyota 2018 RAV4 from an auction and the one we found has a missing catalytic converter which I had no clue what that was. Thanks for the info!!
Thank God I don't live in the main cat theft neighborhood. But I think my aunt does since they took hers off a 2002 Avalanche. Can't believe people do that.
With COVID-19, the case of stolen Catalytic converter exploding more than 3x in some places. I hope Toyota, especially the hybrid have catalytic converter shields installed from factory. Not just USA, the epidemic of Cat Theft also exploding in UK.
2004 and up vehicles burning that extra fuel just to test the cats is a joke in itself ! like burning fuel to keep a dpf filter clean !
Thank you!!!
I had both my cats cut off by a thief on a 19 Tacoma cost $3,800 to replace
Didn’t know that after 03-04 years the government mandated the computer testing exhaust
good evening to you sir amd.good video as usual. my dilemma is with my 2006 rx 330 3mzfe.when i drive it,since i use freeways to and from work, i dont get p0420.when my wife uses it, usually side street and wirh use of ac/heater that runs the compressor, it gets p0420. and with some pinging before the mil turns on.
when i look at data stream, the graphs for the sensors for both banks are identical but only p0420 is what i get.occasionally p0430 comes out but very rare.i changed the bank 1 af/o2 sensor for bank 1 since i saw that rhe front sensors were changed/different from the one in the back, maybe former owner thought it was too much work.
do u think it is the cats?i an thinking twice about replacing the cats since if i baby the car, i can pass emissions every 2 years no problem (in ca ).
what do u think will be the problem if i just live with this p0420? it is an old suv and $500 for cat, i am reluctant, although mileage is 148,000 mostly highway.thank you for the videos and for the answer.
Thanks AMD! I have a 2006 Sienna with 155,000 miles, and a P0430 code. I hope to smoke the exhaust system next week to see if I can find a leak. I want to find the reason for this code, rather than just replace the cat. Great video!
For a long time I wanted a Toyota mechanic to create their own YouTube channel hoping for that mechanic to give great advice on how to take care of your own Toyota and not only tell you but also demonstrate how to. I can say that you sir have done that. I'm so thankful and grateful that you decide it to take time out of your day and make videos for us.
NY and CA use expensive double cost cat converters. Cars sold there come with a "California Emissions" package and calibration. You must buy a very expensive replacement.
Hi thank you for amazing video! I have a question about the Engine Air Filter. I have 2014 toyota venza LE and 4 Cylinder. I just bought and used the STP Premium Engine Air Filter (from Autozone). I just realized that this air filter has the oil in the filter. Therefore, I took it off and replace with the other air filter (air filter without oil). I’m very worry about the oil in the air filter. Will the oil from the air filter damage my vehicle (engine, mass air flow sensor, intake, etc)? I just drove with the STP premium air filter about 25 miles. Thank you so much!
Great video, what do you think of catalytic converter cleaners?
Hi,, I would like to ask if you can help and teach me how to install hood deflector for 2021 Toyota Sienna should be great, please and. Thanks