Cel P0420 Code, Catalytic Converter

[budmaca1]

1996 ES300, 131,000 miles.

For the past six months or so, my CEL comes on about once per month, stays on for about 2-3 days, then goes off.

Recently, CEL is coming on more frequently and staying on longer.

I took it to my mechanic today - Code is P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency. Tested O2 sensors - OK. "Catalytic Converter has no ability to store oxygen on rich side."

They want $2900 (!!) to replace the CC ($2500 part plus tax, 2 hrs labor). They refuse to install an OEM CC.

I see I can buy an OEM CC for 1/10 the price or less, but the mechanic advises they are very unreliable.

I did just pass my emission test last month, so won't need the next test for 23 more months.

I don't want to invest this much in a 12-year old vehicle with 131,000 miles. It otherwise runs great, so I would hate to get rid of it.

I could drive with the CEL on, but it could mask a future problem.

The mechanic warned over time of back pressure, which would require a heavier pedal to accelerate, and reduced gas mileage.

I'm not sure how to proceed, other than knowing I'm not investing $2900. Should I have another shop install an OEM CC, and if so, is there an OEM CC that is recommended? Do nothing? Start shopping for a replacement car?

[camlex]

i did replaced on my 97 with orailly's brand(Walker), total cost was $244 including welding and labor.

Hope that helps.

[busoptr]

1996 ES300, 131,000 miles.

For the past six months or so, my CEL comes on about once per month, stays on for about 2-3 days, then goes off.

Recently, CEL is coming on more frequently and staying on longer.

I took it to my mechanic today - Code is P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency. Tested O2 sensors - OK. "Catalytic Converter has no ability to store oxygen on rich side."

They want $2900 (!!) to replace the CC ($2500 part plus tax, 2 hrs labor). They refuse to install an OEM CC.

I see I can buy an OEM CC for 1/10 the price or less, but the mechanic advises they are very unreliable.

I did just pass my emission test last month, so won't need the next test for 23 more months.

I don't want to invest this much in a 12-year old vehicle with 131,000 miles. It otherwise runs great, so I would hate to get rid of it.

I could drive with the CEL on, but it could mask a future problem.

The mechanic warned over time of back pressure, which would require a heavier pedal to accelerate, and reduced gas mileage.

I'm not sure how to proceed, other than knowing I'm not investing $2900. Should I have another shop install an OEM CC, and if so, is there an OEM CC that is recommended? Do nothing? Start shopping for a replacement car?

Know what, these guys are overcharging you. Just take your car to a reliable muffler shop, and they'll take out your cats and put new ones in for like $ 200.00 period. Whoever pays $ 2900 for a catalytic converter, are they out of their minds? Even the cats on my mercedes ML430 cost only $ 400.00 each on each side and this is because it has 2 cats on each side. Cmon, they want to rip you off. The aftermarket cats are as good as the original ones,they will last you at least 10 years.

[captainadam]

1996 ES300, 131,000 miles.

For the past six months or so, my CEL comes on about once per month, stays on for about 2-3 days, then goes off.

Recently, CEL is coming on more frequently and staying on longer.

I took it to my mechanic today - Code is P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency. Tested O2 sensors - OK. "Catalytic Converter has no ability to store oxygen on rich side."

They want $2900 (!!) to replace the CC ($2500 part plus tax, 2 hrs labor). They refuse to install an OEM CC.

I see I can buy an OEM CC for 1/10 the price or less, but the mechanic advises they are very unreliable.

I did just pass my emission test last month, so won't need the next test for 23 more months.

I don't want to invest this much in a 12-year old vehicle with 131,000 miles. It otherwise runs great, so I would hate to get rid of it.

I could drive with the CEL on, but it could mask a future problem.

The mechanic warned over time of back pressure, which would require a heavier pedal to accelerate, and reduced gas mileage.

I'm not sure how to proceed, other than knowing I'm not investing $2900. Should I have another shop install an OEM CC, and if so, is there an OEM CC that is recommended? Do nothing? Start shopping for a replacement car?

hey there if you need a factory one i have a used one in great condtion let me know fastest way to get a hold of me is my email: captainhowdy313@yahoo.com thanks and good luck....adam

[Messerchmidt]

1996 ES300, 131,000 miles.

For the past six months or so, my CEL comes on about once per month, stays on for about 2-3 days, then goes off.

Recently, CEL is coming on more frequently and staying on longer.

I took it to my mechanic today - Code is P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency. Tested O2 sensors - OK. "Catalytic Converter has no ability to store oxygen on rich side."

They want $2900 (!!) to replace the CC ($2500 part plus tax, 2 hrs labor). They refuse to install an OEM CC.

I see I can buy an OEM CC for 1/10 the price or less, but the mechanic advises they are very unreliable.

I did just pass my emission test last month, so won't need the next test for 23 more months.

I don't want to invest this much in a 12-year old vehicle with 131,000 miles. It otherwise runs great, so I would hate to get rid of it.

I could drive with the CEL on, but it could mask a future problem.

The mechanic warned over time of back pressure, which would require a heavier pedal to accelerate, and reduced gas mileage.

I'm not sure how to proceed, other than knowing I'm not investing $2900. Should I have another shop install an OEM CC, and if so, is there an OEM CC that is recommended? Do nothing? Start shopping for a replacement car?

hey there if you need a factory one i have a used one in great condtion let me know fastest way to get a hold of me is my email: captainhowdy313@yahoo.com thanks and good luck....adam

you can drive with i on if its just the cat - will kill the environment, but ohhh wellllllllllllllllllllllll....LOL (I myself would not fix it for another 23 months! and thats only if I could not get a fake emissions)

2900$ is stupid. almost any aftermarket one will work...get something off ebay or get a decent 100$ aftermarket one and get someone to weld it in. if they start to feed you bull*BLEEP* about it not being "compatible" - just walk out... They may have to drill a hole to put in the sensor thats all.

[Messerchmidt]

1996 ES300, 131,000 miles.

For the past six months or so, my CEL comes on about once per month, stays on for about 2-3 days, then goes off.

Recently, CEL is coming on more frequently and staying on longer.

I took it to my mechanic today - Code is P0420, Catalytic Converter Efficiency. Tested O2 sensors - OK. "Catalytic Converter has no ability to store oxygen on rich side."

They want $2900 (!!) to replace the CC ($2500 part plus tax, 2 hrs labor). They refuse to install an OEM CC.

I see I can buy an OEM CC for 1/10 the price or less, but the mechanic advises they are very unreliable.

I did just pass my emission test last month, so won't need the next test for 23 more months.

I don't want to invest this much in a 12-year old vehicle with 131,000 miles. It otherwise runs great, so I would hate to get rid of it.

I could drive with the CEL on, but it could mask a future problem.

The mechanic warned over time of back pressure, which would require a heavier pedal to accelerate, and reduced gas mileage.

I'm not sure how to proceed, other than knowing I'm not investing $2900. Should I have another shop install an OEM CC, and if so, is there an OEM CC that is recommended? Do nothing? Start shopping for a replacement car?

hey there if you need a factory one i have a used one in great condtion let me know fastest way to get a hold of me is my email: captainhowdy313@yahoo.com thanks and good luck....adam

you can drive with i on if its just the cat - will kill the environment, but ohhh wellllllllllllllllllllllll....LOL (I myself would not fix it for another 23 months! and thats only if I could not get a fake emissions)

2900$ is stupid. almost any aftermarket one will work...get something off ebay or get a decent 100$ aftermarket one and get someone to weld it in. if they start to feed you bull*BLEEP* about it not being "compatible" - just walk out... They may have to drill a hole to put in the sensor thats all.

ohh and look into your engine to make sure its not one with the engine sludge problem - some older ESs were blowing motors because of this - toyota did a recall i believe...