Catalytic Converter Replacement
Good afternoon Your Mechanic Community –
I have a 2001 Lexus IS300, it has 182K miles, and I am the original owner. The 2001 IS300 drive well and I have done all the key maintenance for the car. Overall it is great shape, but like with any older car there are times when an old part will need to be changed.
In this case, its the catalytic converter. Recently the check engine light came on and the service shop found “Code p0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1”. I was told I would need to get a new catalytic converter.
I am looking forward to working with Your Mechanic i
I have a 2001 Lexus IS300, it has 182K miles, and I am the original owner. The 2001 IS300 drive well and I have done all the key maintenance for the car. Overall it is great shape, but like with any older car there are times when an old part will need to be changed.
In this case, its the catalytic converter. Recently the check engine light came on and the service shop found “Code p0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1”. I was told I would need to get a new catalytic converter.
I am looking forward to working with Your Mechanic i
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Before you decide to have the catalytic converter replaced in your vehicle, consider performing the following checks:
Check the following:
A damaged or failed oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor wiring damaged or connected improperly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
A leaking exhaust manifold or a leak in the exhaust system
The spark timing is retarded
There is a leaking fuel injector or there is high fuel pressure
The engine has a cylinder misfire
The engine oil is contaminated
If all of the above areas are checked and passes their functions and conditions, then the catalytic converter would need replaced. If you need further assistance with your P0420 code, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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The 2002 Lexus ES falls into the 4th generation of this design and if equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine it has three catalytic converters, according to my contact at MagnaFlow. The front converter is part # MF50821.
Can you drive without a catalytic converter? Yes, you could temporarily drive without a catalytic converter, and it won`t damage a modern car or engine. But in the long run, it`ll emit harmful gas, sacrifice your car`s engine performance and fuel economy, and possibly get you in trouble with the law.
The P0420 and P0430 codes, both indicating catalytic converter failures, are most commonly cause by this exhaust leak on the IS250, GS350 and GS300. The vehicle has four oxygen sensors, two for each bank that serve different purposes.
Catalytic Converters should last at least 10 years, but they don`t have to get swapped out as soon as those 10 years are up. It only needs to get replaced once you begin to notice these issues occur and if it`s recommended by our service technicians.
Depending on the model year, a Lexus RX 350 carries up to three catalytic converters, either inside its engine compartment or on the underside of the vehicle.
Depending on the model and year of production, a Lexus vehicle might have up to three catalytic converters in its exhaust system. They`re usually located inside the engine compartment or on the underside of the vehicle.
Catalytic Converters are estimated to last at least 10 years, but they don`t need to be swapped out as soon as those 10 years are up. It only has to get replaced whenever you start to see these issues pop up and if it`s suggested by the service technicians.
The O2 sensor senses oxygen levels. The catalytic converter catalyses hydrocarbons to CO2, nitrates and water. The two items have no relationship. You can remove either without them affecting each other.
A P0420 code is set when the upstream sensor and the downstream oxygen sensor sense the catalytic converter is not doing its job. Basically, the amount of oxygen going into the converter is not being burned, and it detects it through the downstream sensor.
The average catalytic converter is designed to last about 100,000 miles, so if your car is nearing six figures on the odometer, chances are you need to give some thought to your catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter is supposed to last for the full lifetime of your vehicle. It rarely happens that someone must deal with dysfunctional catalytic converter but not impossible. There are a lot of factors that impact the life span, but generally a catalytic converter should last between 70,000 and 100,000 miles.
A new catalytic converter should last for around 10 years but, as with most other vehicle components, the exact lifespan can differ. Mileage and engine tune can impact on the durability of the item, so it`s worth checking the condition after 50,000 miles.
Catalytic converters are an essential vehicle component. They convert harmful emissions from your internal combustion engines into less harmful ones. Most cars usually have one catalytic converter, but some vehicles are equipped with two or more, usually to address tougher emission norms.
The average cost for a Lexus ES300 Catalytic Converter Replacement is between $1,809 and $1,829. Labor costs are estimated between $78 and $98 while parts are priced between $1,731 and $1,731.
The average catalytic converter contains about 1-2 grams (0.0353 – 0.0705 ounces) of rhodium. It also has about 3-7 grams of platinum and 2-7 grams of palladium.
For each catalytic converter, you will have two oxygen sensors. Many vehicles will have only one catalytic converter, and therefore, two oxygen sensors, but some can have four or more.
We do not recommend removing the Catalytic Converter from any street-driven vehicle. Running a cat-free exhaust is only recommended for closed-course competition vehicles.
The catalytic converter converts harmful byproducts of internal combustion to less-harmful compounds. If there`s an exhaust leak letting gasses out of the system before it reaches the converter, if the converter becomes damaged or if it`s missing altogether, the check engine light will activate in your dashboard.
You shouldn`t drive your car if a catalytic converter is completely clogged. If you do, you can expect the restricted exhaust flow to hinder your engine performance, which leads to your engine idling for a few minutes and then dying.
If you remove the oxygen sensors from your vehicle, you will ruin the efficiency of the engine, thus consuming around 10 to 20 percent more gas than otherwise required, and also cause early failure of many components such as the spark plugs.
The catalytic converter, or cat for short, is responsible for removing harmful emissions from the exhaust. If the two O2 sensors collectively sense that the oxygen levels don`t change significantly after running through the cat, it`s a sign of a bad catalytic converter.
A common emissions code seen in the field, a P0420 trouble code indicates that the catalytic converter isn`t functioning efficiently.
Driving your car with the P0420 code will only lead to further damage to the catalytic converter. Plus, the problem can affect other parts of the car, such as the fuel line and exhaust systems. This is why it`s important to actively monitor your car`s catalytic convertor to avoid other costly repairs.
Because there are no driveability symptoms associated with the P0420 trouble code, it is not considered serious or dangerous to the driver. However, if the code is not addressed in a timely manner, the catalytic converter could be seriously damaged.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Catalytic Converter Replacement – 2001 Lexus IS300.
ANSWER : Hi there. Before you decide to have the catalytic converter replaced in your vehicle, consider performing the following checks:
Check the following:
A damaged or failed oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor wiring damaged or connected improperly
The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
A leaking exhaust manifold or a leak in the exhaust system
The spark timing is retarded
There is a leaking fuel injector or there is high fuel pressure
The engine has a cylinder misfire
The engine oil is contaminated
If all of the above areas are checked and passes their functions and conditions, then the catalytic converter would need replaced. If you need further assistance with your P0420 code, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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What would happen if the wrong catalytic converter was installed in my 2001 Toyota Camry
ANSWER : Hello. The wrong converter will cause your check engine light to come on and will cause you to not pass emissions. It can also cause some performance and efficiency issues over time. There are specific converters built for all vehicles and that is what needs to be used, especially in California. You need to take it back to the shop that installed the wrong one as it is against emission regulations to install the wrong converter in California.
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Check Engine light comes on, mechanic replaced o2 sensor but light still comes on.
ANSWER : Hi there:
If the mechanic completed the O2 sensor replacement, reset the codes and the error code was triggered again, it is possible that the catalytic converter is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it’s also very common for the electrical harnesses that power these sensors to become frayed, damaged or faulty; which can also trigger the check engine light. It’s not advisable to drive a vehicle with a damaged catalytic converter for extended periods of time, as it can cause damage to internal engine components.
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Does traction control depend on catalytic converter functioning properly?
ANSWER : You are right, the traction control system is not related in any way to the exhaust system (e.g., the catalytic converter) in the vehicle. Traction control involves wheel speed sensors, the ABS system, and electronic controllers. If there is a problem with the traction control system on your vehicle, it is likely that diagnostic trouble codes have been stored and those codes will provide the key clues to finding, and repairing, the fault in the system. A certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, can perform a traction control system diagnostic and let you know of the required repairs. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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Changed catalytic converter, no lights on dashboard, but codes for catalytic converter & O2 sensor still remain
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I am not sure why you changed your catalytic converter. Assuming you had a P0420 code, replacing the catalytic converter should of resolved that code. The codes originally stored need to be cleared. The fact your check engine light remains off tells me, you may have fixed the problem. Try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 2 minutes, reconnect. Start and drive the vehicle for 10-15 miles. Re-check for codes. If a code returns on the first drive cycle (pending code), a problem still exists. The check engine light should come back on (the next drive cycle) if, the fault is recognized by the computer. An exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor will cause O2 sensor and catalytic converter codes. If you are having trouble identifying the fault, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
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Is it possible to fix a clogged catalytic converter without replacing it?
ANSWER : Hi there. In general, there is not an effective way to clean a clogged catalytic converter. There are several aftermarket products that claim to do so, but they typically cause more issues with fuel system components that I would never recommend them to be used. You should read this article on ways to diagnose a bad catalytic converter as a reference. It might be a good idea to read these two articles on the OBD-II trouble codes, the P-0306 trouble code and the P-2241 OBD-II code so you can see the multiple possible source of these codes.
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I need to replace my catalytic converter and I wanted to see what are the main parts I will need to buy that comes with it?
ANSWER : The parts required to change out a catalytic convertor will really depend on what type of converter is going to be used. There are factory type replacements that will use a flange and just get bolted into place, that will require a new flange gasket and pipe clamp. Or there are aftermarket replacements that will require the pipe to be cut, and either welded, or clamped into place. Other than that, I would suggest that this is the perfect time to replace the oxygen sensor. Keep in mind, when removing the flange from the back of the engine, it is fairly common for the bolts and/or studs to break, due to all of the heat cycles that are associated with the exhaust/converter. As far as the rough starting issue, I would check the timing chain and tensioners. It sounds like there may be a possible issue with chain tensioner, and this can cause all kinds of problems, especially throwing off the timing and causing rough starting and running issues. If any of this sounds like something you could use a hand in diagnosing and/or repairing, contact a certified mechanic, like the mobile mechanics at YourMechanic.com.
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Need to replace catalytic converter on my car
ANSWER : Hi there, the P0420 code could have many different causes.
With the catalytic converter, it is typically best to purchase it from the dealer. It really depends on your local regulations though. If your regulations allow for aftermarket converters, then you should try your local exhaust shop as they should have a universal replacement. If you need the OE converter then you will need to go to the dealer for it.
If you need further assistance with this, a certified technician can come to your home or office to supply a catalytic converter and install it for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Catalytic Converter Replacement
