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Camry Catalytic Converter
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bulldog55
New User
Jan 12, 2008, 5:54 PM
Post #1 of 2
(4604 views)
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Camry Catalytic Converter
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I have a 2003 Camry with 130,000 miles on it. Back at the end of November the check engine light came on and stayed on for about 4 or 5 days. It went off and came back on earlier this week. I had a diagnostic test and it came back with the code P0420. It said "cat efficiency below threshold" and then bank 1, whatever that means.
I took it to a mechanic in town who told me the 2003 camry converters could only be replaced by the dealer which sounded like a pile of it to me. I did take it to my local toyota dealer who gave me a price of $371.66 for the OHO11 converter and a price of $897.26 for the OHO20 converter for a total of $1268 not counting labor. I think that's ridiculous and find it hard to believe a dealer is the only one who can do this.
Today the light went off again. This car is running fine with no drop off in gas mileage or any warning sign of any converter problems other than the light coming on. I have found converters on line much cheaper than the dealership quoted me. Would I be making a mistake to drive this car until I notice a performance problem. Also, can anyone tell me if there are exhaust experts out there that work on these. I'd rather go anywhere than a dealer.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 13, 2008, 2:37 AM
Post #2 of 2
(4595 views)
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Re: Camry Catalytic Converter
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As DanD would say here "Converter don't wear out - they are murdered" and for the most part that's true. What caused the problem as it could do it again!
Lot's of this stuff is best when factory parts and independant shops can get the factory parts too. These things are important and the aftermarket stuff is not showing up to be the best choice so far. I'd seek out a full code reading and a shop you like - dealer or not and get to the source of the problem and go from there. If the light can go out by itself now the converters might be ok if the source problem is fixed,
T
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