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Posted on Dec 30, 2009
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Code p0420 check engine light on. info says cat effic below threshold (bank 1). have been told that this is the cat next to motor. need to buy from dealer because it comes with manafold and cat. price could be $600.00 to $700.00 dollars to fix. this is big money for my budget. I had check engine light turned off but I know from past exp that it will come back on again soon.I have been told that this will decrease my gas milage by maybe 2 miles per gallon. and if not fixed could cause bigger problem down the road. p.s. this is in california. car passed smog check in between check engine light on and off period. thanks bob cali.

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  • Toyota Master 1,861 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 30, 2009
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Hello.

Normally, the P-0420 indicates a sensor issue; a cat replacement would be needed if you had the P-0420 coupled WITH a
P-0430 code.

What I would do, if I were you, would take the car to a shop that can perform an "induction cleaning", and have that service done. Then, replace the spark plugs, if the car is around 90,000 miles. You may alsop need a front air-fuel sensor (the one on the manifold) replacement.

I would not change the cat until I did the above services. It does not sound like a bad cat just yet.

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