Auto Parts: 2000 TOYOTA CAMRY, pep boys, catalic converter

Question
HAVE A CODE P401 EGR FLOW HAD A NEW REPLACED WOULD IT BE THE MODULATOR VALVE AND THE ELCTRIC VACUUM VALVE OTHER IS PO420 HAD THE CATALIC CONVERTER ALSO REPLACED THE DESCRIPTION ON THE CODE SAYS CAT EFFIC BELOW THRESHOLD AND HAD THE TOP SENSOR REPLACED ALSO WOULD YOU KNOW WHY MY CLOCK IS NOT SHOWING DID LOOK AT ALL THE FUSES UNDER DASH AND UNDER THE HOOD ALL ARE OKAY. THANKS

Answer
Hi Kathy,

Time to take the vehicle for service by someone who can diagnose the real problem. Contrary to what you might think, when a computer sends out a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) it does NOT mean the part in question is BAD, it simply means that whatever IS bad is affecting the item mentioned in the code. So if I receive a PO420 I wouldn't replace the converter, I'd find out WHAT made the code set. A bad injector can dump fuel into the engine and cause a rich/lean code as well as a converter beyond threshold reading. Replacing the converter would only give the problem another component to break.

I don't mean no disrespect when I say my advice would be to find a reputable ASE certified technician in your local area and let them test the vehicle and scan for DTC's. They will be able to FIX the problem and not just replace parts, at your expense, until you FIND the right one.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php