Toyota Repair: toyota rav4 2001 4wd, rav4 2001, toyota rav4


Question
QUESTION: i have engine light check on for over a year
recently i got a letter of recall ( engine controal module reset ) and went to dealer to get it fixed
however according to dealer, even after we reset, light is still there and it is due o2 sensors - bank 1 and bank2 needs to be changed will cost 800+tax with parts and labor

it has only 21K miles

however he has not given estimate in writing - bit unusual

pl guide me from here

ANSWER: Hi Yogi, first it is not good that you have driven the car with check engine light ON for so long. You could have damaged you Catalytic Convertors. I would suggest to you to get another opinion from different shop or dealer. The engine performance and sensors must be checked before replacement. If you change conditions from lean to rich you will see if they work.

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QUESTION: many tks

get another opinion - in what respect ?
they hook up the computer and do the diagnostic
is this suffice ?  when i go to dealer, they charge for diagnostic / any idea how much ??

as to damaging cat cov, would they will be able to tell this when they do the diagnostic ?  or you will only know
once they put new o2 sensor ?

any suggestion as to buying OEM parts on line ?
i need front break pads

best wishes  

ANSWER: Hi another opinion is just to visit differen mechanic or dealer. everybody is charging for diagnostics. people will spend time on your vehicle and equipment is quite expensive. however it is an hour to two  normaly. You can not tell about cats by changing 02 sen. but if you create vacuum leak they will show lean cond. if you add acceteline to intake they show rich. and by the fastest reaction they show mechanic will nkow if they are ok.
I don't know about buyng parts online-sorry.

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QUESTION: when i drive, some time it makes a noise makes you feel that there is leak in exhaust / when i told about it to toyota dealer - he said to me this is NORMAL with rav4
but to me it is not - this noise comes only on certain occassion - specially you try to give gas ( like racing the car engine )

best wishes / thank you for your help

Answer
It is possible to have small leak, or sometimes a heatshield will crack at welding point or you could have restriction on exhaust system. may also check if you have brocken hangers and exhaust is moving aside when you turn and touching surraunding parts or car boddy.