Hey everyone, I’ve got a 2013 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD, and I’m getting a P0420 code. From what I understand, it’s related to the catalytic converter, but I’m not sure if it’s the one in the front (exhaust manifold) or the rear one under the vehicle. Any ideas?
That code usually points to the front catalytic converter, the one on the exhaust manifold. The rear one isn’t monitored.
Foster said:
That code usually points to the front catalytic converter, the one on the exhaust manifold. The rear one isn’t monitored.
Got it, thanks! Does that mean the rear one doesn’t really matter for this issue?
Foster said:
That code usually points to the front catalytic converter, the one on the exhaust manifold. The rear one isn’t monitored.
Exactly. The P0420 code is triggered by the sensors monitoring the front converter’s efficiency.
Had the same issue on my RAV4. It was the front cat. Replaced it, and the code hasn’t come back since.
nelly said:
Had the same issue on my RAV4. It was the front cat. Replaced it, and the code hasn’t come back since.
Good to know! Did you replace it yourself or take it to a shop?
nelly said:
Had the same issue on my RAV4. It was the front cat. Replaced it, and the code hasn’t come back since.
Took it to a shop. It’s a bit of a hassle to do it yourself unless you’re used to working on exhaust systems.
FYI, P0420 could also be a bad oxygen sensor, not just the converter itself. Have you checked the sensors yet?
Wyatt said:
FYI, P0420 could also be a bad oxygen sensor, not just the converter itself. Have you checked the sensors yet?
I haven’t checked the sensors yet. Would you suggest doing that before replacing the cat?
Wyatt said:
FYI, P0420 could also be a bad oxygen sensor, not just the converter itself. Have you checked the sensors yet?
Definitely. Replacing the sensors is cheaper, so rule those out first. The upstream sensor especially could be the culprit.
Quick tip: Make sure there aren’t any exhaust leaks before you replace anything. That can also trigger a P0420 code.
Flippa said:
Quick tip: Make sure there aren’t any exhaust leaks before you replace anything. That can also trigger a P0420 code.
Didn’t think of that. Thanks for the heads-up! Any easy way to check for leaks?
Flippa said:
Quick tip: Make sure there aren’t any exhaust leaks before you replace anything. That can also trigger a P0420 code.
You can listen for hissing sounds or feel for air escaping around the exhaust connections when the engine is running.
Just curious—how many miles are on your RAV4? High mileage can wear out the catalytic converter naturally.
Lior said:
Just curious—how many miles are on your RAV4? High mileage can wear out the catalytic converter naturally.
It’s got around 150k miles. Guess that could be why it’s acting up.
Lior said:
Just curious—how many miles are on your RAV4? High mileage can wear out the catalytic converter naturally.
Yeah, that’s a lot of miles. Could be the converter’s just worn out. Still worth checking sensors and leaks first, though.