Catalytic Converter Code?

VYPINOY

MEMBER
2007 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
225,000 MILES

My mechanic told me the engine code says it's a bad catalytic converter. But that I have two catalytic converters, one in the front and one underneath. But he said the code does not specify which one is bad. And I have to make a gamble and guess which one I want to replace, $800 for front $1200 for underneath.

Is there no specific code that would display to show which catalytic converter is bad?

1 Reply

BRENDON S

MECHANIC
653 POSTS

Good morning, VYPINOY,

I don't see a code specific to each individual Catalytic Converter. However, from what my information is showing me, your vehicle appears to have an Oxygen Sensor after each Catalytic Converter.

So, your mechanic can use their scan tool and graph the data coming from both sensors to identify the one that is not operating efficiently.

I will add an image for you of the sensor location. In this image you will see that there are 2 sensors you will want to look at. Bank 1 sensor 2(number 5) and bank 1 sensor 3(number 6).

Usually, an O2 sensor will switch between 0.1 volts and 0.9 volts if it is before the Catalytic Converter but a post Catalytic Converter Oxygen Sensor should not. Indicating the Catalytic Converter is doing its job.

If Bank 1 Sensor 2 is switching up and down, the cat on the manifold isn't doing its job. If Bank 1 Sensor 3 is switching up and down or data from Bank 1 Sensor 2 indicates the first cat is working properly then the second cat could be the issue.

Here is a link to a quick video explaining what he would need to look for:
https://youtu.be/EDlDTPALUhs

I hope this helps.

Thank you,
Brendon

Image (Click to make bigger)