Codes P0302, P0012, P0420, U0073, C1241

Tiny
JENNIFER BREWSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 3.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
When I bought my car I was told that the catalytic converter was not at peak performance and that it may need to be replaced in the future. So I've driven the car about 20,000 miles since then and have kept up with routine maintenance. About every 400-500 miles I have to add a quart of oil. Which it doesn't seem to be burning but I also can't find any signs of it leaking. A couple weeks ago it started sputtering randomly sometimes at 50-60mph and sometimes when accelerating from a stop. Then a few days ago I was attempted to pass a car via a passing lane on a small highway and when I pushed the accelerator the engine lost alot of power and the check engine light started flashing. Also noticed that although it gets over 400 miles on a full tank, lately the gas light starts turning on and off when the Guage shows a quarter tank.
The guy I bought the car from claims it is a catalytic converter issue but judging by the kind of mileage I get I'm thinking that it may be causing the CC to not work properly but the issue causing that I believe is an internal oil leak. Whatever it is I figured by the symptoms it has to be a leak causing a combustion issue but I have no idea where to start.
Also, here are the codes I'm getting from my obd.
Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 9:22 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JENNIFER BREWSTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
(Duh, I just noticed that I marked it as a 3.4L, it's obviously a 2.4L).
Well, I guess I'm going to start by checking the sparks plugs and spark plug wires while I wait for a reply. Any advice beyond that would be very much appreciated.
Okay, just got done pulling the ignition coil packs and found that the 1st on on the left is full of burned oil. Not sure if I should go ahead and pull the spark plugs out or not.
Okay, I have gotten as far as knowing I need to replace the valve cover gasket. So now my question is if that can be the cause for all of those codes or is there possibly another issue somewhere else in the engine? And also should I replace the ignition coil packs, spark plugs and the spark plug wires also? It looks like the clips that hold the wires on the coil packs are melted. And also since I know the catalytic converter is throwing a code should I replace it or should I wait to see if it still throws a code once I've finished with this part?
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

There are a few different things here. At this point, replace the plugs and valve cover. The oil in the spark plug well is likely what has caused the misfire.

I would try to blow out the oil in there simply so it doesn't drain into the cylinder. Not that you will hurt it, but it will smoke for a bit if this happens.

Since the cylinder misfire was cylinder 2, what does the plug look like, and is the connector covered in oil as well?

I feel once we get rid of the misfire, the catalytic converter code may go away.

Next is the cam sensor (over retarded). It is possible that it is being caused by a worn timing belt. Again, once we eliminate the misfire code, I would recommend clearing the codes and seeing which if any comes back.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 8:47 PM

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