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PO420 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles


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billjriv
New User

Apr 5, 2010, 6:57 AM

Post #1 of 6 (4247 views)
PO420 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles Sign In

1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two wheel drive Manual 141000 miles

I have a 96 Tercel does anyone know if it has a direct fit catalytic coverter or does it have to be welded on?Can anyone lead me to or give me the steps involved to put on a direct fit cat,tools and parts ect.If I don't want to weld would I have to buy another section of pipe?How much would all the parts cost from Walker?I was told I should only use Walker aftermarket because other cats could cause a problem.Its Cali emissions too.
I got a PO420 code,I havent got it diagnosed but 2 mechanics think it is the cat,it still could possibly be the O2 sensors but I don't know.I did have a stuck EGR valve with a soilinoid that gave a false positive so I ended up driving with it stuck open for a year I dont know if that could of clogged the cat.I also had a misfire on cylinder 1 because of a bad plug wire recently but changed the wire.Thanks for any help!


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(This post was edited by billjriv on Apr 5, 2010, 6:01 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 5, 2010, 9:42 AM

Post #2 of 6 (4238 views)
Re: 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles Sign In

Make sure you really need this before spending the bucks. If the misfire was left unfixed for a long time it could have wrecked converters.

If running perfectly well now give it some time if just fixed and it might be fine. Can't say for sure. For the part I suggest paying the extra for original Toyota parts vs any aftermarket if this is a keeper of a car,

T



billjriv
New User

Apr 5, 2010, 5:59 PM

Post #3 of 6 (4232 views)
Re: 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles Sign In

Thanks for your response Greenleaf.I had been getting the PO420 code for some time and the misfire code I had got once before so this is the second time I got that.The first time I found out cyliner 1 was misfiring and I had a wire that the metal end was fused onto the plug because I went way to long without getting new plugs,anyways, I tried puting it back together and using it,then again I got the misfire code a couple years later.I am guessing I should have just changed the wires instead of being cheap. Well,recently I did change the sparkplug wires and got new plugs and again a few days later got the PO420 code again.I reset it and am waiting to see if it comes on again.Do you think it is possible in time it may stop comming on,I mean can it take a while for things to settle after fixing the root problem?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 5, 2010, 9:18 PM

Post #4 of 6 (4225 views)
Re: 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles Sign In

Is it running well right now? If so I'd give it a chance to clear itself up doing a couple good highway runs with good new oil if not done recently.

Except for rust issues converters are usually killed vs dying of natural causes. Allowing a misfire is really hard on them. Either won't function properly or become a restriction. I'd give it a chance as it might clear up on its own. Not there so hard to say and if not running well you need to tend to that or new converter(s) will be a waste again,

T



billjriv
New User

Apr 5, 2010, 10:32 PM

Post #5 of 6 (4220 views)
Re: 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles Sign In

It is running well now,especially with new plugs and wires.It has cleared up alot,I think that wire/plug in cyliner 1 might of been fouling things up longer than before the computer caught it because I could smell gas or sulfer like smell.That smell is gone and I have some power restored too.It isn't idleing rough at all.Maybe befor I go forward with putting money out I will take it on a couple highway runs for 100 miles or so and see if that clears up things more.Do you think using fuel injector cleaner a little more frequently might help at all?
I just called Midas today and they said they would do a diagnosis for free on the cat and 02 sensors.I guess I better not miss that appointment,at least I can rule out some things and I don't know if the next attendant will be that generous,thats like a $90 savings so I better go forward with that.


(This post was edited by billjriv on Apr 5, 2010, 10:34 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 5, 2010, 10:49 PM

Post #6 of 6 (4213 views)
Re: 1996 Toyota Tercel 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 141000 miles Sign In

Ok: Let Midas do their thing but I'd wait for replacing stuff till codes re-appear another time or two if running well. I don't know of any solvent that will cure converters but some MAY help clear up O2 sensors if just dirty - stress the word 'maybe.'

I do like Chevron's Techron injector care plus but better as prevention than cure. I use it myself with too many underused vehicles of my own that don't do a ton of highway use and get the "old phart" syndrome of too many short trips and lack of use so try to give them a good run now and then which does help. I suggest using about 1/2 of what is suggested on fuel solvent products and not every tank. Just now and then should suffice.

Remember - O2 sensor codes will pop up when a misfire for any reason is left unattended. Some clear up on their own and some don't.

The important thing is to keep and note anything that isn't running well or makes smelly exhaust should be tended to asap. Your OBDII computer will need a series of faults to set a code. If it goes several cycles and runs without coming on again and running well with the power you expect I wouldn't do much right away but routine care,

T







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