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2003 Toyota Matrix Cat Converter Replacement
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prometheus2808
New User
Sep 7, 2012, 8:44 PM
Post #1 of 8
(6577 views)
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2003 Toyota Matrix Cat Converter Replacement
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Hello. I have a 2003 Toyota Matrix XR. I'm in Illinois and (long story short) I need to get passed on the emission test in the next seven days. My local mechanic has stated that I need a new Catalytic Converter and Oxygen Censor. He's quoted me at:
$685.07 for Catalytic Converter and necessary gaskets
$125 for Oxygen Sensor that's in the converter
$157.50 for labor
$1038.45 total
I spoke to a friend of mine and he thinks this is too much. To make add to the fact that I don't want to pay that much, I plan to get a new car in the next year or year and a half so I don't want to throw $1000 into it. My friend recommended me to a mechanic who'll let me bring in my own parts and they'll do the work, obviously a much cheaper option.
Here's the question. What parts do I need to get? I've done lots of searches for catalytic converters and oxygen censors for my car but I see so many options with additional accessories that I'm at a lost.
Any help would be most appreciated! Thanks.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 8, 2012, 5:49 AM
Post #3 of 8
(6532 views)
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Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix Cat Converter Replacement
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Toyota's emission warranty is 96 months or 8 years.
There is also a TSB (technical service bulletin) out for P0420 setting. The PCM has to be reflashed and converter replaced.
I don't know if your mechanic has seen this TSB, but replacing just the converter without doing the reflash, if applicable, might not solve your problem.
TSB EG026-04
http://www.matrixowners.com/tsb/T-EG026-04.pdf
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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prometheus2808
New User
Sep 8, 2012, 11:02 AM
Post #4 of 8
(6517 views)
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Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix Cat Converter Replacement
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[UPDATE] Thanks for your replies. You helped me make a decision.
I should have mentioned that I bought the car in the Spring of 2003. It was made in May 2002. It has about 150K miles on it. So warranties are a no go.
So, today I went to the mechanic and told him that I just wanted the oxygen censor replaced. He pretty much flat out told me "no" and said that it was the converter. He showed me the replacement converter and showed me where the oxygen censor was. He said that the sensor was AFTER the converter (apparently, there's also a censor before the converter, but that's not the problem one). He said the code says it's the converter and not the censor.
From there I went to an Autozone and got my codes read. The only code that came up was P0420, which I'm told is a general code for the converter. Even the Autozone guy said that he's leaning more towards the converter than the oxygen censor. He said a different code would come up, or multiple codes, if it was specifically the censor. Autozone then gave me the pricing for what I needed; the total price, with gaskets, the oxygen censor, and the converter was $490. I decided to buy them because it was far cheaper than the $810.07 that my mechanic was offering.
Here's the kicker. I called my mechanic back and asked him if I could bring him my own parts and have him do the labor and he no. I thought this was strange as I've never heard of a mechanic saying no to a person bringing in their own parts. So as of right now, I trying to find a mechanic who'll do the work for a reasonable price.
Thanks again for all your help.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 8, 2012, 11:06 AM
Post #5 of 8
(6513 views)
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Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix Cat Converter Replacement
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A defective oxygen sensor can't set that code. You need a converter and a reprogramming of the computer.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 8, 2012, 2:35 PM
Post #7 of 8
(6501 views)
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Re: 2003 Toyota Matrix Cat Converter Replacement
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It isn't going to help him in this case because he needs the computer reflashed.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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