It has nothing to do with long trips.Lots of short trips where the cat(s) do not fully warm up is a more likely cause.If you had it professionally diagnosed rather than just having the codes read,you should have more information about the condition and operation of the front air/fuel ratio sensor(s) and the rear oxygen sensor.If they are all working fine when fully warmed up,you will probably need the ECU re-flashed according to TSB EG041-05. If the re-flash is performed and the codes reappear,there is a problem with the catalytic converters and they would need to be replaced under the federally mandated 8 yr/80,000 mile emission warranty.
I have heard of some shops,dealer or otherwise,that will advise replacing all the pre and post-cat sensors as a prerequisite to replacing a catalytic converter.This is an indication that you are in the wrong place.The proper operation of these sensors can easily be confirmed with a PROFESSIONAL scan tool and a KNOWLEGEABLE operator.
Avoid aftermarket converters,especially on vehicles under the 8/80 emission warranty.Here is some more info:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf
__________________
*A parts man with a code-reader is
NOT your friend
!
*The most expensive parts are the cheap ones that let you down.
*Testing
ROCKS - parts swapping is for the
.
*Anybody can take a dump in a box and mark it guarranteed,but what you really need to do is buy a quality part.... "Tommy Boy"
2001 Highlander - Catalyst Efficiency.
Linear Mode
