2001 RAV4, PO420/430, Catalytic conv., antilock breaks

[jimrl8]

My wifes 2001 Rav4 had it's catalytic converter and associated sensors replaced in 2003 after just 41k miles on the car, fixed of course under warranty. Just over 60k later (105k odo), the Check Engine Light popped up, and is diagnosing a repeat of the earlier problem, revealing PO420 and PO430 codes. At that time, the ECM Calibration was performed respective of TSB EG010-02.

Has anybody out there replaced their second catalytic converter relating to this troublesome model year? If so, what were your experiences with Toyota?

Considering the original cat was warranted until 8yrs/80k miles, one might otherwise expect the replacement to last longer, if issues related to the problem were actually remedied... However, 60k vs. 40k is not much of an improvement in this case. Is it far-fetched for me to want to think Toyota might bear some of these costs...

Also found that the antilock breaks did not function properly during a quick stop attempt on a wet road surface. Breaks locked up until I released the brake, forcing me to forgo stopping and accelerate through an early red light... Luckly, I had the space in front of me! Anybody else have issues with the anti-lock breaking system on their 2001 or so m.y. RAV4? Since the car is my wife's, I'm not familiar with whether or not they ever worked properly.

[mral1515]

There has since been a recall issued on this condition. You might want to at least check with your dealer.

By the way I belive this a dealer only part (yes I work at a dealer). However I think you can only get it from Toyota due to it being the manifold assembly I don't think anyone offers it from the aftermarket world, like you would see some weld in converters.

[jimrl8]

Just found the following two posts answering this question:

Toyota Announces "Check Engine" Light Special Service Campaign
Toyota Announces "Check Engine" Light Special Service Campaign On Certain Toyota Highlander and RAV4 Sport Utility Vehicles

12/06/2006 Torrance, CA
December 6, 2006 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Special Service Campaign involving approximately 60,700 four-cylinder Highlander sport utility vehicles from the 2001 through 2003 model year and 159,100 RAV4 sport utility vehicles from the 2001 and 2002 model year. The Malfunction Indicator Light, also known as the "check engine" light, on certain RAV4 and Highlander may inadvertently illuminate due to an issue with the program logic in the Engine Control Module (ECM). This light does not affect the operation of the vehicle. The affected RAV4 and Highlander were produced from July 24, 2000 to August 22, 2003.

There have been 80 cases of this condition reported in the Highlander and RAV4. Toyota will mail to owners of the involved vehicles a Service Campaign notification via first class mail in mid-December.

Owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for reprogramming of the ECM with improved logic. Reprogramming will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle and will take approximately 30 minutes, depending on the dealer's work schedule. No parts replacement is necessary to complete the campaign.

Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.


Re: Toyota Announces "Check Engine" Light Special Service Campaign
2001 through 2003 Model Year 4-cylinder Highlander, and 2001 through 2002 Model Year RAV4.

Toyota will initiate a Special Service Campaign to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) on certain 2001 through 2003 Model Year 4-cylinder Highlander vehicles, and certain 2001 through 2002 Model Year RAV4 vehicles. There are approximately 220,000 vehicles involved nationwide.

In recent months, Toyota has received reports that some customers may experience a specific Malfunction Indicator Light (check engine light) “ON” condition (P0420 or P0430). Toyota has investigated these concerns and discovered an issue with the program logic in the Engine Control Module (ECM). New program logic has been developed to correct this condition.

The owner notification will commence in mid-December, 2006. The owner letters will be mailed over a one month period.

Refer to
SSC 60I CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR 4-CYLINDER HIGHLANDER AND CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2002 MODEL YEAR RAV4 ECM REPROGRAMMING
Source: Toyota Announces "Check Engine" Light Special Service Campaign

[mral1515]

Ya what he said. I have probably done a hundred of these.