My dash says end of the world! NOPE! One problem that cost $2K to fix!

[@deepfrieddeals]

"And because he bought a Toyota, I don't get to see my dad anymore." --- LOL 🤣

[@victorbaird8220]

😂

[@HammanD152]

Well the reason it’s rusting under there is because it’s not leaking oil😂

[@wernerdanler2742]

Good one! 😂😅😂😅😂

[@jp-nq5wd]

I was surprised to see that much undercarriage rust. Maybe it was from the northeast originally.

[@allewis4008]

Free oilspray coating 👍

[@cjackfly]

Mines no rust. Leaks like a charm. 😅

[@bigjay1970]

So true

[@GTTorino69]

My Mom owns a blue 2005 Highlander that I just replaced the timing belt on this weekend. She’s in her 80s so I like that it’s reliable and I don’t have to fix something every other week.

[@twiseii260]

I've purchased a 2002 Highlander from a Honda dealership back in April of 2021 with only 99,400 miles on it. Price $6,500 and it came with a 3 year warranty. To this day I'm still shocked about a 19 year old SUV with low mileage & 3 warranty. I thought the the guy that does the financial thing was joking, but nope all the paperwork was legit and I love this vehicle. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@boogitybear2283]

You’re insane to get rid of it based off being “burned out”.

[@dentmastersofnymichael3316]

I drove a 2002 Highlander for almost 20 years and it loved it! The size and the v6 was a great combo. Yes it is tough to work on that engine but i drove mine for nearly 100,000 miles problem free other than brakes. Even when you do have to remove the intake there are a few tricks and it is fairly straight forward not hard. I have been hoping to find one in good condition with a problem like this and buy it. Great investment

[@cjackfly]

Most likely the cats aren't bad either.

[@ericchristopher1687]

My 2006 Highlander with 145,000 miles on it also threw a VSC warming light, but in my case it was due to a gas cap whose seal had worn out. Replaced the cap and all is fine now. Love that vehicle. Thanks for the tour of this one - helps to see what else might go wrong with mine over time.

[@mgrsdgfsdafsdgrsdgfsdg6980]

Me too. I just had my oil changed on my Lexus and got those lights. I started to freak out, then I remembered I filled up the day before. I changed the gas cap, and not a problem since. Good call.

[@lordcorgi6481]

My corolla was acting like it was the end of the world at 180k, with a BMW style instrument cluster. I went to the junkyard and got a evap purge solenoid for $5 and about 30 seconds of time replacing it and car was fine. Only thing I've had to repair on it 👍 I do think the water pump is weeping though. So I'll have to replace that soon.

[@67daltonknox]

Looking at the underside of that Highlander makes me glad my 2001 Tundra has spent its life in California. Even with 4 to 6 months/year in the snow in Mammoth... no salt.

[@riceburner4747]

I bet your dad's thankful having u to do his car repairs. That Highlander is definitely worth price! He should spray some fluid film underneath. Love those Toyotas! 👍

[@mattkirk8404]

Good advice. Too many short trips in this car, needs good long journeys occasionally.

[@mikep490]

Yes, but it happens. Maybe their other car gets better than 20 MPG, and/or some owners don't take long trips. The Highlander is excellent as a winter car. My '94 Ranger generally was 3K per year by the previous owner, less since I've owned it, with an occasional 120 mile road trip, most just around town. It hits its 30th year this fall at 80K miles... mostly used to tow heavy loads or haul my dogs... and mechanically/cosmetically as sound as a 5 yo.

[@auto.impulse]

I love how dramatic the wizard is, it's all part of his lure 😂😅

[@squidwardx2]

I think he hates seeing good cars on the verge of being mechanically totaled because of designs or situations like this.

[@MJA5]

the Car Wizard and “alluring” ok 😅- he is a good presenter I agree

[@jp-nq5wd]

I believe he speaks from the heart. Of course he's in business to make money but hates to see customers get hit with repairs like this one.

[@squidwardx2]

@jp-nq5wd cars will always need repairs but this sort of stuff also ends up junkies cars that could have been fixed. It goes back to being green and all that, keeping an existing car on the road is cheaper and better to use it as much as possible before it's scrapped.

[@jp-nq5wd]

@@squidwardx2agreed

[@darrenstables4171]

Uk darren here! Hello Mr and Mrs wiizard. Love your channel honest approach to car maintenance. My only gripe is you are across the pond and not in the UK!! Total confidence in maintaining my cars I would have in yourself cheers darren

[@stoneyface]

i own a '05 toyota sienna awd with this engine. it's amazing and with maintenance, very tough. I'm at 220k and rock solid. i can totally attest to that back bank being difficult to work on. totally worth the time and money to keep these beauties rolling.

[@jimv77]

Have you had the engine knock sensor go out yet? My 2004 Sienna and 2000 rx300 had the knock sensor issue…I just avoid high speed and drove in limp mode and suffered the mpg.

[@jamesmancuso3666]

Yesterday I changed the alternator on a co-workers highlander. Easy enough parking lot repair.

[@IllaWondah]

I had an 03 highlander v6 awd limited with 325k and an oil leak... I refused to do a valve cover job because it would have cost way too much. Lovely truck good gas mileage and plenty of room

[@Eddie-yc5yd]

I would space out the O2 sensor. But of course a repair shop shouldn't. Keep up the great videos.

[@michaelparra8719]

me too all 4

[@Tempsho]

Are you talking about adding an 02 spacer? (aka 'fooler') My 2002 Highlander 3.0 is throwing the P0430 code and i'm pretty sure the rear cat is fouled. I was wondering if putting in a spacer on the downstream 02 sensor would prevent the code from coming back up. I live in Manitoba, Canada, and vehicles here don't need to pass annual emissions testing. I don't plan on selling it either, so I don't care if adding an 02 spacer isn't ethical, I just want to get the code cleared.

[@MJA5]

@@TempshoI wonder, would be a patch job but theoretically it might dilute the stream enough?

[@DylanL69]

The spacer is illegal and doesn't fix anything

[@slowyota_rolla]

​@@DylanL69not illegal if they don't check

[@williambaldwin9346]

Worth it, that thing could go another 100K with ease. I have a 2014 Camry and dropped about $2,500 on the AC when I got it a few years ago at the Toyota dealership. Never have had another AC problem. Was worth the money.

[@jacquesc3166]

Lol it's not even 10 years old and the A/C compressor went out? On a Camry?????? That Nis/Inf 3.7 platform is so underrated, putting Camrys to shame. Biggest repair in 10 years and 192,000+ km was an OEM rad replacement, 900 bucks. Canadian. ☺

[@tleoipl37]

@@jacquesc3166I got a VHR and a 14 camry se sport 😂

[@jacquesc3166]

@@tleoipl37 And it's the IPL VHR too? 😄 Nice. VHR in my daily, HR in the weekend car.

[@skidcraft1998]

@@jacquesc3166 That’s regular dealer price for an a/c repair of that type. A dealer can diagnose and do the repair in a couple of hours or same day because they see it all the time and they got the parts on hand. You’re paying for genuine parts and techs with 20+ years experience with the same brand. The price should not be surprising.

[@jacquesc3166]

@@skidcraft1998 What the heck do you think my 900 Canadian for an OEM rad was? Joe's Shop??? 😅 Myers Orleans Nissan, since Fall 2016. G37xS >>>> Camry, now that I know my ownership cost is inferior... and mine is a 2013 🤣

[@flameazaleas]

growing up, my family had an '07 highlander hybrid. i think we got within the ballpark of 300,000 miles out of it before it overheated (which likely could've been prevented, and the car would probably still be running today had we kept a better eye on things). my own car, an '09 corolla, has upwards of 300,000 miles now, and just recently made a move from virginia to arizona. still going strong, too.

[@romulus_]

amazing. just got home yesterday and my dad mentioned he bought a car from my uncle. this exact car in this exact color.

[@cpear760]

"...and because he bought a Toyota, I don't get to see my Dad anymore." 🤣😂🤣

[@leadfootgarage]

I"ve had two of them, an AWD 4 cylinder 06 and I'm still driving my 2wheel, 6 cylinder 07 with 190K. The 06 had the transfer case issue. That wa the only problem with the 06. Wonderful cars!

[@md2k8]

A different vehicle to buy other than the first-generation Toyota Highlander will be the second-generation Honda Pilot, the third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander with the 3 L V6 engine and the six-speed automatic transmission or the third-generation Kia Sorento with the 3.3 L V6 engine. These are also great vehicles to buy, as well. Thank you very much again.

[@dereks9012]

I used the walker brand converter after mine was stolen off my accord and it has worked flawlessly for 2 years.

[@Eriksmrereviewsandmore]

Soon as you mentioned the kind of lights that were lit up on the dashboard I figured that it was catalytic converters , I had bought a Lexus ES 330 about 7 years ago that had a great car fax history and seemed like a great car for me to buy... after owning it for a week or so I got those lights and found out that the cats were bad and the price to replace them , on top of that the transmission would down shift randomly for no reason so I sold that and got a 2000 s80 T6 for $750 and haven't had many problems with it , and it's easier to work on compared to the Lexus that I had.

[@mackenzieelson3742]

Volvo easier to work on than Lexus? No way

[@Eriksmrereviewsandmore]

@@mackenzieelson3742 Yes they are .. for me they are . Either way I should've never bought that Lexus . And I wasn't about to put that kind of money into a car with over 200,000 miles on it.

[@MikeKayK]

@@Eriksmrereviewsandmore You got unlucky with a bad vehicle. Maybe the signs were there and you missed them. It happens. The ES 330 is almost exactly the same mechanically as a Camry, and just about as durable and reliable. In general, Lexus cars are some of the most reliable out there because they're Toyotas with more soundproofing, leather and wood. Much more so than modern Volvos. Most people are very, very happy with their Lexus.

[@robmalcolm8042]

I’m not sayying aftermarket or junkyard is the way to go but it’s just so much cheaper if your trying to save or even rebuilt spending this much money on something that always eventually goes bad and costs a lot of miney

[@scoschegn]

I have 2 of these generation Highlanders. They have been the most reliable vehicles I have owned. They are boring to drive, but that is not why I bought them. Although I am know I have been on borrowed time for quite a while, my 06 Hybrid Highlander has over 295,000 miles with the original main hybrid battery. It is starting to rust a bit, but so far the rust is only cosmetic. I am going to drive this until the battery finally gives up the ghost. I am surprised is hasn't already.

[@GrayRaceCat]

The rust will likely kill the 06 Hybrid Highlander before the battery does.

[@kade_kam_dad]

Wish I had an honest mechanic like you over here. We have a lot of incompetent ones that always try to rip you off. Los Angeles what do you expect. 😂

[@midiman5045]

2k Is cheaper than a used or new car. Also he knows all about this car accidents service records. If you ask me it's a no brainier to spent the money on it.

[@jamesshaw194]

Both the V6 and I4 are very well designed, engineered, and very well manufacture red so with planned and preventative maintenance (read: Fluids and filters) performed it is possible to get a decade or two of reliable transportation and performance. Our minimum has been 12 years before anything of note was required from either an ES300 or an ES350.😀

[@travissheehan6082]

Ive found SEVERAL toyotas/lexuses with these codes and it has been a pinhole in the exhaust right before the cat every time lol. Literally weld it up or even slather muffler cement on the hole and it’s fixed.

[@EverythingInterceptor]

I had an 05 Highlander 3.3 with over 345k miles. It looked rough but ran like a dream.

[@MikeKayK]

Original transmission? My 2006 only has 103k on it, engine runs like new but trans is shifting rough unless you get the RPM's/throttle just right.

[@EverythingInterceptor]

@@MikeKayK yep. Both original.

[@MikeKayK]

@@EverythingInterceptor do you drive hard or gently? She seems to drive better the harder I push her.

[@robmalcolm8042]

The most reliable transmission from Toyota is the hybrids tranny Ecvt. That thing doesn’t fail I changed the fluid at 237,000 it was black and never changed! and that did nothing to it unlike what may happen to a auto that wasn’t changed. Only other transmission as reliable is a manual but even that has stuff that breaks more than a Ecvt

[@WillThat]

My 15' VW Golf had the whole dash light up, ABS light, TPMS light, Airbag light, traction control light, some sort of steering light. It disabled cruised control and the electric power steering... For a wheel speed sensor.

[@felixbaum48]

Hybrid models often have lots of crazy lights and behaviors as battery health starts to falter. Replacement cells brought mine back to life for another 100k trouble free miles!

[@robmalcolm8042]

Hybrids in a way are just more reliable. Full electric does avoid cattys and other things that break but it’s not there yet but if Toyota improves their electric suvs eventually it’ll be good get. Hybrids transmissions are bulletproof tho

[@evoman44]

I had read of a case of s guy that bought a used Camry hybrid with a bad battery for cheap. Since he had a nack in fixing electrical issues he decided to take the risk. He first tested every cell and found them all in working order. But when tested at the main battery terminals he would get a bad reading. He then discovered it was due to corrosion on some of the battery connectors. After cleaning them up the battery was outputting power normally.

[@felixbaum48]

Score!@@evoman44 Find me one!

[@stoneyj1a1]

I have a 2010 Highlander with 240K. I hope to hit 300. The exhaust issue is bs. These Toyotas hardly pollute as it is. I cheated the emissions system before so i didn't have to pay 2k for my old Avalons exhaust. The Toyota V6 is awesome.

[@mgjmiller1995]

6:39 Similar example: 2010 Subaru Forester, CEL on, Traction Control light on, cruise flashing (unusable) = P0420 code '_ operating below efficiency.' Yep, it was the original cats dying on me. Replacement at the family shop I trust in the Midwest Spring 2023 was $1550

[@risinbison1106]

I’m starting to see companies that rebuild cats at a greatly reduced price compared to new. Wizard, or anyone else, ever used this service or had any knowledge about it?

[@bankait_rex1860]

Driving a corolla right now 2003 173,000 and still solid Toyota is the brand if you want no nonsense.

[@henriknilsson7851]

I had a 2012 Subaru Forrester that threw up a ton of lights, it even disabled the cruise control! It was all because it wanted a new gas cap. The automakers need to stop this kind of crap.

[@TakuroSpirit77]

I had a 1998 Crown Vic that did the same thing. Its nothing new, its mostly to protect the engine and environment.

[@williamegler8771]

The automakers are under government mandate to control emissions and because of that vehicles are designed for systems to shut down until the emissions are corrected. People will drive around for months with a check engine light on and exceeding emissions limits with the vehicle running fine but disable the A/C or cruise control and they are at the shop.

[@juststeve5542]

I had a dashboard of of warnings, everything from ABS failure to engine warning and limp mode... Is was a dry soldier joint in the back of the instrument cluster. (Thanks lead free solder!)

[@HypocriticYT]

I only am concerned with the upstream 02 sensor that reads rich or lean conditions. They have nothing to do with the cats

[@houseofno]

Actually on '96 and later vehicles, there are always at least two O2 sensors, and YES they have EVERYTHING to do with the cats. It's an anti-tampering mechanism. OBD II compares the two readings to make sure that both the upstream and downstream cats are working. If there's an error, or a larger than normal deviation between the two, it trips the CEL, and no, chances are, your cheap $100 code reader is probably not going to be able to reset those.

[@darrellsaunders4267]

125K....just broke in....

[@50zoomie]

Wonderful engine, timing belt in 3.3 whereas newer 3.5 has a chain and more HP. Otherwise I loved the 3.3 and it will do anything the later 3.5 will do. Toyota's warning lights are weird, lots of things light up for lots of different problems.

[@elGamiReal]

I put 60,000 miles on my mom's 04 Sienna and my county didn't do inspections. We took the cats off and drove the last 30k without them. I was getting 33 mpg on the highway! The rest of the car fell apart and some junkyard may have put the engine and transmission in something else by now.

[@elGamiReal]

The catalytic converter was fusing to the heat shield and was blue when it was pulled down. The exhaust was probably bouncing around due to the failing suspension at the time.

[@keithbellair9508]

Junk.. my mustang gt will smoke that garbage

[@purpldream5743]

I have a 2004 highlander awd 3.3 with 400k miles super clean and a pretty nice older suv besides i have a constant intermittent miss fire. replaced plugs / injectors so far with no solution. you reset the dash and it runs perfect for about 3 minutes

[@jacquesc3166]

Whatever Dave, "not a museum piece" is just one end of the long running, 10+ year old daily drivers. I live in the Canadian rust belt, yet I'd put up my no-body-rust '13 G sedan w/ 120K miles against any 10 year old daily and she'd get the compliments. There is a GAF level where one can make their old daily look nice. I'm there.

[@walter.bellini]

Thanks for the nice video Would like to see if you can do a video of when a bolt breaks, what the process is to get it out. That would be helpful to see, different type of screw/bolt removals. Thank you

[@kylesnyder9452]

The knock sensors on my 01 highlander are driving me batty. These FWD/AWD v6’s are such a pain to work on!

[@towhee7472]

I once thought my power steering was busted, but it was just a dead battery that couldn't disengage the locking mechanism anymore :D

[@jeffreysmall8902]

My Honda has 128000 miles on it still runs great

[@towhee7472]

@@jeffreysmall8902 No it doesn't.

[@catfishakaAMC]

If I got a quote for $2k I'd cover the light with a piece of black tape. If they weren't clogged and making it only go 30mph, P0420 only means the converters are working at less than 97% efficiency. I'm sure I work at less than 97% efficiency too, and I'm not worried about it.

[@Mr.Pop0]

Can you imagine a 20 yr old car with just 3% inefficiency? The nerve!

[@thomasgilbert4131]

Excellent video as always. You should bring your dad on the channel and introduce him to everyone. Sounds like he has the time.

[@dylanjk5946]

luckily in a state with no emmisions id never fix a p0420 code

[@tinystar3010]

I just had one of these, mine was a 2004 V6 with 161k. It had problem after problem after problem... I got rid of it a few months ago getting tired of repair bills. Got an 05 Honda Element now with 182k miles and no issues whatsoever. I no longer believe in the Toyota reliability myth. Had more issues with mine than any other car I've ever owned.

[@gt7150]

No myth

[@gt7150]

You just got a lemon, if even true

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

It is a myth. Only good one was early 90s Geo prism with Toyota motor and Chevrolet body but nobody wants to drive 30 year old cars.

[@crimesguy]

It was the first year the 3MZ was used in Toyota, but not an excuse either, given that it was supposed to improve over the 1MZ. I do think Toyota reliability meme makes it harder to find good examples that aren't thrashed because "it's a Toyota" as well. That sucks man. Meanwhile my 01 Accord shot a rod at 165k miles and I went to Toyota lol. Granted I got 8 years out of a $4000 car that barely needed anything, so there's something to be said for that!

[@Steverz32]

Brother has an element & that car has a cult following 👍 just went with him to a NorCal/SoCal get together & it was pretty cool 😎 👍

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

I just dropped off my 09 Vibe GT for a O2 heater circuit warning after replacing the upside cat. We worked on it for months replacing the sensor, fuses, the ecu and nothing. Fingers crossed the mechanic can figure it out.

[@bonniebell2050]

Mr.& Mrs.Wizzard seem soo wonderful.Yall r awesome ppl. So fare n all u do.

[@gt7150]

The toyota bashers are just trolls. Not my favorite brand to drive around but they go forever with little maintenance. 262, 000 on this beat up 2005 that I use. Runs and shifts perfectly.

[@danwake4431]

my 2003 is the 3.0L and has all the warning lights on. It's just for an 02 sensor though. havent gotten around to replacing it yet, it's rusted in pretty good. but its been a great backup vehicle. if i take it on a couple short drives i make sure to take it on a long drive on the next trip to get things good and hot. I got it at 120k i think, i rolled the dice and had the trans fluid replace, got lucky this time and it didnt ruin the trans. had the timing belt water pump and cam and crank seals done. i change the oil every 6 months regardless of miles. In fact I took mine to the valvoline shop because they had a 50% off coupon, and they were scratching their heads "you only put a thousand miles on it since the last oil change, you sure you want to change it?' yes! changing oil is cheap maintenance and toyotas espeically newer ones need the oil changed regularly. These old 3.0 and 3.3 can be beaten on and take it but still, id like it to last as long as possible. But im happy to drive with these engine lights on. The first time they came on it said rear 02, so i changed that, lights when off for a week, came back on and said front 02. lol. its probably going to be one thing or another.

[@Mark-wp4lw]

Living in a state with no emissions (not sure about Kansas), I'd use the old spark plug non-fouler trick. If the vehicle is running okay, he probably just wants the light to go off.

[@jhs0108]

My dad had an 03 Sienna with 250k miles on it. At 200k they spent 1500 for a new battery and alternator plus towing. Then at 250k, the catalytic converter died and did the check engine light dance. Of course this happened right before NJ inspection was due and in NJ check engine is automatic failure. Mechanic wanted 3k for the converter and already had charged my dad 600 for replacing o2 sensors that were fine. He bartered it off to some guy who fixed our gutters in exchange for the car.

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@jhs0108 gotta love it when vehicles get their lifespan cut in half by those state car inspections. Those that are under 25 years old. It sounds good on paper, but I’ve heard of countless stories of people getting upselled on things they don’t even need. I mean it sucks how they only care about making a buck. And they claim they do the inspections, because it “reduces” the accidents. But doesn’t seem to me that the car crashes have decreased in the last couple of years in most states. I call BS on that one. Good thing I’m a British Columbia Canadian resident, happy canadians, no inspections to do every year. Don’t like the road salt but I rinse it off my car so I’ll be fine. But I feel bad for you & the people that have been up sold something you don’t need.

[@RetroCaptain]

​@@Blakecryderman7244Ontario used to have it. Had to junk an otherwise perfect running and clean stink free exhaust and efficient 1983 or 84 (I forgot) Volkswagen because a tiny exhaust recirculation pipe had a rust spot and the part was fairly expensive and my mechanic said it wasn't worth it (had a rust spot at the back that concerned him and said it would be expensive as well so junk it. Today it would be peanuts to fix both vs buying anything used or new. Had I kept it i could drive it today.

[@happysnackers]

I own an 07 Highlander 3.3L with over 226k on it, original engine and transmission (of course), and mine also recently had a malfunction within the emissions system, wasn't the cat but rather it had a small evap leak, I put a locking fuel cap on it and when that didn't fix it I took it to a shop and they replaced like 5 hoses under the hood which fixed the problem, also just got the timing belt done, the AC recharged and when it was time to get new tires, I put on some slightly bigger Lionhart Lionclaw ATx2 235 70R16s. It's hardly an offroad vehicle, especially since mine is just a FWD model, but they definitely make it look more like an offroad vehicle which I like. Overall, I can't complain considering it just keeps running and I've only done the basic maintenance and fixed things when they've broken.

[@chunjee]

Ack maybe I should have held onto the 4cyl 2.4L version a bit longer

[@houseofno]

From the extra strange world of "'eccentric customer' economics" - customer will drop over two grand on catalytic converter replacement and exhaust work, but won't spend $20 on a DIY car wash and vacuum job to get their filthy car camera ready. Thanks for uploading this video, Car Wizard.

[@dam4274]

I have an 06 with 147,000. Runs great but looks like hell; poor thing lives outside. My temperature has always been perfect. I have steering issues on mine.

[@MikeKayK]

What kind of steering issues? My 06 has the intermediate shaft jiggle, I've been procrastinating on taking it in for a replacement shaft.

[@architjones3280]

2001 camry xle still kicking. That code has been on for 5yrs. Just drive it lol

[@MrScrosb]

The Catalytic converters were cut out of my wifes sequoia, the check engine light goes on and off after I replaced with cheap catalytic converters because I was poor. I got it inspected several years in a row by replacing the MAF, but I think the o2 sensors are our now and the check engine light is on continually.

[@einfeldt777]

Cats on modern car, yet another reason why I drive a Volvo 1800, no computers, and it is super simple to keep running. 🤗

[@jamesardrey1069]

toyotas throw that code over anything it doesn't like with the exhaust, not always a bad cat. I replaced the entire exhaust on my lexus, cats included, and because the o2 sensors are not OEM, it still has these same warnings despite the cat working fine and it always passing emissions tests

[@gt7150]

Yeah... those cats probably still work ok. They look bad on the outside, but ... so many times it has turned out to be something small for me

[@Land_Raver]

All that reliability doesnt matter much if it rusts away before the engine gives out.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

Typical Japanese cars.

[@mikep490]

True, but in great condition if it's an Ohio car.

[@hokie9910]

Go over to South Main Auto and see what he has to say as he works on cars in New York, I think you will rethink your statement after listening to his opinions especially on anything GM.

[@Broadshore]

2k for the Cats man.. I'll be honest? I have a 06 Sienna. I actually dread for the day I have to replace those Cats. Thank god it's not that day yet..

[@lloydrodriguez9997]

Wizard, as a professional shade tree mechanic could you relocate a suitable aftermarket CATs further down the system and get the same results? Cut out the existing CATs replace with pipe and extend O2 sensor wiring?

[@thomasharris5151]

That’s a GREAT question!!!! I hope he answers

[@michaeld2799md]

I never understood why this generation of Toyotas would trigger the Traction control and VSC lights when The check engine light is triggered. I always have to explain to my friends with these cars but it’s usually not a big deal. Also the 3.3 3MZ-FE V6 is in my opinion a Top 5 Toyota motor.

[@RichiPuppi]

It’s to get people in to get it fixed. If it was just the cel, they just ignore it. GM even takes away your AC with it on.

[@gt7150]

At some point in history someone that it was being cautious to auto disable traction control if the check engine light comes on. The new ones probably still do it. I know up to 2012 does.

[@TheMostUt]

Here's another oddball issue to add to your list: 00 Accord 3.0L. Intake tube gets old, dry rotted, cracks. I don't want unfiltered air in the engine, so I order a replacement (at this point discontinued through OEM) online. Some time after installation (a few days, actually) strange whining whistling noise, MIL and TCS illuminated, reduced power. Short version, the replacement part was not completed, the valve cover breather tube port had not been drilled out, it was simply plugged. Drilled the port out, normal power, TCS and MIL turn off, all good. So strange that 1. the hole never got punched out, and 2. that it caused soo many issues (one really, but half a christmas tree) including timing retarded too far, traction control turning off, EGR codes. Just shows to go ya, sometimes things aren't always what they seem.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

Those catalytic converters can be bought on Rock Auto for right at $200 each.

[@robmalcolm8042]

Yeah some mechanics charge for quality parts and quality work so I mean you guna get those two sometimes. Or the one who will just weld it for cheaper lol

[@donaldwilson2620]

Are those prices for 49 state converters or for all 50 states? I ask because California often uses different converters for California only cars because of California's more stricter emissions standards compared to the other states.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix]

@@donaldwilson2620 they have dofferent ones but they're all pretty much in the $200-$300 range

[@scott9676]

I had some stupid sensor under the engine on my gen 2 fail and the cruise control stopped working in the middle of a trip. Fortunately it just needed an oil change.

[@waynehill9825]

It is possible to adjust rear o2 sensor and not replace the converters as long as they aren’t broken up inside . It will put the engine light out.

[@MikeKayK]

The V6 is a more reliable & durable motor than the 4 cylinder. The Limited model has controls on the (leather) steering wheel. My 2006 V6 AWD Limited has touchscreen navi, heated seats, upgraded sound system, 3rd row, etc. These things are tanks.

[@jdub976]

This ones worth it. Great engine and trans in that thing. Great daily beater will prob run great for many years.

[@Kevin19700]

Not a good idea using different tire brands on an AWD vehicle. Could cause damage to the transfer case. At least that’s what I have heard over the years.

[@envisionelectronics]

Different tire sizes not brands lol

[@blaketindle4703]

Are you not gonna do a video on the red 1990 Lotus Esprit?

[@garyi8608]

If can get quality aftermarket catalytic converters with a lifetime warranty even is probably the best way to go.

[@mlyssy2]

Because I have a check engine light that comes and goes and is for the catalytic converter on my 2005 Honda Pilot this video really caught my attention. I was wondering if anyone with this particular make, model and year, the first Pilot model, not necessarily the same year, has anyone had this same issue (the check engine light coming on and going off for the catalytic converter) and is it the converter itself or the sensor? I usually only leave comments on The Wizard’s channel praising him for his excellent work (or Mrs. Wizard’s!) or for being just been so good at putting up with Hoovie’s B.S. 😂😂😂!! This time I’m really in need of somebody’s help because that’s really money I don’t have to blow on just throwing parts at something and hoping the light will turn off. I let my Parents use it a couple of weekends ago to go out of town for their anniversary and they got pulled over for the tags being out (btw, did anyone know that Texas DPS have cameras hooked up to a computer in their cars now that can read your license plate numbers when they’re stopped and you’re doing 70 mph on the freeway? CRAZY!!!) I have got to get this fixed because I also don’t have the money to pay for their ticket or any I could possibly accrue before getting it fixed and inspected. PLEASE HELP!!!

[@manofsheerawsomness]

Had the same code same issue on my 2002 Toyota Tacoma with the 2.7 3RZFE. 1 CAT was bad, if it had been federal, its $100 for parts. But in California (the worst state) the parts alone were $1,000, had it been dealer they wanted $2,000. Labor was another $300. I paid, and kept the truck for several more years, Toyotas are worth it.

[@aaronritzenthaler]

VSC is the biggest pain! Replaced mine on my 09 tundra twice now.

[@randy74989]

Exactly folks, are you listening. Buy a Toyota or Lexus hybrid and maintain it. Just like the Car Wizard, Scotty Kilmer, and The Car Care Nut recommend. It took me a while to come back to Toyota after 2001, but I did after two Fords and two European luxury cars. I now I have a 2023 Lexus ES300h hybrid, Ultra Luxury trim with additional options and dealer add-ons. Love the vehicle and get 42+ MPG in the City.

[@MarzNet256]

The two grand is a major bummer but it is money well spent for that vehicle. I had an intermittent p0420 that set under high engine loads and using AC (steep hills could also trigger it). Checked O2 sensors: Upstream switching normally, but the downstream sensor was running lean..turned out to be a bad donut exhaust gasket at the manifold. Car is a 2006 Toyota Matrix 4WD with 216,000 miles.

[@chrisdarke]

My FJ Cruiser did exactly the same thing.. was on the highway and suddenly traction control system showed error and it was torrential rain so I was obviously quite worried, a bit frustrating that the error is so unrelated,.. also frustrating that it was actually bad gasoline that the government didn't quality control from China that ruined it and it was impossible to get any sort of compensation!

[@Kevin09210]

My 2016 Jeep grand cherokee with the v6 had this same issue and the original cats from Mopar were like 1500 dollars for each. I just went and bought a set of Walker cats made for my car at 340 each on RockAuto. Its been 5 months since that repair and no issues so far. I hope it stays that way. I still have the original cats. I might try to clean them inside and see if that could be usable again sometime if needed.

[@DylanL69]

You need to buy converters from toyota for that and they're expensive but better quality then aftermarket

[@MJA5]

It’s worth the two grand to get her tip top for another few years

[@jerrykorman7770]

With how crazy even used car prices are, absolutely

[@czechmate6916]

I absolutely agree. If it was mine I’d repair it.

[@NoBody-xx6ii]

said mo sensible person ever

[@dentmastersofnymichael3316]

These last well over 3-4 hundred thousand miles well maintained. There is more than a few years left in her.

[@2006gtobob]

In today's stupidly insane world of overpriced cars, it really pays off to keep otherwise good cars rolling down the road. I hope the owner really does the other maintenance, especially the brakes.

[@alfonsoreyes9179]

I have an 04 with the 4 cylinder and it’s awesome, 177k miles with no rust 😁

[@i_Nihil_i]

Yea subaru turns off the cruise. Emissions was coming up, so I had to do it. It took forever doing it myself, but the cat and the o2 sensors were like $800 instead of $3000

[@proudtexan5513]

Wizard, do you think the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 2.4 turbo engine will last many, many years or at least 200,000 plus miles?

[@HypocriticYT]

Very little rust. I’m in a rust belt where frames rot out.

[@adotintheshark4848]

A tiny dab of JB Weld will fix that plate. It'll stay on until you want to take it off.

[@anuj68]

I wish someone respected me the way car wizard respects toyotas

[@Travelingcarguy1]

I had a 2000 Toyota Avalon with a check engine light (p0420) on since 130k miles and drove the car to 350k miles and it drove normally. Florida doesn’t require emissions so I was good

[@rgbigdog]

That passenger side engine mount looked very corroded with rust.

[@agostinodibella9939]

This is one reason I would shy away from a front drive V6 engine car.

[@MikeKayK]

What car would you prefer instead? Because I bet that one will have known issues and be less reliable overall. Remember, this V6 has a much better reputation for longevity than the inline-4 that this car also came with. At the end of the day, this car has been rock solid for 18 years and still has plenty of life left. The difficult access to the rear bank is a minor gripe compared with the common issues most other non-V6 FWD cars will have (especially if they're from a brand other than Toyota).

[@agostinodibella9939]

@@MikeKayK I would prefer a 4 cylinder car because they would be easier to service such as spark plugs

[@MikeKayK]

@@agostinodibella9939 Toyota V6 is more reliable than many 4 cylinder cars and they don't need spark plugs til 100k

[@houseofno]

Has nothing to do with it being a front wheel drive or a V6 engine. Has everything to do with it having more than six figure mileage and being an old vehicle. These issues are not unique to either front wheel drive vehicles or even V6 engines.

[@justinpaone2227]

that may be true now but my 80's and 90's toyotas ran forever but also leaked everything. valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, trans pan gasket. and if your going to do a timing belt, plan on cam shaft seals as well. I once had a timing belt come apart from oil saturation. it didn't break, it shreaded to bits and pieces. 94 camry 3 lt v6. for those who go back and forth about wether or not it's an interfearance engine, its not. how do I know? because when your engine dies you try to start it. no bangs, no clanks, no damage. new water pump. tensioner, cam seals, idler, and timing belt all from toyota $250 in parts, 4 hours of labor on my part, not bad. sold it with 310000 on the clock.

[@Klr81976]

O2 sensor and AF sensor spacers, clear the light and off to auction she goes.

[@mvc2177]

Currently trying to sort out a p0300 code on my 06 highlander hybrid. Also the AC system in this car is terrible to maintain.

[@bobthrasher8226]

Nice condition! Well, except for some moderate rust.

[@jayc3110]

Wizard , You could have tried something before resorting to the very expensive catalytic converter replacements. Add A few bottles of cataclean and drive it several 100 miles. It worked for me. I also know of instances where half a gallon of paint thinner was added to the fuel tank and also driven a couple of hundred miles. Those things worked!. It was worth a try, but you did not suggest it to the owner! I'm surprised. Thanks and best wishes.

[@jtfoog5220]

That’s because a reputable mechanic would never pour shit in the motor that isn’t supposed to be there

[@jtfoog5220]

@@Dankcatvacs where do you think the gas goes once you put it in the gas tank? Lmfao the fact you wrote this comment

[@jayc3110]

@@jtfoog5220 Scotty Kilmer is a world-renowned and legendary mechanic. He has recommended this on older cars, to avoid huge catalytic converter replacement cost. I'm sure you're familiar with Scotty Kilmer? You will find several videos of his that actually use this method, and sometimes it is possible for a catalytic converter to be cleaned out. Check out his videos with an intelligent search. Best wishes

[@jayc3110]

FYI..... Scotty Kilmer is a world-renowned and legendary mechanic. He has recommended this on older cars, to avoid huge catalytic converter replacement cost. I'm sure you're familiar with Scotty Kilmer? You will find several videos of his that actually use this method, and there are some videos showing that it is sometimes possible for a catalytic converter cleaned and put back in the car . Check out his videos on this topic with an intelligent search. Best wishes

[@houseofno]

@@jayc3110 This is not a universal fix for all catalytic converter issues. Your prescribed snake-oil treatment isn't going to undo thousands of miles of neglect or abuse, and it's not going to reverse the chemical depletion of the rare metals that make a catalytic converter work. Nor will it fix thousands of miles of deferred maintenance, missed oil changes, bad or cheap fuel, or years of mechanical deterioration from previous car owners who didn't care about who would have to pay for their laziness further down the road. This treatment may clean internal "dirt" inside the catalytic converter, but that's ALL it's going to do. Scotty Kilmer isn't responsible for his viewers having unrealistic expectations, and I don't blame HIM for this fantasy YOU have concocted promoting this as a blanket cure-all for catalytic converter failures.