1996 OBD2 Camry P0420

[dnsherrill]

my g/f failed her emissions test, pulled a P0420, the explanation looks like THIS...1996 Camry 4cyl 240k orig miles; odd thing is the CEL didn't appear until while the test was being performed, coincidence I guess; it's not misfiring, oil contamination (gel) is unknown but possible, it runs good but has had a sig oil leak for some time now
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She doesn't want to buy another car, so I've done some research and my initial plan is to:
- replace O2 sensors, drive a few hundred miles and see if the light goes away
-if the CEL remains, replace the CAT
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input is appreciated

 

[chris2523]

clear the code, perform the drive cycle, see if the light comes back.

 

[dnsherrill]

my Ford xcal2 won't clear the code, will just disconnecting/reconnecting the (-) Bat clear it? she's driven about 270 miles since it first appeared, light's still there

 

[chris2523]

yeah, pulling the battery should. i'm not sure on the time needed though.