My '99 Toyota Tacoma puddle jumper Check Engine light came on. Took it
to the Phoenix dealer who charged me ninety-five dollars to tell me
the catalytic converter needs replacement. Estimate is nearly twelve
hundred dollars. I called the Toyota dealer service manager in West
Plains, Missouri, for whom I have high regard. He says they will do
the same job for just over eight hundred dollars. Being frugal and
having many building projects waiting for dollars, I pressed on. He
says no harm will be done to the engine if the converter is not
replaced. There will only be the annoyance of the light staying on. As
I intend to register the truck in Missouri, which has no smog
requirements, that is the option I choose.
He also divulged that he cannot legally remove the converter but that
some muffler shops will do that, sans service ticket.