[billder99]

In my 2012 Rav4 (AWD, 6-cyl), a bunch of dash lights came on all at once, all Brake Control System lights (4WD, HAC, ABS, DAC, etc). The Toyota dealer said it was a broken "Speed Sensor Wiring Harness", which they replaced ($425). As soon as we drove away, the lights came back on. After an hour of talk between mechanics, they decided it must be a clogged up Catalytic Converter ("this happens often", they said). They said maybe they could unclog the Cat-Conv and drove the car around for 1/2 hour, lights went off... as soon as we drove away they came back on again. Now they say we need a new catalytic-converter ($1,200).

I'm no mechanic... does this make sense? does the cost seem reasonable? the care only has 90,000 miles... is a cat-conv replacement "common" at this low mileage?

 

[mxer125]

Sounds like they are just fishing money out of you for business. You should take it to a reputable local shop, not a dealer.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[billder99]

I'm not implying that they are crooks... these guys have done good work at fair prices for us. I just don't get the connection between cat-conv and Brake Control System, and I don't understand why a cat-conv would need to be replaced after 90k miles (we use good quality gas).

 

[DL175]

It does not hurt to see another mechanic that is not a dealer to look at it. Without the codes there is no telling what is wrong.

 

[Foryota]

Bill, there shouldn’t be a need to replace the cat unless something else is drastically wrong. Sounds like they are going for guesses at your expense, despite your previous track record with them. I’d be looking for another opinion.

Given that a bunch of lights came on, did they tell you the codes which popped up? It will be helpful if you can share them here.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

I agree with the others. You need the codes read by an independent shop.
Also note that these codes seem to have a way of triggering each other. They need to be reset and the first repeat dealt with.
I've never heard of a 90K 4.3 RAV4 needing a converter. In fact I can't remember any at any mileage unless it was an oil burner I4.
A Brake Control code can be caused by an brake light switch.

And IMO, $425 is frankly outrageous to replace an at most $40 ABS speed sensor.

 

[billder99]

Great suggestions you Guys. The reciept is very detailled... but no codes are listed. I will go back to Toyota tomorrow, ask for the list of codes they got, I will ask for their explanation of how Cat-Conv relates to Brake Control System lights... thanks for the push, I'll let you all know how it goes.