It sounds like you’re encountering a couple of common problems with your 2005 Toyota Van, and getting some confusing advice on repairs. Let’s break down these issues to help you understand what might be happening and how to approach getting them fixed.
First, let’s talk about the control arms. You mentioned getting a recommendation for control arm replacement, and it’s true that the bushings in control arms can wear out over time. When these bushings degrade, it can definitely lead to a feeling of looseness or “sloppiness” in your front end alignment and overall handling.
The dealership quote you received seems extremely high, and frankly, misrepresents the typical repair process. The official Toyota procedure does suggest removing the engine and transmission to access the control arms. However, even following this overly complicated procedure, the labor cost shouldn’t be as astronomical as you were quoted. The idea of removing the drivetrain twice for each control arm is simply incorrect and significantly inflates the labor time. Realistically, doing both control arms should be only a moderate increase in cost compared to doing just one, even if following the most time-consuming official method.
Many experienced mechanics can replace the control arms on your 2005 Toyota van without going through the extensive process of removing the engine and transmission. By carefully supporting the drivetrain and strategically unbolting necessary mounts, they can create enough access to reach the control arm bolts. It’s worth seeking a second opinion from a trusted independent mechanic who specializes in Toyota vehicles. They may have a more efficient and cost-effective approach.
Now, let’s address the sensor and catalytic converter issue. Catalytic converters are indeed expensive components. Before jumping to replacing it, it’s critical to diagnose the root cause of the problem. A failed catalytic converter is often a symptom of another underlying issue, not the primary problem itself. If you simply replace the catalytic converter without fixing what caused it to fail in the first place, you risk damaging the new converter as well.
These 3MZ-FE engines, commonly found in 2005 Toyota vans, can sometimes experience fuel delivery problems. A small, relatively inexpensive part called the fuel pressure pulsation damper, located on the fuel rail, can be a culprit. To properly diagnose this, you’ll need a scan tool that can read live data parameters and ideally graph them, not just read error codes. Specifically, you should check the long-term fuel trims for both bank 1 and bank 2 of your engine.
Ideally, the long-term fuel trim values should be similar between both banks and close to zero. Values within ±10% are generally considered acceptable, though smaller is better. However, if you see a significant difference, say 10 points or more, between the bank 1 and bank 2 fuel trims, it could indicate a sensor issue, a problem with the fuel pressure damper, or even something like an intake manifold gasket leak or a faulty fuel injector.
Getting those fuel trim readings is a crucial step in diagnosing the catalytic converter issue. Once you address the underlying problem, whether it’s a faulty sensor or the fuel damper, it’s possible that your existing catalytic converter might even recover and start functioning correctly again as the fouling clears out. However, if the catalyst has been severely overheated due to the underlying issue, replacement might unfortunately be necessary.
One more simple and inexpensive maintenance step you can take is to clean your Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. You can purchase a specialized MAF sensor cleaner spray at most auto parts stores. MAF sensors are delicate, so handle them with care, but carbon buildup on the sensor can disrupt the fuel mixture and trigger the check engine light. Cleaning the MAF sensor is a good preventative measure and can sometimes resolve sensor-related issues.
In summary, for your 2005 Toyota van, get a second opinion on the control arm replacement to avoid unnecessary engine and transmission removal labor costs. And most importantly, thoroughly diagnose the sensor/catalyst issue by checking fuel trims and considering potential fuel delivery problems before automatically replacing the expensive catalytic converter. Addressing the root cause is key to a lasting and cost-effective repair.
