Check engine light bypass

My 05 tacoma check engine light is on, and I need it smogged. The shop I took it to says the code P0430 is a trans issue and quoted me $6k for a tranny before it will smog. The light has been on for a couple years and the truck runs, drives, and shifts fine. Is it possible to disconnect or bypass the sensor or light. I don't see how the trans has anything to do with emmisions anyway, should be able to smog check an engine with no transmission as long as the engine runs clean, I would think. $6k is a nice down payment on another truck, but I love mine. Had it since 07, never had a problem.

 

P0430 is a Cat issue IIRC which would definitely mean it'll fail smog. Sounds like you need to go to another shop if they're insisting it's your transmission and nothing was mentioned about a bad cat

 

Put a piece of electrical tape over on top if you don’t think you have an issue...same thing i do to the tpms sensor

 

P0430 is not a transmission issue lol. It's a catalytic converter issue most likely, are you sure they said P0430 and not something else? If they are quoting you $6k for a new transmission for a P0430 code, run away from that shop and don't go back cause they are trying to pull one over on you.

Dunno where the OP is but if he's in a strict smog state, they plug an OBDII reader in...no hiding codes from that.

 

they will scan the truck anyway and failure of the light to illuminate is a failure also.
I know it’s hard to understand but a bad trans has a effect on mpg and emissions.
some of those trans codes will not reset even if it won’t detect a problem.
But that’s not a trans code
It needs a scan tool to reset it. Try that and drive it. You need three good global trips and then the monitors will say complete. Then if it’s not on it will pass if everything else is ok.

 

I agree.

And it’s nice of you to offer help.
Always good to see that on here.

 

Yes, I'm in Ca. They said it would most likely need a cat, but had to replace the trans first to clear that code. Then go from there. They said something about the torque converter and that it was not detachable, so I would need to replace the whole transmission. I just don't understand it. It drives fine, shifts fine, pulls my trailer fine, 4wheels great, no issues at all. Except the light. I can register in South Dakota through the mail, no emissions test. Last resort. So it is basically just a sensor issue that will completely shut me down with no way around it? I don't have the cash or the know how, can't even sell it without a smog. So I guess I just sell it for parts and ride my motorcycle. Frusterated! Thank you all for the help

 

Find a new shop.
Get a second opinion.

Nothing they said makes since to me.

 

Yep. Find another shop.

Cats can be changed without touching the transmission.

I am curious. How does the shop know the torque converter is bad when it can't be detected????? Also the whole tranny doesn't need replacement if the torque converter is bad. Sure, it may need to be pulled out of the truck for the repair.

Serious brown flag foul on that shop.

Frankly, I'd consider a trip to the local Toyota dealer and pay for a diagnostic test on the truck and tranny.

 

They are trying to upsell you on a whole new transmission job, that is some shady criminal shit they are trying to pull and it's like they aren't even trying that hard to hide it lol. That code literally has nothing to do with the transmission and they know it.

I would take @whatstcp up on his offer to help out, I'm sure it's a much smaller job than what that shop is trying to sell you on.

 

I, for one, think the name of this shop should be made public so people know to avoid it. Unless we're missing a key piece of info here, they are clearly trying to scam people coming in for basic smog check issues.

I don't know what part of CA you're in OP, but if you're anywhere near the San Gabriel area, I've been using Reliable Smog in Duarte the last several years. They are great and I highly recommend, they'll give you an honest layout of what's wrong if there is something to be addressed.

 

that shop is smoking crack

 

You should ask them to change the oil and see if they say you need a new engine first...

 

Clear the code. If it comes back immediately, look into changing O2 sensors. If it takes a while to come back, it's either a cat or a leak of sorts.