Dazzlin714

anyone else with this problem? one of my mechanics told me it could be the cat converter and another said it could be the o2 sensor. i need to pass my smog test. i d/c the battery (attempting to reset the check engine light) and tried to pass but failed the computer test.

Dazzlin714

another question... how would i reset the check engine light?

Turbowa

Better question, what code did you get if it was a P0420 or P0490 Cat. deterioration then you will have to replace both the cat and the o2 sensor.

Dazzlin714

that i don't know.. where can i get someone to check the code for free? would autozone be able to do that?

eauto

How many miles on the car and have you noticing any symptoms ??

Dazzlin714

i have 140k miles. The weird thing is that the light goes on and then off after xxx miles driven. it started coming on at around 80k, but the dealer didnt fix it because it was over 60k which did not cover the warranty. 2 years ago, i passed the smog test fine (luckily at that time, the check engine light went off on its own) yesterday, the mechanic says i passed the smog test, but not the 'computer part' .

Dazzlin714

i hope and do not think its the cat because it cost a lot for the obd2 cars (so ive heard) and if the car actually passed the emissions part of the smog test, shouldnt it be the 02 sensor in the worse case? the cat is not polluting or else i would have failed the emissions part of the test ... correct me if im wrong

after doing some research, some other 6th gen accords reported similar problems.. they have done pcv valve replacements, egr valve, and just tune ups to TRY to correct the problem

Sam5

Go to Autozone or Advance Auto Parts. Those guys will check the trouble codes for you. Once you get to trouble code you can search this forum or google it to find out what the problem is.

Dazzlin714

ok, ill do that later today. thanks for all the advice so far

6thgenAkorn

you reset your check engine light by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, then tapping your brake petal while the battery is still disconnected. Then connect the negative terminal back up and turn your car on, light should be gone.

Dazzlin714

^ does that only reset it temporarily? i d/c both neg and pos .. the light went off temporarily (1day) and came back on

JimBlake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dazzlin714 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">^ does that only reset it temporarily? i d/c both neg and pos .. the light went off temporarily (1day) and came back on</TD></TR></TABLE>No, what happens is the problem is still there & the light sets itself back on. It'll stay off when you've fixed the problem.

Dazzlin714

sorry for the confusion.. but what im trying to ask is if there is a way to get the light off & be able to pass the smog test? it did not work but d/c both neg & pos from battery .. computer test failed, but emissions passed

JimBlake

I guess it all depends on what the error code really is. When you get Autoxone to read it, let us know. Get the code #, because sometimes their explanation for the reason is a little creative. It might be easiest to just fix whatever's broke.

Elvis1977

Its's either 1) cat. converter needs replacement or 2) o2 sensor.

I have 98 accord and ran into the same problem. I had to replace both before 100k.

JimBlake

Turbowa is the one who mentioned P0420 or P0490. I wanna know what code is showing on Dazzlin's car before saying it's the cat...

There's a sticky thread at the top of the Integra forum with a list of all the different possibilities.

Dazzlin714

i dont understand how my car can pass the emissions smog test and the problem still be the cat. sometimes, i think its the mechanics that are trying rip us off. they quoting around 700 for a new factory cat, while aftermarket ranges from 400.

im gon get the code after work today

JimBlake

Just as a dumb example, there's a few codes related to the EVAP system. That controls evaporation from the gas tank. It could be something as simple as a disconnected vacuum hose from the charcoal canister which is roughly below the left-rear seat. They can't measure that at the tailpipe so the car passes that part of the test...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dazzlin714 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... sometimes, i think its the mechanics that are trying rip us off...</TD></TR></TABLE>If you wanna rant about something, think about the lawmakers who put this system in place. I don't think the auto mechanics organized themselves & insisted to the EPA that these things be required.

Dazzlin714

thanks.. i didnt mean to rant about anything.. just that this smog thing has became so complicated for me.. im just tryin to get it done asap

accord91lx

this is what you should do. GET THE CODE. once you get the code, you will know for a FACT what the computer says is wrong, and not what people on here THINK is going on. Hell i could sit here and spit out **** like oh maybe your VSS is out. Well until YOU check the code, you wont know. None of these people know what the problem is with your car, short of actually standing infront of it, or you posting a code. check the code, POST THE CODE, and we will be able to help you. The problem could be completely NOT emissions related, or it could be. It could be anything. Just get the code(s), post them, and we will then be able to assist you.

philadd

btw, if you want to reset the check engine light, without having to disconnect everything else, you can pull the clock backup fuse (located in passenger side fuse box).

Dazzlin714

i will get the code at around 430 or so.. ill be back..

btw: if i reset the code by unplugging that, would i pass smog?

Dazzlin714

Ok i got the code..

P0420

i checked the for what the code means and here are the possible problems

1-cat engine misfire
2-vacuum leak
3-engine oil in exhaust valve, guide seals, piston ring

philadd

if you reset the ecu without fixing the problem, the code will come back pretty quick, if not right away. so, you'll need to fix it before you'll pass smog.

Stripped Honda

that code means that the cat is bad ... the cat on this car is expencive i believe list price is around 630.00 but if i were you i would look around for a used one they are easy to change so you can probally do it yourself


you can clear the code and try to take it to the smog man but in california the computer they use can read if you have cleared a code so they know right away that your car has a problem ... after you get the new one drive the car around for 2 days before taking it to get retested or they will fail you again ...