Notices
Honda Prelude All Model Preludes

Check-engine light...Code P0420

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-07-2009, 06:53 PM
  #26  
Honda-Tech Member
 
92civlude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

That was for slomofo. HONDAPARTSMANMIKE knows his stuff!
Old 01-07-2009, 08:12 PM
  #27  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Lovemy99Lude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Originally Posted by 92civlude
A Worn out engine will damage a cat! So does that mean he should replace his engine? Fact is, the ECU tested the cat and it failed. And if the car is running too rich or too lean there would have been other codes stored, In my experience as a Honda master tech, I know this car needs a new cat and I would check the coil and igniter as the probable cause of premature cat failure. Hey, maybe the cat failed because its a crap cat! Seen that too.
I can tell you one thing thats not true about my car...the engine isn't worn out at 105K. Original engine and miles. I do believe the cat is the original too, so it probably has gone to the *******. If there isn't a exhaust leak before the cat, and the CEL still comes back on after a while with the same code, then Im sure my catalytic converter needs replaced.
Old 01-07-2009, 08:19 PM
  #28  
Honda-Tech Member
 
92civlude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Cool! replace the cat with a Honda part and it will last another 105,000 miles
Old 01-07-2009, 08:21 PM
  #29  
GDD Member
iTrader: (1)
 
slomofo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SL,UT
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Originally Posted by 92civlude
A Worn out engine will damage a cat! So does that mean he should replace his engine? Fact is, the ECU tested the cat and it failed. And if the car is running too rich or too lean there would have been other codes stored, In my experience as a Honda master tech, I know this car needs a new cat and I would check the coil and igniter as the probable cause of premature cat failure. Hey, maybe the cat failed because its a crap cat! Seen that too.
Wow, so Honda Master Techs no longer check cars? They just change whatever part the scanner shows? That's nice to know.

Scenario: 97 Civic with auto trans and cat on the exhaust manifold comes in with a huge crack in the manifold and has a code P0420 (Accord/Civic with broken manifolds are extremely common). There's no O2 sensor code, only a P0420. What are you going to do?

I never said the cat was not the problem, it could very well be the problem, but you can't rule out all other possibilities.
Old 01-07-2009, 08:31 PM
  #30  
Honda-Tech Member
 
92civlude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Damn! Its like im trying to teach a monkey how to read. A leak in front of the cat will not create the same waveform on the rear O2 sensor! Its just not possible. The ECU expects a flatter waveform at the secondary O2. If the front O2 LT fuel trim is more than 100, like an exhaust leak, It wont kick a P0420. Period! I dont care what you have read!
Old 01-07-2009, 09:16 PM
  #31  
GDD Member
iTrader: (1)
 
slomofo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: SL,UT
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Originally Posted by 92civlude
Damn! Its like im trying to teach a monkey how to read. A leak in front of the cat will not create the same waveform on the rear O2 sensor! Its just not possible. The ECU expects a flatter waveform at the secondary O2. If the front O2 LT fuel trim is more than 100, like an exhaust leak, It wont kick a P0420. Period! I dont care what you have read!
I'm a tech.

There's a huge Honda and a Huge Acura logo painted on our building.

We also do exhaust work.

I'll leave it at that.

PS - Your e-***** is much larger than mine.
Old 01-08-2009, 06:01 AM
  #32  
Honda-Tech Member
 
92civlude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Thanks. My toolbox is oversize too!
Old 01-09-2009, 08:14 AM
  #33  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Lovemy99Lude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

I finally had an excuse to drive my 'Lude on the freeway last night to test the CEL after reseting it. I drove 55 miles without the CEL coming on. I was sure that it would too, so maybe the CEL engine code P0420 was a faulty happening?
Old 04-28-2009, 07:12 AM
  #34  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Atomic1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

Slomofo,
I think you're the only one in this thread providing objective advice. Thank you.

Do you know why a leak before the cat causes catalyst inefficiency? I'm looking at a leak between the o2 and cat possibly causing a P0420.
Old 04-29-2009, 11:53 AM
  #35  
Junior Member
 
xTravBx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH, USA
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Check-engine light...Code P0420

From my experience, this is a clogged EGR system. This is rampant in the H22A. There was a TSB about it.

A bad/clogged cat is something you can usually feel (from lack of power) hear (poor exhaust note) and smell (rotten eggs).

The H22A at this mileage is known for a clogged EGR system. It requires you to pull the plugs by the intake manifold, clean out the system, and press in new plugs.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
drinksprite
Honda Accord (1990 - 2002)
8
09-14-2018 12:00 PM
2stroke1971
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
3
08-09-2016 03:33 PM
Bossup!
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
3
09-09-2009 07:35 PM
EF8IGHT
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
3
01-10-2006 02:52 PM
2000fbp
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
1
03-18-2004 09:12 PM



Quick Reply: Check-engine light...Code P0420



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:55 AM.