OBD2 P0420

What an ordeal just to resolve this problem!!! Watch out for those Honda Dealers...they want your money.

I will make the story short as possible. My check engine light CEL came on intermittenly. I got an OBD reader from Autozone for rent. You will have to put a deposit down, but rental if free. I got an P0420 from the OBD2. You will not pass smog in California with this code even if the CEL is off. The code stays in computer memory. If you need to pass smog, like I did, clear the code in memory using OBD2, insert two bottles of Chevron gas additive, and drive 110 miles. The 110 miles will log data into the computer so it will hopefully pass smog. Cross your fingers you will pass smog.

Honda Accords have a problem with catalytic converters going out. My Accord is a 98 with 73k miles. I first took my Accord to the dealer with the code, but they said a different code came up and for me to ignore it. They still charged me $85.00.
This was in July, meanwhile I was still getting the CEL.

Several forums people have been posting that they get this code, but have not been able to resolve it. The day before bringing my Accord to the dealer, I performed a task. I removed the primary and secondary O2 sensors, wiped it clean, and reinstalled it. Don't use solvents to clean the sensors

When I got to the dealer, I showed them my OBD2 reader with the code P0420. The manager said it was the O2 sensors, but I told him I had replaced it with another one from my other car that (lying here) was from my other car. Same goes with the evaporative canister. Then, he attacked my gas cap. I told him it was 6 months old. The manager then said the cat converter was not under waranty. I reminded him that the cat has an extended waranty by Honda for 8 years or 80,000 miles and for him to check. He actually wanted me to pay for the cat. He did not have to check with Honda manufacturer. I guess after trying to get me to pay for stuff I did not need, he okay'd to replace my cat converter. After doing tons of research, I am sure replacing my cat will resolve the problem. Honda will not do a recall for the cat converter. They will wait for you to bring it in with the CEL. If you are savy enough and be able to prove it, hopefully they will change it out based on the warantty and not try to con you to buying stuff. Don't give the dealer even one dime. Good Luck!

 

You wouldn't have had all that trouble if you brought it to my dealer. 8 years or 80,000 mile is the standard emmision warranty on cats. We replace them all the time, no questions asked.

 

Depends on the dealership. I used to work at a Honda Dealership and you would be suprised at some of the **** that goes on there.

 

That emissions warranty is not from honda it is federaly mandated on the cat and the ECU of all 96 and up cars for 8yrs or 80k miles which ever comes first. And I too use to work for a honda dealer and your right they do try and pull some shaddy **** at some of them. Mine was one of them.

 

Hey, my accord is at the dealer for the exact same thing- I didn't have the hassles you had though, they agreed to replace the cat right away. One question though for you or for anyone- Did you notice any symptoms? My accord shifts weirdly now- specifically when I slow down from say 50 down to 20mph and then get back on the gas (like if a light was red and then turned green before I got there) the car revs to high before 2nd gear kicks in, resulting in a jerk. Do you have any symptoms besides the CEL??

 

Hey wrxvt...did you reset the ECU when they replaced it? If you still got that code floating around it mind be screwing up your shift points.

Yeah, a bad dealorship is as bad as it gets because everything (including labor) cost so damn much. I've had good experiences so far. Paid them to change the fuel filter (it was such a bitch and stuck on there I gave up) and ordered some parts. I was in a bind for time and they even overnighted them for free (I think it was even my fault cuz I may have misunderstood the guy when I originally ordered them)...I was very impressed!

Good for you though, did your homework and saved some money. I like the wiping off the oxygen sensor trick...good thinking !

 

replaced my cat on my 01 oddessy 5 times with honda units , they were all free after the first one. They also changed the transmission after 107000 miles cause the service anager didnt like the way it shifted. no charge.
Frank allen

 

Good thing you got it replaced for free!

On a side note, the 97 Accord has until Jan 2011/150,000 for free replacement of anything emission related due to a lawsuit by the EPA.

 

where can i find this information?

 

I am having the same problem with my 2010 Accord. I replaced the front converter. It failed 2 months after that and now it is my rear converter that is bad. I am very pissed off with Honda and I do not think I will ever buy another Honda again. From what I understand this part is supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. I do not understand why I am having such problems with this vehicle. I had a 2001 accord for 9 years and never had anything like this happen with that car. Does anyone out there have any idea why my converters keep failing?

 

FWIW this is the 90-02 section.

If you have the V6, https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-crosstour-2003-2012-118/honda-v6-misfire-settlement-2008-2012-a-3179571/
Go get your money back.