The check engine light came on a few weeks ago so I took it to the Honda dealership. They said my primary o2 sensor was bad. It had a heater malfunction or something. So I got a new o2 sensor from carquest, the brand was Bosch. I replaced it then disconnected the battery and reconnected. After about driving for 15 miles the check engine light came on again. Did I do something wrong?

Or is it possible I have multiple things go wrong at the same time...

 

You bought a Bosch. Thats the problem.

Buy a Denso or NGK unit, instead.
http://www.sparkplugs.com
Get one with a connector, save yourself the hassle.

Also, next time you get a CEL, follow this:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread/1901557
easier than going to the silly dealership

 

Thanks for that thread. Are Bosch that bad?

 

Theyre not good in Hondas...thats all really. Theyve worked fine in my sisters Chevy and in one of my ex's Chrysler's.

It is all too common for a Bosch to die premature in a Honda. Ive had them last a month or two, at the very latest. Others have them last less, like yourself. Very few people have them last as long as a Denso.

Of course, this is assuming you wired it correctly. Then again, even if you didnt, it wouldnt last long even if you corrected that.

 

Yes, bosch products are "aimed" to work as aftermarket parts for all cars, but if you do research on their product they are most directed towards european vehicles and usually develop products with euro vehicles...

 

I did the cell check with a piece of wire looped. It gave me a 67 "Cat Converter". Is that suppose to mean it's "clogged" ?


P.S. Thanks for your guys help.


Modified by ShamArtist at 1:42 PM 5/26/2008

 

was it the catalyst efficiency below threshold code?

 

I googled it and this guy says...

"It flashed a 67, which my Haynes book tells me is Code P0420, with probable
cause "Catalyst system efficiency below threshold".

So yes and another guy responded with this...

"It decides whether the catalyst is working based on feedback from the rear
O2 sensor. Check that first before replacing the catalytic converter".

Is this correct, should I check out my secondary o2 first? If so how would I know if it's bad or good?

 

Yes, thats the 2ndary o2 - in the cat.
Actually, thats the typical code when you use a bosch sensor as a 2ndary.
I almost guarantee, if you replace that with a denso, the code will go away and not reappear

 

I never replaced the secondary, I replaced the primary in the header. I guess I will order a new secondary and pray it works. If not and I do have to get a new cat, any feedback on good high flow cats? and a place to order it?

I don't need it to be 50 state legal or pass California emissions.


Thanks for all your help.

 

My mistake, Id forgotten which o2 we were talking about originally.

Cats typically have a very long life, Id be surprised if one actually died or was below its normal operating use.
I dont know if you have a friend with a Honda, but you may just want to try swapping o2's and resetting the ecu.
Also see if the cat is clogged (after removing it, obviously).
I really doubt that the cat is bad. If for some strange reason it actually is, you wouldnt see any gains from a high-flow cat, so a stock piece would be best, 3rd party of course (because the dealer will rape you). If you just insist on a high-flow, carsound is a good way to go.

 

I do but I live in Kansas now (Army) all my friends are in Cali...

Well I will take the cat off and take a look. If it looks good I will just order the Denzo o2 like you guys said. Thanks for your help. Have taught me some good stuff today!

 

Not saying you should get a factory style cat because of California. I dont live there either.
Just saying there is no benefit from a high-flow cat. Oem (style) piece tend to hold up better as well.

Get what best suits the situation

 

just like pdiggitydogg said, get a denso o2 sensor, denso is the manufacturer for many of hondas oem parts electrical components and sensors


Modified by elektronsi at 8:38 PM 5/26/2008

 

This is what I shouldve done. Instead I got a high flow cat and extended the o2 sensor wiring to make it plug in and still throwing the code. So either I wired it wrong or I need a new sensor or its bc of the high flow cat. I think I will just live with the cel.