Ok so let see, little f***s have been driving me crazy... Secondary o2 sensor throws me a code so I change it then primary o2 sensor throws me a code so I change it... 400$ bucks later the check engine light still comes on! Now I don't know the code I will only know tomorrow as I don't have a scanner! I am going to my mechanic for that... but I know from what he told me that if it throws the code again it could be the catalytic converter...

Now if it is, it will be about 900$ because its an EP3 and in Canada cause they aren't that many they jack the prices up for everything EP3 related... so i was wondering will either the base or RSX Type-S fit? Or anybody got any other suggestion before I have no more hair on my head!!!! Its costing me a fortune and work is very slow now and I am just trying to get this resolved asap but while saving so cash money if you know what i mean!!!

 

ok, have you just been changing o2 sensors because of a cel or have you gone some place to pulled the code....a cel can be from anything from low oil, to a loose gas cap....

 

Faulty o2 sensors are one of the most incorrectly diagnosed problems EVER. People assume because the o2 sensor throws a code that the sensor is bad, but in reality you need to track down WHY the o2 sensor is throwing a code. It could be a bad PCV valve, something making the A/F ratio out of whack, etc.

Just keep in mind it could be other problems, not the o2 sensor itself.

 

and you can order the cat online for way cheaper...my o2 sensor is fuct up too

 

I just installed a OBX race header on my EP and now I have a check engine light too...P0134-Primary 02 sensor. I've used a angle defouler on the secondary so I believe it is working since the code is only on the primary. The OBX vers 2 RH is stanless steel and the check engine light normally comes on in the morning or a cold start. I reset it, idle relearn and drove 100 miles and so far it didn't come on as I was driving...Got home, left the car rest for almost 1 hour and the weather outside gets cold and windy, start the car again and the check engine light comes back on...Can it be because of the stainless steel that changes the temperature as it gets cooled down? I'll probably have to recheck the primary 02 wires and check if it is on tightly...need some sugguestions..

 

Ok so me and my mechanic both checked the code with the scanner and first it gave us the secondary o2 sensor was faulty and the a week later it was the primary... now I still have the o2 sensor as the only code that is showing!

I left my car at my mechanic who is a worked at Honda... actually both him and his dad worked at honda so I trusted them! They are always honest with me and I never had a problem with them... when I was going threw a rought time they helped me out big time so I know they ain't dicking me around... anyways my mechanic and I just where wondering if the rsx base or type-S catalytic converter would fit on the Si because if we have to change it, it would be alot cheaper to get and rsx one then an Si one... I know it sound's stupid but that is how it is over here in!

 

Also they kept the car for tomorrow and are going to run more test but I know they mentioned that it could be that the cat is so clogged up that the o2 sensor are not analysing the exhaust gas correctly and that is why its throwing a code...

Just to say any help is appreciated!

 

lol just get a cel elimator. just extends the o2 sensor and makes so it tricks ur ecu that your cat is working fine and its doing its job

 

but that is not solving the problem! I am going to still get shitty gas mileage so I need a real solution!

Again looking to find out if an rsx base or type-s catalytic converter can fit?

 

oh i see. well i dont know the answer to that but ill look around for you.

 

Why are you just replacing parts without knowing if that's even the problem?

You can visually inspect your cat to see if it's clogged, have you done this yet? Just take it off and look through it, you should be able to see light on the other side through the honey-comb webbing that's inside it.

How many miles are on your car? What header are you using?

 

Car is stock... now the actually o2 sensor were finished! So we replaced them because they weren't working at all... now its still throwing a code... and this is where I am at right now!

I know they took the car out for a 30 minute drive on the highway and it was plug to a computer that was checking the o2 and the hole cat system ( I am not sure the correct terms but its a scanner type device!)

 

Does the car run okay? I'd imagine if you actually had a clogged cat that it would run/drive like poo, sputtering, misfiring, etc.

How many KM are on it?

You ARE aware of the cam galling problems on 02-03 models, correct? High mileage will make the castings begin to "pit" and cause driveability problems (and a/f problems, which could be throwing your o2 sensor). If you actually read what I wrote above, an o2 sensor isn't always the cause of the problem, it just throws the code because it's what analyzes the a/f ratio.

 

I have about 65k miles on it...

And no I didn't know about the cam galling problems on the 02-03 models... what do you have to do to know if this is causing the problem?

 

No idea what the problem is. I had a 2nd O2 sensor CEL and I just decided to get an angled defouler. Gas mileage is still like 25-30 miles/gal

You can find a cat on ebay for like $250 shipped. new. but not OEM. just OEM equivalent.

 

the defouler is only for the secondary 02 sensor which is for the post cat...If you are having problems with the cat, try the defouler, but never on the primary 02...

 

You know how much they Honda (Canada) wants for a new OEM cat!?!?!?!? They want 1400$ for a catalytic converter!!! This is unreal!!!!! I was right in front of my mechanic when he called!!!! He was like you guys are out of your mind to steal ppl money like that!!! The catalytic converter is a little clogged on the inside... so he is just going to put it back on for now until we can figure something else out!

Anybody about using maybe a base model RSX or Type-S Catalytic converter?

 

why not check the junk yards?

I remember when I called Honda for 1 front driver axle and the told me it is $1100 and since they don't have it it stock it would cost $1300 since it is shipped from the UK...I told them that are crazy charging 1 axle for that price and bought a remanufacture axle for $80.

 

No used one in any of the junk yards around my area... that is why I was asking about maybe the base model rsx or type-s fitting... cause those cars are more popular its easier to find!

 

Well the part numbers are different between the EP3 and base DC5, but they look pretty similar

EP3 cat


base DC5 cat


I'm sure worst case scenario, you might have to cut off or add some piping on the midpipe.

Or why not just buy the ebay one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...Q5fAccessories

 

I'm still not convinced the cat is clogged. But that's just my .02, replace whatever you want it's your car. I'm going to laugh when you come back and say your CEL is still on.

 

hmm...I wonder...when replacing both the 02 sensors, is there really a difference and in looks and sizes? Because when you order online, some places say precat and postcat...is there a possiblity you have the primary and secondary 02 sensors switched? Other than that, try the secondary 02 defouler...

 

No the o2 sensor were changed at the different times... anyways from what I have been reading the base model rsx and Type-S headers, cat and midpipe work with the ep3 muffler... its not suppose to stick out but if it does well I'll just cut and weld again!

 

well...hopefully it works for you...

 

I've been through this route as well on my daughters 97 Stock Prelude..
The Code said it was the secondary 02 sensor or cat...
- So I changed the sensor at my buddys muffler shop. ($75.00 US Aftermarket) On the way home (7 Miles).. Cell comes on.
- So I have him order an aftermarket cat. (It was like $80.00 US).. Within a few days cell came on.

Car ran fine otherwise. So it came down to when the Cell came on, I did the paperclip trick to read the code. It was always the same. (I'd pull the radio fuse and it would reset the cell) LOL

Sold that car and got a boosted 97 Civic..
Guess what, Cell came on.. Same code as the Prelude.
I never bothered changing anything, I just reset the Cell or she just got used to driving around with it on.

Sold that car and got the 03 RSX-S
It's all stock and I haven't had to see that cell as of yet *Knocks On Wood*

Only advise I can offer is Don't worry about it unless it begins to run crappy.. It's Honda thing.