Hey there guys. OK, 96 Civic CX, keeps throwing me a a CEL. Always it's this 'catalyst efficiency below threshold'. I'm trying to narrow down and find the most direct route to fix this issue. Now I don't know what other information you may need from me to help me troubleshoot here, but I'm looking to see if anybody else here has had this code before and what the fix ended up being. Thanks in advance.

 

First question that i want answer for! How many miles on the civic?

 

You probably need a new cat, I got a magnaflow direct bolt on one off ebay $120 and then I paid $20 for an exhaust guy to throw on in 10 minutes.

This fixed my issue w/ that code.

There is also a possibility it's an o2, but its not common, 9/10 its the cat.

 

Yea usually that code is for a cat that is no longer filtering with in honda specs. It may not be totally bad yet, but its about to be. You probably notice a little less fuel economy and a bit more sluggishness in response from the motor... its time to replace it.

If you wait too long, eventually it can damage the o2 sensor, and will have to replace that as well for accurate emissions readings.

 

Secondary o2 sensor is your answer. I had the same **** wrong with my teg.

 

Check your code, it should tell you if its an upstream (primary o2) or downstream (secondary o2) oxygen sensor. Dont just assume. Shake the cat and listen for a rattle, or drop the cat and check it out.

 

The reason i ask the mileage is because HONDA did a emissions extension warranty. Up to 150,000 miles. Anything emission related will be fixed for free. Thats why i ask.

 

We had a Honda Odyssey at our shop the other day for that exact same code...the fix being a new cat. Call up a dealership and ask about it and see if you can get it replaced for free