Hey there,

I have a 2002 Honda Accord SE, 4 cyl, ULEV Vtec engine.

My check engine light has been on, so I took it in and got this code: P0420. The mechanic told me I need to replace my catalytic converter, period.

In some of my searches, it seems like this is fairly common for 2002 Accords.

Two mechanics have given me quotes over the phone for around $400. The guy who ran the diagnostic told me he called Honda and that for ULEV Vtec engines, there is no aftermarket catalytic converter, so it'd cost me $2300 (!!!!) for him to fix.

Not really sure how to proceed next, so any guidance would be much appreciated. thanks!

 

not 100% sure, but i would think using a "california-legal" converter would work for you. direct bolt on parts are available from most auto parts stores and online parts sites for $250-$350.

on the other hand, it's possible to "fix" this issue without replacing the converter... i'm not in the habit of educating folks on how to disobey the EPA, but (if your moral compass allows) a quick search of the web will reveal to you all you need to know.

 

Yeah, i'm in California, so I need something that's going to pass smog. Where and what are my best options to get one? The more I read, the more difficult it seems to get an after market, ULEV catalytic converter in California. Any suggestions would be awesome.

 

Also, I should add that the guy who originally worked on my car installed a new bosch air fuel ratio sensor. He told me that i'm getting the check engine light because it's faulty and needs to be replaced. Could this be why i'm getting the P0420? I really don't want to have to go through all this crap to get a new cat if i don't have to.

 

Bosch sensors are crap. Look on RockAuto and purchase a Denso unit.
If the CEL came on after the sensor was replaced(why was itreplaced?), then most likely it is related.
P0420 is the code set by the secondary(aftercat) O2 sensor. It verifies that the catalyst is working properly. However if there is a fault upstream of the catalyst, it may not be able to properly catalyze the exhaust gases and thus setting off the p0420 code. It doesn't always mean the catalyst is bad.
Have a read through of this pdf to help you better understand how the cat works...
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h64.pdf