Hello:

Quick Summary: Catalytic Converter separated from exhaust, Catalystic Converter was dangling from / being yanked on/ being kept of the ground by the wiring from the downstream O2 sensor, and lots problems since.

I bought a 2001 Honda CRV last year, it’s being running like a dream! A few small problems here and there which were easily fixed, and much kudos to this forum as it has been a great resource.

… well, the car was running great until a few days ago.

First, it developed a Transmission Fluid leak. I found the leak in the hose and fixed that.

Well, that Transmission fluid dripped all over my exhaust. I didn’t realize at the time that Transmission fluid is great at breaking up rust; I think it broke up the rusty connection between Catalytic Converter and the exhaust, because shortly after that it came undone (flange broke off) while driving to work. The only thing keeping the Catalytic Converter from dragging on ground was the downward oxygen sensor and it’s wiring.

Well, I got a flange was going to fix the exhaust, but the bolts are rusted on hardcore and cannot be removed with my current tools. I’m getting a blow torch and bolt breaker tomorrow to remove them. I have it held on well enough for now. It’s loud but has been driving fine (until now), except for a loss of power when at low speeds.

My car was throwing a bunch of O2 sensor related codes. I figured after the exhaust is repaired, if they are still throwing codes, then test the O2 sensors with the blowtorch I’m getting and with my multi-meter.

Today, the only thing I did was go under the car and disconnected and reconnected the downstream O2 sensor hoping that that might fix the connection (it didn’t).

Well, on my way to work today, I noticed my dash was getting dimmer and dimmer, then my ABS light came on, and just as I was about to park steering and breaking became hard, and the car shut off by itself just as I got into the parking space. I’m at work now, honestly not even sure how I’ll get home yet. I want to get this started and home so I can work on it in my garage over the weekend.

All of these problems snowballing from a Transmission Fluid leak / exhaust pulling on wires!

Well, I’m going to do my best to troubleshoot but I could use some advice. Especially, I’m concerned about how much damage an exhaust being supported by an O2 sensor wiring can do. I mean, could the strain cause physical damage to other components all the way up to the ECM? Could the downstream O2 sensor being sending crazy voltages stressing or frying my other components and blowing fuses—would it be best to just disconnect it if I can get the car running for the drive home (I think the downstream O2 sensor is really just for emission testing anyway)? After work, I’ll start checking fuses, and I have a battery tester that can report on the alternator too.

Does it appear that I am trouble-shooting this correctly; any tips on things I should focus on? Below are the current codes. When I look them up, they call can be triggered by faulty O2 sensors (except for maybe P1753).

Thank you in advance!

5 Confirmed Trouble Codes Trouble Codes:
1. P1298
ELECTRIC LOAD DETECTOR (ELD) CIRCUIT HIGH VOLTAGE
2. P0141
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2
3. P0135
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1
4. P1753
TCC SOLENOID VALVE A FAILURE
5. P1768
CLUTCH PRESSURE CONTROL(LINEAR) SOLENOID VALVE A FAILURE