Hi Everyone, new to the forum so please forgive my ignorance, if this isn't allowed, I could really use some input. I have a 2002 honda accord ex with 140K miles, have had a lot of work done on it within the past 6 months and no issues so far.

However a few days ago the check engine light came on and I took it to advance for a free diagnostic and was told it has a code PO128. Disabled battery and check engine light went off but itcame back on two days later. I took it to autozone for a free diagnostic and was told it has a code PO420 and PO128, said take it to a muffler shop.

I am low on funds right now and mechanic places charge $100 per hour for a diagnostic. Is the car safe to drive for another month so I can try to pay off my charge card in hopes to get it property fixed at some point soon.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

Ok, the first code is for the catalytic converter. It normally means the catalytic converter is bad or the oxygen sensor just past the cat is bad or both. This is not a major concern at the moment.

The second code normally means the thermostat needs replacing. It is imperative to only use Honda thermostats. Even though it is bad it went bad in the open position, which ensures the car won't overheat. Aftermarket thermostats do not have the fail safe built into them and never last very long. That's why it's important to use Honda thermostats. This code won't allow the car to go into closed loop so you will use a lot more gas in the process. You can further verify by seeing if it takes longer than usual for you to have hot heater airflow coming from the heater. Because the thermostat is stuck open it will take longer for the car to warm up, therefore the heater will take longer to get hot, if it gets hot at all.

 

Took it in and was told has PO128 and not a major fix, can hold off on getting it repaired.

Not sure what I should do, I can't afford for the car to break down on me.

 

It is entirely safe to drive the car, but emissions may suffer due to both issues at hand.

P0420 is not a death kneel for the vehicle. The code is triggered when the efficiency of the converter dips below 95%, so unless your vehicle is due for an emissions inspection soon (if at all), I wouldn't worry about it right away. Even then, Walker makes a 48 state legal converter for ~150 on rockauto when the time comes. Bad oxygen sensors usually do not trigger this code, but it's not unheard of.

I second homesnmanny's recommendation to only use OEM Honda thermostats. Stant, or any other off brand, is not worth your time and money. If you're strapped for cash, YouTube has many tutorials on how to successfully change your own thermostat.

 

Finally took it in and it turned out to be one of the fans needed to be replaced. Thank you for your input, appreciate that you took the time to guide me.