I have a 2003 Accord EX 4Cyl SULEV (Calif) 3HNXV02.4KCP that had the catalytic converter stolen.
Multiple muffler places quote $3500 and many weeks wait for a replacement part. Am I screwed or can I buy one from honda parts online and install it myself?
The part numbers I see on the website are 18160-RAA-A00 or 18160-RAD-L10 based on searching using the VIN number. Is one of these the the right one or is there another part number for the converter I should be looking for?

 

1. You can buy one online and install it yourself. Order the nuts too that don't come with the OEM converter. Aftermarket CARB compliant converters are available too; Rock Auto carries them.

2. Is this an EX trim level?

18160-RAD-L10 is for California emissions, while 18160-RAA-A00 is not listed for California emissions. Regardless, for a 2003 vehicle, they don't do tailpipe testing in California; just the visual and hooking up their machine to the OBD port.

If it is an OEM converter (especially with the heat shield on), you can't really tell visually any difference. Aftermarket converter are obviously different visually, where they would check the CARB EO number (if the smog tech does the visually part of the inspection properly and then checks the CARB EO).

 

Ive had to fail a few vehicles for this.

There are no aftermarket SULEV converters available. Only ULEV. The EFNs are different.

Although what you say about using a different OEM cat number is a good idea if its a direct fit. The only issue would be wether or not the PCM will accept and pass the cat. It may not meet its testing criteria and may set a P0420 like so many after market cats do.

 

For the OEM Cat what number is acceptable for a California 4 cyl SULEV 2003 Accord?

 

The first one listed by Tech 8 is a CA cat(18160-RAD-L10)

In my experience modern Honda cats typically fail with 100k-150k miles. If youre at or above that mileage,yours probably needs replacing, but be aware that there is an old reflash available as well, for false cat codes.

TSB:03-063 (likely doesn't apply to you,but it is a point to observe)

 

RockAuto.com lists (2) C.A.R.B. Compliant Catalytic Converters BUT the notes for one say "Engine Family #: 3HNXV02.4JBP" and the other says "Engine Family #: 3HNXV02.4JBP". Neither of which matches the OP's car which is Engine Family #: 3HNXV02.4KCP.
We need to determine how different these engine family codes are and if there is any chance of them being compatible with his car.
I'm going to add that it is unlikely that these two cats would not work with the car as they are designed for C.A.R.B. or California Emissions, it is likely that the makers are just covering their asses by listing the Engine Family #'s.
There are other cats I have found on various sites that list cats specified only as "California Emissions" so I think if its a C.A.R.B. compliant cat, it's gonna work.

Heres the link to the cats @ RockAuto.com: RockAuto.com - 2003 Honda Accord EX 2.4L 4Cyl - Exhaust & Emission - Catalytic Converter

Heres a link to carparts.com where they have 65 cats listed: =4&vehicle[liter]=2%2E4&vehicle[submodel]=EX&vehicle[model]=Accord&vehicle[make]=Honda&vehicle[year]=2003]CarParts.com - 2003 Honda Accord EX 2.4L 4Cyl - Catalytic Converters

 

Doesnt matter if the cats work or not. If the EFNs do not match,the vehicle will fail the visual inspection portion of the smog check. The smog check inspector has to verify the EFN numbers.

Regardless of what you may have found online, there are no SULEV CARB approved aftermarket cats available. At all.

 

Ok, so hes looking at finding a genuine OEM Honda Cat that is for the right engine family and is SULEV & C.A.R.B. Compliant.

 

Correct and it does not exist in the aftermarket.
It has to be genuine Honda.



I had a lady here today with an SULEV 98 Accord 4cyl. Her cat was stolen. It is no longer available(NLA) through Honda. It is not available aftermarket. I had to call the Referee. They issued me substitute part number to use.......its a cat listed on Rock Auto.

Gotta love government bureaucracy.....

 

How can I contact the referee?

Hondapartsnow.com list this cat as discontinued 18160-RAD-L10

 

https://www.bar.ca.gov/Consumer/Referee_Program/

 

Although that site list discontinued, other sites show availability.