Check Engine Light Codes Discussion

[ikethegreat]

I installed them myself actually. Drove for 60 miles today and not a single problem.  Thanks for the help!

[timot_one]

Glad to hear everything is okay man.

[theycallme_og]

Hi everyone, I am back on here for your help.

I have been having issues with my CAT code P0420 and now a second code has popped up P0141.  I did the research and saw its the 02 Sensor that goes right in the middle
of the catalytic converter. 

So my question is, is the CAT bad that is causing the sensor to go bad,  or is the sensor bad which is causing code P0420 to pop up.

Any help or insight would be appreciated.  Oh and I live California so apparently there are two different 02 sensors and of course the the sensor with California emissions is the most expensive.



v

[timot_one]

If it were me, I'd replace the sensor first. I'd be surprised if there was any difference with the CA emissions Accord sensor and non-CA emissions sensor. You should call Colin at Auto Fair Honda in NH and he can help you figure out what will work for you.

The P0420 code is what you'd want to be worried about because it's for low catalyst efficiency. Basically, you'd need to replace your cat. You can use an O2 sensor spacer, but I know CA is pretty strict with emissions and it may not be a permanent solution to your problem.

[Mike]

Is the catalyst efficiency is measured by an O2 sensor? In my experience (more non Honda) changing the sensor generally clears up both codes.

[theycallme_og]

Ok so, I just ordered the sensor, I am hoping this would solve it if not I am going to have to buy a very expensive CAT..                        

[timot_one]

Good call on replacing the sensor only. I wouldn't replace the car just yet. You can get one of those O2 sensor spacers to get rid of the code if the new sensor doesn't fix it. I'd wait on getting a cat until you get an inspection and they do the sniffer test and tell you that you need a new cat.

[theycallme_og]

Well I think I am going to have to buy a new cat, every morning when leaving to work, I start up my car and it just smell is so strong with gas fumes.   

[Mike]

Well I think I am going to have to buy a new cat, every morning when leaving to work, I start up my car and it just smell is so strong with gas fumes. 

Maybe I'm crazy but I hat wouldn't lead me to the cat... If you smell gas there is unburnt fuel which could be from a pile of things.

[timot_one]

Could be a EVAP canister.  I know Mike loves changing those things. 

[Mike]

Yeah those are a blast. Could be plugs, a coil, evap canister, fuel line... List goes on

[theycallme_og]

Wouldn't there be a code popping up if that was the case?   But I do have a code reader, and I deleted the two codes i had and P0141 came back on right away so changing the O2 sensor was must.

[Mike]

Depends a lot of the "emissions codes" can be caused by a bad 02 sensor. Ecu trying to correct for bad reading may cause other codes or to much fuel or air to be delivered. I've changed a saturated evap canister because of waiting to long to change a sensor (silly Toyotas). See what it does with the new sensor in a week or two your fuel smell could be gone. I had a fuel smell with my ac on for about a week after changing a coil recently.

[timot_one]

I was gonna say exactly what Mike said. Change the primary O2 sensor (A/F) first and see what happens.

[theycallme_og]

So I got O2 sensor on friday , and installed it this morning.


I connected my code reader and deleted the old codes and only used the for a few errands and no code.
Now she is running again with no codes...