Hey everyone, I have a 2000 Accord EX in NH. My check engine light is showing P0420 code, catalyst. Pretty sure my cat needs replacing as I've had a pretty good rattle for about a year now that I can't physically see anywhere else on the car.

My question is will an decent aftermarket bolt on brand work? (magnaflow? walker?). I've heard from the dealership that it needs to be OEM to clear the code, however some people have said a good aftermarket one will satisy Honda's computer. Any experience with brands or techniques. Really need some advice as it's a pricey replacement.

Thanks in advance!!

-Nate

 

Try hitting the catalytic converter to verify that you have a rattle.

Is your accord a ultra-low emissions vehicle (ULEV)? I think that the valve cover would say ULEV in green letters.

The VIN number will tell you too. The digit that is red will tell you if it is ULEV.

1HGCG554.....

 

Yes it iS the ULEV. Does that mean i need the California compliant one? Cause magnaflow sells two bolt on ones, one for like $166 and another for $380. Just wondering if this aftermarket will suffice with honda's computer? Clearly trying to save my the roughly $600 a honda one costs.

 

yes, it's still working for me. please see this thread:

http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=3068452

current recycling price for the old OEM ULEV cat is $210 at converterguys.com if you're worried about price.

 

No, No, No.

OP - you do NOT need to get the California compliant cat. CARB (California Air Reasearch Board - or something like that) rules for cat converters are different than the other states - things like being able to "see" the MFG details from a distance of 5 ft......hey it is California.

You do need to get a cat that is for the ULEV car but NOT one that is California compliant.

 

Agreed 100%. CARB is generally more restrictive than most other states; since, you are not in California, why spend more $ or time when you don't have to searching for CARB compliant when it is not applicable in your case.

 

According to magnaflow Ulev 49 state cat is pn 51912