Hi all,
I have a 98 Accord LX with 6 cyl. It has a Emssion problemfor 2 years andthe check engine light is on and with code P0420.Someone told me I need to replace the CAT converter which costs me about $1000...However, currently I needtohave thecar inspection and may havethe emission inspection. I really do not want to put so much moneyon it. Do you guys give me some suggestion to pass the inspection with litte money cost? Im in Charlotte, North Carolina, Thanks a lot.

 

Theres a chance that its really a bad secondary (rear) oxygen sensor. But Ive been told that by 1998 the ECU is pretty good at telling the difference between a bad cat vs. a bad O2 sensor.

How about all the normal tune-up stuff? New spark plugs (NGK), etc...

 

Ive replaced the rear O2 sensors. But the light is still on, that is why I need to install a new CAT. so...
Any suggestion, how to clear the code in ECU?

 

unhook the battery for a couple minutes, then hook it back up

 

In 98 you look in the fusebox at the RIGHT end of the dashboard, near the door hinge (open the right-front door). Pull the #13 fuse in there for a bit (30 seconds?). Disconnecting the battery works too, but then you need the stereo security code, etc...

 

P0420 is in fact an OBD2 emission code so it will reset itself in 2 drive cycles if the ECU detects problems.

So I guess that if the emission testing station doesn't hook up a scan tool they wouldn't know of a pending code on the first drive cycle.

FWIW; the local recycler here in my area pays $60 for old honda CAT converters, so you can get a rebate of sorts.

 

http://forums.evolutionm.net/1505717-post2.html

Above fix will work to prevent P0420. BTW, it's a federal crime todefeat an emissions device. Feds may descend like minions from hell,... or you may be OK.

good luck

 

performance headers on it?