CA Catalytic Converter
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
CA Catalytic Converter
Hi,
According to my vin, It's a CA model or compliant. I live in PA and have to replace my Cat. Does anyone know if I can replace the CA compliant Cat with a regular 49 state legal Cat? I would replace my O2 sensors as well, but are there different O2 sensors I need to concider? Are the replacement Cats the same size and shape?
This would save me tons of money and aggrevation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
If it helps, I have an 01 Accord LX - 2.3
Thanks!!!
According to my vin, It's a CA model or compliant. I live in PA and have to replace my Cat. Does anyone know if I can replace the CA compliant Cat with a regular 49 state legal Cat? I would replace my O2 sensors as well, but are there different O2 sensors I need to concider? Are the replacement Cats the same size and shape?
This would save me tons of money and aggrevation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
If it helps, I have an 01 Accord LX - 2.3
Thanks!!!
Last edited by icantthnkof1; Feb 1, 2010 at 08:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
Thanks Jim! Yes, it is a ULEV. Just spoke w/ Honda services and there is a lot more to it than just substituting the CAT.. ugh..
I was able to scan the computer and came up with
P1164 - Mfr Ctrlled Fuel and Air Metering
P0302 - Cylinder #2 Misfire Detected
P0303 - Cylinder #3 Misfire Detected
The later two are probably a result of the P1164. I replaced the plugs and wires, but I'm still getting the engine light. Researching P1164, it seems to be a fault with the primary O2 sensor. I may be able to get away with just replacing the primary sensor, though I've read P1164 can be the CAT as well. Is this true?
Btw, my car dosent fall under the P1164 issue Honda has reported with the ECM/PCU.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,398
From: Wisconsin
Be aware that your front O2 sensor is very much different from the corresponding sensor in a non-ULEV car. AutoZone & places like that don't always have that information.
I didn't think P1164 can be the cat, since the primary O2 sensor is upstream of the cat anyway. There's different error-codes for a bad cat, which is measured by the secondary O2 sensor.
What kind of spark plugs did you get? People have reported problems (misfiring) with some brands. Hondas seem to like NGK the best; Denso is also OK.
I didn't think P1164 can be the cat, since the primary O2 sensor is upstream of the cat anyway. There's different error-codes for a bad cat, which is measured by the secondary O2 sensor.
What kind of spark plugs did you get? People have reported problems (misfiring) with some brands. Hondas seem to like NGK the best; Denso is also OK.
Unregistered
Posts: n/a
Correct, if you are using Bosch plugs you are asking for trouble.
That primary oxygen sensor, from what I understand, is really and Air/Fuel sensor. Much more expensive than a standard oxygen sensor.
Check to see what exactly the o2 sensor behind the cat does. If ALL it does is make sure that the car is putting out emissions compliant w/ the EPA and CA, you can buy a spark plug defouler for $2 and it will trick the o2 sensor into thinking its a perfect ratio. Almost everyone who puts a test pipe in place of their cat does this. Tried and proven.
That primary oxygen sensor, from what I understand, is really and Air/Fuel sensor. Much more expensive than a standard oxygen sensor.
Check to see what exactly the o2 sensor behind the cat does. If ALL it does is make sure that the car is putting out emissions compliant w/ the EPA and CA, you can buy a spark plug defouler for $2 and it will trick the o2 sensor into thinking its a perfect ratio. Almost everyone who puts a test pipe in place of their cat does this. Tried and proven.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
Thanks all!! I greatly appreciate your advise!
So, I was impatient and forked out $330 at the dealership, installed myself, and fired it up (in the process I had the battery disconnected to try and erase any codes).
To my disappointment, nothing really changed. Except, it's running slightly better. I borrowed a friends OBDII (Actron CP9135) and got another code P1399. Searching the internet, Honda does not have this code listed, but folks are reporting getting this code as well. So, I'm assuming others are using a similar off the shelf scanner. Those that reported this code range from valves, distributer, wires, plugs, ECM, to CAT. Ugh.. (not sure if I posted this but I did change the plugs-champion and wires-Pro Line)
When I checked the old AF sensor (aka O2 sensor) I noticed a patch of green substance, presumably antifreeze (see pic). Does this indicate a blown gasket? I don't think I have a bent valve (I don't hear knocking or pinging). Looks like I had to replace the sensor in any case.
Is my best bet to take it to a mechanic at this point??
So, I was impatient and forked out $330 at the dealership, installed myself, and fired it up (in the process I had the battery disconnected to try and erase any codes).
To my disappointment, nothing really changed. Except, it's running slightly better. I borrowed a friends OBDII (Actron CP9135) and got another code P1399. Searching the internet, Honda does not have this code listed, but folks are reporting getting this code as well. So, I'm assuming others are using a similar off the shelf scanner. Those that reported this code range from valves, distributer, wires, plugs, ECM, to CAT. Ugh.. (not sure if I posted this but I did change the plugs-champion and wires-Pro Line)
When I checked the old AF sensor (aka O2 sensor) I noticed a patch of green substance, presumably antifreeze (see pic). Does this indicate a blown gasket? I don't think I have a bent valve (I don't hear knocking or pinging). Looks like I had to replace the sensor in any case.
Is my best bet to take it to a mechanic at this point??
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6
Correct, if you are using Bosch plugs you are asking for trouble.
That primary oxygen sensor, from what I understand, is really and Air/Fuel sensor. Much more expensive than a standard oxygen sensor.
Check to see what exactly the o2 sensor behind the cat does. If ALL it does is make sure that the car is putting out emissions compliant w/ the EPA and CA, you can buy a spark plug defouler for $2 and it will trick the o2 sensor into thinking its a perfect ratio. Almost everyone who puts a test pipe in place of their cat does this. Tried and proven.
That primary oxygen sensor, from what I understand, is really and Air/Fuel sensor. Much more expensive than a standard oxygen sensor.
Check to see what exactly the o2 sensor behind the cat does. If ALL it does is make sure that the car is putting out emissions compliant w/ the EPA and CA, you can buy a spark plug defouler for $2 and it will trick the o2 sensor into thinking its a perfect ratio. Almost everyone who puts a test pipe in place of their cat does this. Tried and proven.
Luckily, I didn't go with the Bosch. I would have assumed it would have been the Bosch and dished out for a Denso after my experience above. Whew...
Not sure exactly what the o2 sensor from the cat does. If it matters, the o2 sensor is located in the middle of the cat. I'm not sure if it reads the air quality after the exhaust is filtered or during the flow.
Hmm.. wondering if your suggestion will work for my application or only on cars if the o2 sensor is located behind the cat?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,398
From: Wisconsin
Actually, the 2nd O2 sensor is located in the cat for non-ULEV cars too (over many years). It's just that everyone says (incorrectly) that it's after the cat. It's located after about 30% of the catalyst which under normal conditions is OK. As the catalyst degrades, that sensor location pics up the degradation earlier.
Unregistered
Posts: n/a
My bad! Can't really tell b/c of the heat shield!
However, I would be willing to bet that all that 2nd o2 sensor does is the same as the others. Worse that could happen is that the CEL will come on and you have to take out the defouler and reset the code. I'd give it a shot.
However, I would be willing to bet that all that 2nd o2 sensor does is the same as the others. Worse that could happen is that the CEL will come on and you have to take out the defouler and reset the code. I'd give it a shot.
