2000 Honda Accord-check engine light- code thrown for catalytic converter, is that a must to get fixed?

Question

just bought the car, after fist payment check engine light is on, tested at Auto Zone and they say converter. Options? must pass emissions within the next month- HELP!!

Answer 1

the car will get through emissions with the converter but not with the check engine light on. the code is for a deteriorated catalyst and that means that the ability to process exhaust gasses (clean them up so to speak) has deminished to less than 50% of the converter's original capacity. It doesn't mean that the converter isn't working so the car is probably still operating within the emissions limits.

the code for the converter takes a long time to set, so my suggestion is to have the code cleared and drive the car. If the check engine light comes on again, note how long it took for the system tests to trigger the light. I've seen it where the light doesn't come back on for months. If the light comes back on in two weeks, then simply go to autozone and have them clear the code about a week before you go for the emissions test. that way the light will be off and you should pass the test. If the light hasn't come back on by that time, just go through the test.

I know you don't want to know how much the replacement converter cost. lets hope clearing the light gets you through the emissions test. Then you can drive the car until your next emissions test is required without buying the converter.

the car won't act any differently with a deteriorated catalyst and won't leave you stranded or die on you as some other manufacturers converters will

Hope that helps

Answer 2

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RE:
2000 Honda Accord-check engine light- code thrown for catalytic converter, is that a must to get fixed?
just bought the car, after fist payment check engine light is on, tested at Auto Zone and they say converter. Options? must pass emissions within the next month- HELP!!

Answer 3

You will need to have the converter replaced. The cat code is po420 or po430. You cannot just re-set the light and go through smog test, the code will be stored in the computer. There is no way around passing until you replace the converter and turn the light off. Also, nobody uses a tailpipe tester on a 2000 year vehicle, all they do is hook up a scanner and read for codes.

Answer 4

I own a 98 accord with 180k on it and it has the original cat. I have had that code thrown at me before when it sits for a long period of time (week or so). I was told by my mechanic friend that carbon will build up in the cat over time and when the car sits (normally in cooler temps) the carbon will gather/harden but will not be a factor once driven frequently again. I have had this code only twice since owning the car new. Your cat could be deteriorated or may have carbon build up.

Answer 5

It wont pass emissions with the check engine light on and/or a bad converter>

Answer 6

if it is actually the converter on it going bad it will have to be replaced,when they put the probe in the exhaust pipe that will automatically fail the car with the test,you might try talking to the place you bought it from,and see if they will help with the repair,sometimes they will,and it would be a lot better than having to pay the whole thing your self,but it will have to be replaced before it will pass,erasing the code wont help it,it will come back on again,and probably before the test,id talk to the place i bought it from,they may help you with repairing it,good luck with it.

Answer 7

try removing the positive battery cable for thirty seconds usually the check engine light will go off for maybe a day or so. So if it goes off go ahead and get it inspected.