My 98 Honda accord, check engine light, error code is P0420?

Question

while driving my Honda Accord 98 EX(90,000 Miles) car showed check engine light, after taking it to auto zone and after plugging a scanner it showed error code P0420, it was saying some catalyst system efficiency problem, what exactly should i do now, how serious is the problem is, because being an international student i dont want to spend too much on car, any estimate how much will it cost to get it repaired if the problem is serious??

Answer 1

It will be a problem when it comes time to have an emission test done. Basically it is saying that either the cars catalytic converter is not performing properly or the O2 sensor circuit for the catalytic converter has a problem. Worst case? If the catalytic converter is bad, most places will fit you with a universal one that will work just fine. It will be about $300 with parts and labor. If it is a bad O2 sensor, it will cost about $100 to fix. Hope that helps you. Good luck.

Answer 2

P0420 on a honda is "catalyst efficiency diminished"-replace the cat and primary o2 sensor'. dealership will run $800 +/- go to an independent shop it will be cheaper

Answer 3

the rear o2 sensor is saying the catalyst convertor is below threshold..for bank 1..might be due to convertor is stopping up, or you might have exhaust leak before the convertor and sensors are not picking up exhaust reading...I would clear the codes and test drive again...light will pop back on when you reach normal operational temperatures...might want to have it checked at a trustworthy repair shop..question...does the car seem to be slugish, lack of power..if so...replace convertor

Answer 4

catalitic converter not flowing efficiently. I would just drive it if you dont have much money. Can get pritty spendy to replace.

Answer 5

i have this code on my 00' Jetta, means deals with exaust, say rich on bank 2 ,
not too serous, runs fine with it, and sometimes goes away .
clear it before you are du e fo inspection.