help...2000 Accord 2.3 4cyl catalytic converter

[GoHeels1981]

150 k, runs like new

replaced the converter with a BOSAL about 10 k ago.......now have a check engine code P0420. My mechanic, whom i trust says the converter needs to be replaced. Assuming he is correct, what is the best aftermarket converter for this vehicle.

Thanks

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Could also be bad O2 sensors or any exhaust leak before or at the converter.

 

[firefighter]

Hello, this is a problem we see at work with aftermarket converters. They just do not have the amount of quality materials inside that the OE ones have. some cars can get away with aftermarket but not all. The aftermarket typically degrade at a fast rate and the light is on again. First thing first, how old is your primary O2 sensor. If that is slowing you may be getting false PO420 codes. If you replace the o2 make sure you use an OE sensor. Second have you had any misfires or rich running those are the two biggest things that will kill a cat. If that all checks out then a cat it needs I am sure there are some good aftermarket companies out there, but we generally use oe to keep comeback rate at 0. Hope some of this helps

 

[The_Jeff]

What's the warranty on that bosal? I thought all aftermarket convertors had a 5 yr 50k mi or so warranty by law?

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
What's the warranty on that bosal? I thought all aftermarket convertors had a 5 yr 50k mi or so warranty by law?


I know OEM replacement converters are 12mo/12k miles even in CA.

 

[Dave Hess]

Walker makes pretty good aftermarket catalytics / exhaust manifolds

 

[GoHeels1981]

i tracked down the warranty info. The warranty is for 2 yrs unlimited miles. I have had it about 6 months. I purchased from ROCK AUTO and have just ordered a new one (they will refund me the full amount once I send them the old one). I hope the new one lasts longer than 6 mos/10 k. Re the earlier threads, engine runs perfect and is the smoothest running car in our "fleet" which includes an 09 accord, 07 civic, 08 tacoma, and 03 crv. Hard to beat the "old" Hondas.

 

[iluvhonda]

buy OEM, been down the aftermarket route and it lasted 30,000 miles top.

 

[meep]

if it's the o2 sensor, you'll be repeating this again.

 

[Vikas]

Aftermarket will last no more than 6 months. You can rinse-repeat cycle forever if Rock Auto lets you.

If somebody tells you to replace the rear O2 sensor to fix P0420, stay away from that mechanic/shop. He does not understand what triggers P0420.

Your real choice is to either buy OEM converter or find a way to get rid of the light. On Honda, OEM cat converter costs serious money ($$$$)

- Vikas

 

[Bill in Utah]

Replacing the rear O2 sensor cleared my code on the truck in my sig.

 

[Dave Hess]

Quote:
Your real choice is to either buy OEM converter or find a way to get rid of the light. On Honda, OEM cat converter costs serious money ($$$$)


Why wouldn't an aftermarket converter work properly ?

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Replacing the rear O2 sensor cleared my code on the truck in my sig.

Did it fix P0420 or P0430 ??

 

[Vikas]

Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Quote:
Your real choice is to either buy OEM converter or find a way to get rid of the light. On Honda, OEM cat converter costs serious money ($$$$)


Why wouldn't an aftermarket converter work properly ?

Because they do not have the enough catalyst in it. That was also one of the reason that in California aftermarket converters are illegal although the real reason is the Cali is all messed up

- Vikas

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Replacing the rear O2 sensor cleared my code on the truck in my sig.

Did it fix P0420 or P0430 ??


Yep. Here is the update to my issue and the original thread with the codes.

Nope this helps!

Bill

 

[Vikas]

You know what? The only logical explanation is that your new sensor is lousy! I know you will not believe me or are thinking that I am kidding but hear me out.

A surefire way of fixing P0420/P0430 (after doing this 4 times on 3 cars) is to extend the post-cat sensor. This essentially gets the sensor just out of the exhaust stream so that it sees less O2 content. So the sensor starts switching slow and the computer stays happy.

Your "new Bosch" seems to simulating that behavior.

It is just a theory. May be other people can come up with a more logical explanation.

- Vikas