ritesh.noronha@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hi..
>
> I have a 1998 honda accord V6. I got the Check engine light today,
> using an OBD scanner i found out the code was "P0420 - Catalytic
> emission low on Bank #1". The local repair shop tell me that i need to
> get the Catalytic convertor and the 02 sensors replaced.
>
> I have the following questions for the group.
> 1. Does the code P0420 mean that the catalytic convertor is bad?
> 2. He quoted the cost for a replacement Catalytic convertor for $550
> and O2 sensor for $138.. do these seem high?
>
> Just a few days back i had replaced the alternator in this car .. FYI..
>
> Thanks,
> Ritesh
--------------------------------------

"Catalyst system efficiency below threshold" is the interpretation. Your
second O2 sensor says that the CAT isn't scrubbing enough stuff from the
exhaust. It MIGHT just be the second O2 sensor's fault. (have you ever
had 'poor starting' after sitting overnight / weekend?) Maybe you've
never cleaned your injectors and so you've got a damaged CAT on that
side. Maybe you've used too many additives and have a damaged CAT. More
likely the former.

If it was mine, I'd do a tune -up, reset the code, put a can of techron
into a full tank and drive it until it was almost empty, preferably on a
long, fast highway drive on a hot day. The prices quoted are good to
low, as long as the O2 sensor is a real NGK. If it's Bosch, tell him to
get you a REAL sensor. Was he going to replace the first or second
sensor, BTW.??

'Curly'