PDA

View Full Version : P0420 CEL on my stock 97 Civic hatch with 145k miles


TROLL
09-26-2011, 12:47 PM
Got a P0420 CEL this weekend on my 97 Civic hatch... D16 motor, 145k miles on it and totally stock.

From doing some research, looks like it is 99% sure to be my catalytic converter going out and the proper fix is to install a new cat.

I have read to install only an OEM cat because generic ones fail very quickly and are a waste of money, can anyone comment on this? Someone recommended a Magnaflow or other 'name brand' cats but I don't know how good these are.

Just wanted to see what others with experience with this thought and which is the best way to go here. I want to keep the car totally stock and legal. Not trying to dump a ton of money into it but don't want to cut corners that lead to headaches either.

If I find a used OEM cat is that an alternative, or do they commonly fail once they're over 100k miles making most used ones useless?

Thanks for the help Honda experts!

Honest_Bob
09-26-2011, 01:31 PM
It could also be the 02 sensor.

TROLL
09-26-2011, 01:41 PM
Yeah, thats what I thought at first but after reading its very very unlikely... if it was the 02 it would be throwing other codes.

I could also just run no cat with a spark plug defouler between my 02 sensor and my exhaust, but I'd prefer to keep the car legitimately legal and stink-free.

Honest_Bob
09-26-2011, 08:02 PM
I'll probably be in the same boat in another 90k. Interested to see what it is. :)