Hello all,

My Fit is running good. No hiccups and getting 34 mpg with me averaging 80 mph on the freeway. I'm sure I would pass smog test, as long as the engine light isn't on. So I'm really not quite sure how to approach this, and this is where you guys come in I have gone to my local AutoZone and used their setup for reading what the light is telling me. They said I need to replace the Catalytic Converter. To see if I need a sensor or whatever, I should take it to the shop to see if they can get more details.

Any advice on proceeding here? Seems like something is just on the verge of missing the cutoff on being good or not, right?

Thanks for any and all advice here and much appreciated.

 

Ideally you need to get some live data shots showing the cat's temperature. Also watching post cat O2 sensor data stream can be useful as well.

 

Thanks doc,

Is this something you have to request from the smog shop? I have a laser temp gauge, so I can get some temp readings. Also my light is mostly off, but it has come on about 3 times.

 

Most shops will sell you new cat.
Scanner is needed to read the freeze frame of each event next data is compiled and analyzed.
After this the car is driven re0-create event and capture secondary O2 sensor data and cat temperature.
This can be done buy above average repair shop that handles driveability issues

 

I'm well aware that shops will sell you things you don't need. I paid for a valve job where I don't think they ever took the cover off. I'm going to see about getting another adjustment and see if there's any difference. There wasn't one iota of change from the "adjustment".

OK getting back to my original post. What do I need to ask for when I contact the smog shop? The average charge for this?

 

Did they give you a code?

 

AutoZone gave me a print out. It reads......

Error Codes Read
P0420 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0420 Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

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They are saying get a new Catalytic Converter

 

My dad had this code with his Prelude. He tried a mix of paint thinner mixed with gas to help "clean" the cat and sensors and it worked for a little while. Code still came back and he eventually had to get a cat for it. Would work for passing emissions but not a true fix. I am not sure what else could give you that code.

 

Oh yeah I triggered the light one time by adding a fuel injector cleaner to the tankful.

Really the light the light is off most of the time, but I feel the time is limited and would be nice to be on top of it, if I can.