Engine Check Light on 2001 Accord

The check engine light on my girlfriend's 2001 Honda Accord came on and she
took it to the dealer. They tried resetting it and it stayed off for a
while. It came back on and she took it back in and the dealer said the
computer was reporting the catalytic converter was bad. She had the
catalytic converter replaced and the light was reset. The check engine
light stayed off for a while, then came back on again reporting the
catalytic converter was the problem.

Any ideas?!

Thanks!

Don

 

My idea would be to take it to a dealer that knew what they were doing and
then I would get my money back, if any was paid, for the cat converter.

CaptainKrunch

 

Hi,
The trouble code is not accurate. some times it is just a clue. Maybe
real bad guy is Oxygen sensor. Her dealer has to follow up.
Tony

 

Take it back to the dealer and demand that they fix the problem. In the
mean time, make sure your girlfriend knows that the she needs to follow
the instuctions in the owner's manual related to the gasoline cap. I've
seen many posts related to the check engine light coming on as a result of
the gas cap not being placed on properly. It's possible the computer is
sending the wrong codes. You might also try to convince the dealer to
change the oxyzen sensor since this is also an item notorious for causing
the check engine light to come on.

 

I had the same problem. It was my oxygen sensor.


| The check engine light on my girlfriend's 2001 Honda Accord came on and
she
| took it to the dealer. They tried resetting it and it stayed off for a
| while. It came back on and she took it back in and the dealer said the
| computer was reporting the catalytic converter was bad. She had the
| catalytic converter replaced and the light was reset. The check engine
| light stayed off for a while, then came back on again reporting the
| catalytic converter was the problem.
|
| Any ideas?!
|
| Thanks!
|
| Don
|
|
|
|

 

Thanks for all the posts!

Don

 

Don,
CEL on V6s of this vintage is not unusual. Honda refuses to admit there
is a problem with their computer being overly sensitive and settinig off
the CEL for minor system glitches. Most common fault readout is a bad
Converter, but not necessarily true.

Search Honda and Honda CEL on Yahoo and there are some really good chat
rooms on this problem. Basic suggestion to resolving - since your Honda
dealer won't/can't:
- Ignore it.
- Remove for 30 sec, and reset the circuit breaker that controls the
CEL. I tink it is #9 or #12.
- Check Honda website for a warranty recall on their emission control
system - they cleanout and drill a larger opening for your ECV.
- If it comes up consistently as the converter, go to your local parts
store and get a replacement O2 sensor that fits in the converter - it is
probably this $60 part vice a whole new converter.

Good luck