PCM problem 99 Accord

I have had the check engine light come on 3 times in our 99 Accord LX sedan
2.3L (152,000 miles) in the last month. First it was just the gas cap, then
the evap canister was replaced and now I'm told its the PCM. This was the
computer readout from my local repair shop. In talking to a few other
mechanics, they doubt that it is the PCM and think that the Honda dealer
testing equipment is really what I should have done. Any thoughts on this -
I just don't want to waste another $100 for engine analysis as I feel like
dumping the car at this point although it is otherwise in great shape.

 

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Tell us the actual CODES that appear on the work order. All else is
speculation without them. They are very specific, and I guess you paid
for them.

'Curly'

 

I don't know that what I have ia a CODE but there is something on that says
MIL COMES ON WITH DTC P1457.

 

P1457 is the code. I am sure that one of our resident experts will chime
in with some recommendations for you...

 

This is a classic reason why it's a bad idea to use independent shops to
solve stuff like this.

There are at least two Honda TSBs on your car, both of the ones I'm aware
of having to do with the P1457 EVAP error.

Certain of the EVAP canister's solenoids go bad, resulting in the P1457
error.

Also, normally Honda PCMs are exceedingly reliable, but in this case it
*IS* possible the PCM *may* have to be replaced!

Go to your local dealer with your invoices from the independent shop.

You will have to pay for any repairs.

 

Same thing happened to my Honda. Replaced gas cap, and several other
expensive parts that cost several hundred dollars. I was afraid it
might be the PCM, but didn't want to pay the dealer lots more money to
test it or replace more parts on an old 100k mile car. I ended up
hacking the evap sensor with a relay and a resistor to get the right
signal to the PCM and it runs fine now and still gets good gas mileage
at 40 mpg.

 

We took the car to the Honda dealer today and they replaced the evapconstant
shut valve-n-gas cap (code P1456). Of course before they did the analysis
they wanted to do a recall on the ignition key (this was done previously at
another Honda dealer but probably not recoreded right). They also said that
there was a secondary code P04 20 (catalytic converter below thresthold) -
should have converter replaced at $1800. I had it replaced by my local
independent mechanic 4 months ago, but the Honda manager said it needs to be
a direct bolt on converter, so maybe it is not. Will need to check this.
The check engine light is off but don't know if the catalytic converter
issue may be a problem.

 

The check engine light came on again today, the day after the Honda dealer
fixed code P1456, but code P1457 stills comes up as I took it back to my
independent shop as it did before I took it to the Honda dealer. Any
thoughts?