chitownRLer

Hi Guys. Check engine light came on my 00 RL with 92k miles. I went to autozone to get it read and it came back as follows:

Troubleshooting code P0420

The PCM has determined that the catalyst system efficiency for bank 1 is below threshold for the current engine operating conditions. (Bank 1 identifies the location of cylinder #1, while bank 2 identifies the cylinders on the opposite bank)

Definition: Catalyst efficiency low-Bank 1

Explanation: the oxygen sensors monitor the catalytic converters ability to store oxygen.

Probable causes:
1. catalytic converter defective(failure possibly due to #2,3,4)
2. engine misfire or running conditions
3. large vacuum leak
4. engine oil leakage into exhaust-valve guide seals, piston rings.
__________________________________________________ ______________

Sounds like it could be myriad of things beginning with catalytic converter/oxygen sensor. my car has been running normal, not noticing anything different. I should note that last year, i had cylinder 1 misfire and had that fixed. Can you guys give me some advice as to what to do? I called Acura dealer and they said the catalytic converters are only under warranty for 8 years, 80k miles.

DasTeknoViking

www.o2simulator.com, OEM cat is SUPER expensive ! I have not tried the simulator trick on a RL, but I have done this on Subarus, Maximas, Sentras.... hell even my moms 00 Altima has one right now because the precat went "bad" and would code once every few months.

chitownRLer

i'll look into that, thanks

chitownRLer

http://www.o2simulator.com/index.php...c951d6d3ffd21c

you talkin about this? so please tell me what this exactly does and how hard it is? it basically fools the computer into thinking that cat conv is not bad so it stops spittin out P0420 code??? how hard is it to installl, etc??? is it legit? not that i care. will i pass the emission test with this?

DasTeknoViking

I have installed many of these on Subarus, Nissans, and never had a problem. I even have one on my moms car because the ECU says the cat is bad.

You need a SINGLE output universal one. Basically what this thing does : takes a 5V input from the ECU and converts it into a .6V signal and works on a timer circuit. It turns the .6V on and off, kinda like a working 02 sensor does WITH a good cat. Its very simple to install. I am not 100% sure if it will work on a RL.

bigjussin

depending on the ecu it will not pass emission as the honda ecus dont always set the 02 as "ready" when the simulators are in place..fixing the problem might help

1- clean off the 02 sensor tips with a suitable cleaner, crc sensor cleaner
2- universal cats are much cheaper than direct fit, if u can find a shop willing to install
3- the 2 sims are a band aid in some cases, if the cat is clogged the backpressure will burn out valves in the head and then ur looking at some cash

just my .02

chitownRLer

THanks jussin....I just found out i need to pass the emission test this year so i will be forced to take it in somewhere...

chitownRLer

it was the 02 sensor...$140 for part $20 labor...problem solved, i think...going to get emission test done at the end of week.

greasemonkey

I had the exact same problem on an integra i used to own and since the cats are so expensive and the car ran normal i tried other options, first you can replace your oxygen sensor that is found after the cat, but most likely your cat is just a little old and not performing quite like it used to so try this first.....Go to any local parts store and buy what is call a spark plug anti fouler. It is usually found in a package by "HELP" i found it at checker auto parts. One might work but two will for sure. unscrew your O2 sensor and screw in the anti fouler, then screw the O2 sensor into the anti fouler,(it's like a coupler) this will take your sensor out of the direct exhaust and your check engine light will go off. if your sensor is too deep to fit in the anti fouler then drill one out and stack them to give you the depth you need. It has worked great for me and a couple friends. GOOD LUCK

chitownRLer

greaser, yeah def...if my cat goes out, i'll try this