How do I know if the O2 sensor needs to be replaced vs. the Catalytic converter? The smog shop shows it's the CAT that is failing. E-vap system was good. Have 190k on the car and failing a smog makes the car worth $500 instead of $2500. The Navi player in the trunk is worth $500!!!!

Appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

Kian

 

They still let you guys use gasoline powered vehicles in The Peoples Republic of California? Weird.

Anyways, I'd first try to reset the ECU by pulling the negative battery cable for about 5 minutes then reinstalling. See if the light comes back. It's not terribly uncommon for the downstream O2 sensor to trigger on occasion. I'd also consider taking the car to an auto parts store like Autozone and have them scan for codes. The P0420 and P0430 are for downstream O2 sensors which monitor your emissions.

If the light comes back on, I'd consider first replacing the sensor. Keep in mind, there are two "banks". The P0420 code is the rear bank (1) and the P0430 code is the front back (2). Don't go changing both. Just concentrate on the one that's triggering the code.

Also, if you have one of those codes, only concern yourself with the downstream sensor - not upstream. You could first try cleaning the sensor with some CRC Electronics Cleaner but that doesn't usually work all that well. Replacing the sensor is the next step. With 190K, it could very well just be the sensor. You can find them on OEM Acura websites or even places like Amazon or eBay. I can hunt it down and provide links once you get the code from Autozone so we know for sure what sensor it is that's going haywire.

 

I have the Torque app and a bluetooth module and will try to pull the codes. My lights aren't on. They came on a month or so ago but I think the Acura mechanic I took it to cleared the code. I'll still try what you suggested and reset the ECU.

 

That's the way to go. The Torque app is great.

Yeah, let us know the code and we can go from there.

 

Like he said. It may be the sensor needs replacing but the code for the cat will come up as well.

If so change sensor, all with go away.

 

I've got $500 when it fails again.
#callme

 

Back when I had my TL, the cat was slowly dying. It would occasionally throw a CEL. In CA, any CEL is an automatic fail. So for about 4 years (2 smog tests) I was able to clear the code using Torque, drive around for about 50 miles which "resets" everything, and it would pass the test. Over the course of 4 years, I noticed that the CEL would throw a code sooner and sooner, when eventually it would throw the code almost immediately upon clearing it. That was my indication it was time to finally pay for a new cat.

 

Torque app says there are no faults to clear on ECU. In the Emissions Readiness s/DTC screen in the app, the Catalyst shows in Red as Incomplete. Everything else is Green and Complete.

Error code on the Navi says P0420 but that was dated a year ago (2/17).

I drove the car about 10 miles and still the same. I'm guessing I need to drive more to help the CAT reset or the ECU to reset.

 

After I cleared the code manually, I had to drive it around 50+ miles.

 

Just drove the car about 50 miles and the Cat was cleared. Time to get the smog check.

 

Passed smog check.

Anyone want to buy a 2005 RL?

 

500 dollar? Lol

 

501$? Lol but seriously, if it’s actually for sale, please make a FS ad in the marketplace

 

Thanks projektvertx. Just listed it.