I have these two CELs on my 99 TL. It looks like the P0401 is bad cat, so I will need to replcae it.

The P0420 showed on the code reader as a 'pending' code, with a p after the code #. Does this mean that the EGR flow issue is here, or what? I am unfamiliar with the 'p' status

Thanks

 

401 is egr related. Most likely you have a bad or plugged up egr and ports. There are DIY's on cleaning this (the 99 is different from the 2000+ ) id clean it out first, reset teh ecu and see if they come back

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129225

fsttyms1 just wrote this up...it has reference to your P0420 problem!!

Good luck.

 

SB#03-027: Check Engine Light- P0420
Catalyst Deterioration/ Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshhold

 

Here is the 420

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b03-027.PDF

here is the 401
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/B00-004.PDF

 

If you have 80k or less on that 99 you can have the 401 fixed under extended warranty. They will clean out the IM & put a new egr in for free.

 

Yup!

 

bah. just turned 116k, so no coverage.

thanks for the help

 

just an update for anyone getting the same code(s)

I had Acura clean the EGR and install the pipe kit. Cost? $280. I had an engine sputter at idle, which is now gone as well.

HOWEVER the P0420 CEL is baa-aaack.. Trying to price out catalytics to replace it. Dealers want anywhere from 800-1100 to replace it lol.

 

Talk to Midas or local muffler shops. I'm sure you can get a cheaper price on a non-OEM cat.

 

Just an FYI, the OEM catalytic converter is only $400 from www.acuraautomotiveparts.org Shouldn't be more than an hour to install (I would certainly consider installing it yourself).

 

400 still seems like to much to me, but I will look into it

 

My Brother just bought a high flow one from Martel Bros for like 240 shipped. Made by Random technology. It's a direct-fit, not universal. Part # 822008.

 

thanks for the tip

 

Has he seen any issues with the aftermarket Cat so far ?

 

nope, the CEL is gone. It suppose to be high-flow too. It is a lot smaller though

 

yo, thats my code! I replaced my catalytic converter like 2 months ago, my transmission and motor mounts like maybe a month ago and now I'm gettin that same "420" code as well. Auto zone says: it could be bad gas, tune up or fuel injection
Dealer says : its nothing, we could reset it for about $100

what should I do to get rid of that canary light in my car??? Pleas Help


d_matthews01@yahoo.com

 

try resetting the light by unplugging the battery for 10 min or so. (make sure you have the radio /navi codes first)

Also you can do it by pulling the (not positive on which fuse) but i think its the #11 or 13?? fuse on the passenger side fuse panel

 

For $100, you can just go buy yourself a code reader. It pays for itself w/ a couple of codes and even faster if you have a couple of cars.

 

I thought about that this past sunday when I
saw them on sale in the paper. but I still need that
got-darn light to dissappear. sure resetting it would be a
quick fix but its still a reason why its on

 

I had this code for almost a year and finally replaced the catalytic converter and both O2 sensor's just to be safe with OEM parts from AcuraOEMparts.com.

$700 +/-, about 2-4 hrs labor on a lift and so far so good. Worst part was grinding off the upper flanged nuts/bolts using an extended dremel wand attachment, otherwise it's all pretty much take off bolt on type stuff. Definately wouldn't try it without a full lift and cold pipes.

Only thing I'm wondering about is if there's any adjustments that need to be made after replacement or does the car do that via the sensors automatically, not sure? Would love to think this would give me better mpg but so far it seems like it was an expensive way to turn off the CEL!

 

there is nothing that needs to be done (especially if you already reset the cel)

 

turns out the my catalytic converter (he says I have more than 1) is bad. that code somehow triggered something called the ignition coils and two of them were fried to frickazy. Anyways, I'm getting those replaced and a tune up $300+. I should be straight after that (its harlem shaking now) but if the light goes on, I need to replace that cat again.

 

I think i would go some where else. You only have 1 cat.

 

My light is on now for the 0420. I shoulda just got something newer b4 I hit 100k last month, damn.

 

I also had both the p0401 and p0420 codes on my 99 TL (92K miles). I just cleaned the EGR port and reset the ECU (use fuse #6 on the passenger side interior fuse panel). The CEL has NOT come back on yet, although I have only driven about 25 miles. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the EGR port cleanout (which cost me a total of < $5) was the answer.

I posted more about my experience on the thread with pictures:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=170

 

Unfortunately, P0420 came back a day later.