OctoberFestFan

Hi.
My engine recently threw a "check engine" light. As it seems the code reads a bad cat converter. My car currently has only 62,000 miles. Acura cover the cat on how many miles? I read it's up to 80k miles are covered under warranty. If not, how much will it cost me to replace it? Also how hard is it to change the cat myself? I see it's right below the engine.

thanks a bunch

csmeance

there are 3 cats on the car. The emmsions system parts are covered for 80K miles.

OctoberFestFan

It threw a code of P0420 bank 1 cat low reading.... (forgot the exact words)
I know we have several cats, 1 to 2 ? Which one is bank 1 ? the 1 below the engine or in the middle?

thanks a bunch

OctoberFestFan

sorry, it was this code

P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

csmeance

I think that means the front cat is not functioning properly (if you stare at the engine, its the one right behind the fans in the front of the car)

This helps, but can't pinpoint the issue. It could be the sensor going bad or the cat going bad. Take it to acura, they should fix it under the emmisions warranty.

01tl4tl

It could be a dirty egr port or a cat prob
Anything in the emission control equipment that would cause it to fail a smog test is covered by warranty of 8 years 80,000 miles
A check engine light or any emission codes are reasons to fail

Call local dealer for an appointment and drop the car off asap

RACINGHART03

iTrader: (2)

Bank one is the cat facing the firewall. I have done a bunch of these for P0420. As Csmeance stated you have 8 80 coverage on cats so scoot on over to the dealer and have it taken care of. Just dont reset the light!

240sx acura tech

bank one is in the rear. were cylinder one is . they are covered under the 8/80 emission warranty so make sure you are not paying for it. po420 is cat deteriation. the cat is done. if it was a sensor it would be a p0134/ 135 . 139/ or 141. erg is p0401 resson for this could be lite misfires, stuck open injectors, bad gas , small head gasket leak, or hit the rev limit alot.

OctoberFestFan

I see, I did manage to take out the air/f tempeature sensor and it was dirty (I only put BP premium gas). As I cleaned it and tried to put it back on, I over tighten and broke it, now need a new one lol...
if it's the cat, I will take it into the dealership and get it fixed.

RACINGHART03

iTrader: (2)

What did you clean it with? Not that it matters since its broken but the element is very sensitive to chemicals and can be damaged by cleaning. They normally look a little black with carbon. Do you have a history of any misfires?

csmeance

that was the air intake sensor to sense the temperature of the air, that has almost nothing to do with your cats not functioning.

OctoberFestFan

Yep seems like it has almost nothing to do with the P0420 code. A friend of mine at work said his check engine light came on..on his celica and he took the sensor out to clean and and recommended me doing so prior in taking my car in.
I regret ever taking it out to clean and oh well, a mistake I made and a lesson I learned in a hard way. Luckily I was able to take it out.

OctoberFestFan

A question however,
my local acura dealerships sells the cat. convt. for $385 and that does not include all other components like the shield cover, the bolts etc.,
www.acuraoemparts sells the same cat part # for $209.
link here http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no
A ridiculously low value. You guys have been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it. This site does have some quality people who knows what they are talking about. Now, could someone tell me what I need to get besides the cat convt. itself? When I called Acura, the parts guy said I need other parts like the cat. conv. bolts, shield/casing.....

The code was P0420 (bank 1 cat low reading)
I have a part number here from Acura 18160-RCA-S00. The parts guy used my VIN to get that part number... that is correct I assume?
but looking at their site it shows other parts like, so I am a bit confused

18190-RCA-L00 CONVERTER, FR, PRIMARY
18190-RCA-L00 CONVERTER, RR, PRIMARY
18160-RCA-A00 CONVERT


also, some of you mentioned the bank 1 is the cat. convt. that is attached to the o2 sensor right below the engine (you can see it from looking at the engine bay.)
but 240sx said it's in the rear where cylinder 1 is????
hmmm..... so which one is it?

Now of course, I have an appt to take this car in next thursday. I just would like to be educated in these aspects before heading into the dealership. Granted, if it is covered under warranty, I wont have to pay a dime, but still a good education from you guys

thanks.

OctoberFestFan

no sir. Just a dumb action taking from listening to a friend who has no clue what he is talking about. A hard lesson learned. Hopefully with the new sensor from OEM parts will continue to make the car run as good as it was before. No misfire whatsoever.

01tl4tl

never listen to friends or coworkers unless they own acura and can say for fact about something

You are getting worked up over what we told you a week ago to get to the dealer for!
Now you have gone and screwed with the car- probably cleared the codes etc

OctoberFestFan

Hi, before you insult others, try to gather your information correctly before your itchy fingers begins to write something that comes back to bite you. I started this thread 2 days ago, which meant the check engine light came on this past sunday morning. Last week I was on a business trip to Mexico so it was not me. Also, my appointment with Acura is next thursday. So there is no way I can take the car in before hand.

240sx acura tech

well after market cats don't work. and how many miles are on the tl?

OctoberFestFan

almost 63,000 miles sir. And I plan on getting stock cats even if acura dealership wont cover warranty

RACINGHART03

iTrader: (2)

They will totally cover it bro. You have without a doubt 8 years/ 80,000 miles of coverage on your cats. Unless you have a cancelled warranty, make an appt and drop it off. You may want to install that new A/F sensor before you go and tell them what happened. DONT CLEAR THE CODES!! You should now have a code for your A/F sensor AND your Cat. Bank 1 cat is the one closest to the firewall. Your car has 3 total which is why you have three part numbers. Bank 1 (firewall) Bank 2 (radiator side) and the third cat which is under the car.

OctoberFestFan

I dont think it will have a code for A/F sensor (or Air temperature sensor) since the car has not been started since the bolt broke. Waiting for the parts to come in , I'll install it then start up the car. It should not throw an additional code since I am basically replacing a new OEM part.

OctoberFestFan

All,
I want to personally thank all of you who have been helpful to me on this thread. I took the car in on Wednesday for the "check engine light." and it was confirmed "bank 1" cat conv. went bad. The service manager was very nice and assured me it will be covered under warranty. They also told me there are 2 other recalls for the 2005 TLs. "wiper sensor and power steering fluid / hose ." Although I never had problem with the two, they serviced it regardless.
The car was in the shop for 3 days, the manager also gave me a 2009 Acura TL (without navi) loaner to drive. Whew, the 4G TL had a ton of new technology in there and it was a fun ride. I almost did not want to bring it back lol.
I will give it a good 2 to 4 weeks to see if the new cat holds up (as it should.) and update you all again. You have been very helpful! thanks!

stillhere153

iTrader: (1)

so does that mean the new cat is covered for 8 years 80k miles

RACINGHART03

iTrader: (2)

Thats acutally a good question. I know it isnt covered for 8/80 but usually you get 12/12 on a dealer installed part. Hmm. interesting.

OctoberFestFan

I will ask that question tomorrow when I talk to my acura rep and get back to you.

01tl4tl

no its not another 8/80...get real~
that 8/80 applies to the parts originally installed on the car
Its a federal thing about cars passing smog test that caused 8/80 ,,,used to be 5/50 on most car makes

240sx acura tech

it would be 3 year 36k if under warrenty or covered untill your factory warranty is up whichever is greater.. any part you pay for is covered for 1 year or 12k.

RACINGHART03

iTrader: (2)

Somewhat true but I was thinking more along the lines of lets say it was replaced at 79,500 miles. What would the warranty be? 3/36 is only if the customer pays for it. At that mileage it would still be covered 100 percent so there would be no customer out of pocket and true it would def be covered to 80k but what about after that? That was why I said "good question."

OctoberFestFan

I am told the cat will be under warranty until my car hits 80k, which is factory warranty, but I am sure I can work something out later should it fail again lol...

Tripnbeats

its also triggered by bad gas, i had it throw last month.... after i cleaned the intake and put fuel injector cleaner in.....prob solved. but have it looked at by acura....i did that before i went on my little cleaning adventure

BoxOn20s

I always replace catalytic converters when I see a efficiency DTC. Sometimes dealers will goodwill the part after your warranty expired if you have been a good customer