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'96 Civic - Help with "Check Engine Light" Scan Code
About 6 months ago the "Check Engine Light" in my Civic came on for
the first time. I reset the ECU (by momentarily pulling the Backup/Hazard fuse) and the light stayed out for at least a couple of months. Since then however, the light has come back on a couple of times (with many weeks and miles in between). After the latest incident, I had the ECU code read at Autozone. This is the only info that was available: "P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)" Here are some clues: There has been no noticeable driveability or gas mileage degradation. Also, whenever the light has illuminated, it has always occurred a minute or two after exiting a highway and traveling slowly (20-30mph) on secondary roads. The car has about 165K miles. Is it probable that the car has a slowly failing catalytic converter or could one of the oxygen sensors possibly cause this error code as well? Though I'd like to drive the car another year or so, I'm certainly not inclined to replace the converter ($$). Is my risk from not making any repair at this point limited to possibly not passing an emissions test? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. |
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'96 Civic - Help with "Check Engine Light" Scan Code
Hi
Hope this helps. :-) DTC P0420: Catalytic System Efficiency Below Threshold. Basically it's saying the catalytic converter is not working properly. But before we go and replace it, we need to check it. First clear all the codes from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) thusly. Turn the ignition switch OFF , and remove the No.13 CLOCK BACKUP fuse (7.5 A) (A) from the passenger's under-dash fuse/relay box (B) for 10 seconds. Now, start the engine and hold the engine at 3,000 rpm with no load, in Park or neutral, until the radiator fan comes on. Test-drive 40 to 55 mph for approximately two minutes. Then decelerate for at least 3 seconds with the throttle completely closed. Then reduce the vehicle speed to 35 mph. If the light comes back on, you will need to replace the catalytic converter. Frank www.NGKPartFinder.com - Best site to find all NGK products for your vehicle. |
#3
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'96 Civic - Help with "Check Engine Light" Scan Code
Thanks, Frank.
I will try your test; The procedure seems designed to produce very similar conditions to those that have caused the light to come on in the past: highway driving, then stop momentarily after exiting highway, and then slow driving (~30mph). What may happen if your test is positive and I continue to drive the car without replacing the catalytic converter? Marc |
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