[foreman_bob]

Howdy all,
This morning my check engine light came on. I had it checked out at an auto store and here is the reading from the computer:

******************
DTC (Codes)
P0420

Catalyst Efficiency
Below Threshold
(Bank 1)

DTC Pending(Codes)

No Faults Detected.
******************

Anyone have a clue as to what this means?

Thanks for any help or advice!!!

 

[Accord4Life]

Sometimes there is a glitch in the system. If your in warrantee take it to the stealership, and if your out, reset the check light. Diconnect the negative capble of the battery for 24 hours (correct me someone if you disconnect both...), and then hook the battery back uo and see if it comes on after driving it around.

 

[greg-ster]

Speaking of MIL's, how long does the car store DTC's? Are they stored until reset/erased?

 

[foreman_bob]

Not sure, I've been reading a lot of conflicting reports.

Is there any way to do a manual reset on the MIL?

 

[mickey1987]

Not sure, I've been reading a lot of conflicting reports.

Is there any way to do a manual reset on the MIL?

You can pull the clock fuse number 13 Its a 7.5amp from the passenger side fuse box. Hold to out for 10 seconds then put it back in and reset your clock.

I have a 99accord and thats what did!

 

[BenjiBoy650]

You can pull the clock fuse number 13 Its a 7.5amp from the passenger side fuse box. Hold to out for 10 seconds then put it back in and reset your clock.

I have a 99accord and thats what did!

I was going to say that but I was afraid it was different on the 7th gen. You can still give it a shot, no guarantees. It might still work, but it might not be fuse 13 anymore...just look for it and give it more than 10 seconds if you could (just to be sure).

 

[princess]

here you go.........

 

[foreman_bob]

Excellent information, but it turns out it decided to go off on it's own this morning about 5 minutes from pulling in the driveway...

I'm sure this info can help someone in the future anyway!

 

[Accord4Life]

You still need to go get your ECU software updated at the Honda Dealer to avoid this hapening again. The iservice is free of cahrge. Just bring in the attachment that pricess has uploaded.

 

[foreman_bob]

Last time I tried to get the 'goodwill consideration' (As stated in the TSB) for the free labor they gave me a hassle. I guess I won't bother with it unless it comes on again, and then I'll give them a ring and see if they'll help me out. Thanks again.

 

[foreman_bob]

Update on the P0420 code.
Today the "Maintenance Required" light came on. The first time it was the check engine light (or the malfunction indicator lamp).

I took it to the auto parts store, and they read the error code again. To my suprise it came up exactly the same as before. Does the fact that the maintenance required light came on mean it is more severe than the check engine light? What are the differences in those indicator lamps?

Thanks!

 

[BenjiBoy650]

Maintenance required is a real idiot light. It comes on every 7000 miles or so - it has NOTHING to do with the engine. What they pulled was probably a stored code on the computer from the last time the check engine light came on.

 

[princess]

That's right!! :thmsup: I think it's 7500....the recommended oil change times. It may not have been reset is all....

The P0420 code is what it says when the PCM needs that update..... so just go in & get it done! You can ask before going in how much they'd charge in case it's not done under "goodwill". You can also try more than one dealer... :yes:

 

[princess]

<how long does the car store DTC's? Are they stored until reset/erased?>

That depends on which code....3-25 trippings.... some will stay forever until the part is fixed.

 

[foreman_bob]

Ohhhhhk, I get the point :yes:

Thanks again :thmsup:

 

[nfiniti]

check engine light 96 lx

my story.. last year, around may-june 2006, my check engine light suddenly came on.. i took it to 2 honda dealerships and also my mechanic, none of the computers could pull up error codes...ok.. I let one of the dealerships keep the car and run diagnostics to see what's going on.. they say the transmission will die out in about 3 months, and that my car is so old it's not worth trying to fix it.... I laughed at them, because my transmission was just rebuilt no more than 6 months before....anyway, my mechanic shut the light off.
A year has passed since then, my car is fine, transmission still working, what about that..
But, the check engine light came on again 2 weeks ago,...hmm so what could it be?? my suspension is more or less shot, but I don't think the light comes on for that, does it??