Check engine light turned on and then turned off three days later?

Tiny
SBHUY
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,000 MILES
The light came on and went off after 3 days. Ran a diagnostic while it was on catalytic converter warning. Get it fixed right away or wait?
Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 6:36 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

Do you remember the code? Was it a P0420 or P0430? Let me know that. If it was, they indicate the converter is working below the threshold. As long as you are not experiencing a power loss, you should be okay, but it will keep turning the lamp back on if cleared.

Here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Let me know the code so I can better help.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
SBHUY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The code was PO420. No experience of power loss.
Check engine light has not come back on, but not sure how long it stays off if the converter is bad.
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Friday, February 17th, 2023 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

The P0420 indicates the catalytic converter is working below a specific threshold. Basically, it isn't doing what it should. Usually, this code leads to the need to replace the converter.

On the other hand, I've seen them come on and then the light goes out for years. Since you are not experiencing a power loss, I'm not concerned about it being partially plugged. At this point, continue driving it. If the light returns with the same code, we will need to replace it. Also, if there is no power loss, it won't damage anything if the same code returns. However, it will fail an emissions test (not sure where you are located). Also, I would run it for a long time that way. It will affect the fuel mileage and performance to a degree.

Let me know your thoughts and what I can do to help.

Joe
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Friday, February 17th, 2023 AT 8:18 PM

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