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1998 Honda Accord Check Engine light on

Tiny
RSOUND1
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,000 MILES
Dear Sir,
I have a 1998 Accord EX 4 dr with 119000 miles. Last week my car failed to start and the Honda dealer informed me that the starter is bad and needs to be replaced. So last week he replaced it with an remanufactured starter and also informed me that the starter which was put on my car has some minor problem and I need to replace it again once they get new stock of starter. So I replaced my starter again on Tuesday and after driving around for less than 20 miles I observed my check engine light on. So I went to AutoZone and they informed me it’s the code P0420.
I called the dealer back informing him the situation without disclosing the code and they said that I need to take the car to them and they will run a diagnostic which will cost 68$ (waived if I fix the car with them) and determine the problem. They also informed me that if it’s something that was caused by their repair then they will fix it for no charge. I read you forum and observed that there was similar cases. So, needed your opinion. Please advise me
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 12:02 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Look for any vacuum lines damaged or left off from the starter replacement. There are a few in theway, so it is possible one was left off or damaged and is causing a leak
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
RSOUND1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Dear Sir,
I just visually checked the car and I haventt observed anything different. Is there a diagram showing the vaccum lines so that I can check them thoroughly or is it better to take it to a mechanic and have him checked.
So if there is no problem with the Vaccum lines what is the next step.

Thanks in advance
Rsound1
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Friday, April 3rd, 2009 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Hondas usually have a vacuum diagram under the hood, look for it near the emissions sticker
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Friday, April 3rd, 2009 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
RSOUND1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Dear Sir I checked the vaccum lines and the engine visually with a mechanic here and there is no leaks or problem with the vaccum lines. So wat is the next step that I need to do. Thanks in advance
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Try clearing the code adn driving it to see if it comes back. That (P0420) is for catalyst efficiency, so it may be a bad coincidence that the cat converter is bad as well
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 2:10 PM
Tiny
RSOUND1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Sure I will do so and wait to see if it reoccurs. I will do as per your advice and reset the code and drive. If it reappears then I will fix it before going for the next emission check.
Also Is there any specific Mile after resetting that I need to look for the code to reappear if there is any problem with the catalyst converter. Thanks

Thanks a lot
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 2:14 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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There really isnt any specific mileage that will reset it. Really depends on the condition of the cat converter.I have seen them set that code, but if driven soft, never reset it.
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 3:34 PM
Tiny
RSOUND1
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  • 5 POSTS
Thanks a lot for yo patient replies and sure will follow your advice and watch it. I also drive very less as I use it mainly for going to shops as I am a student and stay oncampus. So I will keep an eye and keep you posted.
Once again Thanks a lot
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Monday, April 6th, 2009 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
My pleasure, remember to drive it easy and you may not see the light again for that problem
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 AT 8:09 AM

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