1998 Honda Accord P0420 and P1739

DEREKSON16

MEMBER
1998 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

I noticed the "check engine" light stay on everytime I drive my 1998 Honda Accord. I took it to the mechanics at Strauss. They used the Engine Code Scanner and got the codes P1739 and P0420. They weren't sure what those codes meant. How do I find out exactly what the problem is and what needs to be fixed?

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 2:43 PM

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Derekson16,

P0420 should be a problem with the catalytic convertor, O2 sensor or emission control system.

P1739 is related to the transmission.

Does the D4 light blinks while driving?

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 4:35 PM

DEREKSON16

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5 POSTS

No, Its a steady D4 light. No blinking

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 4:55 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Derekson16,

If the gear shifting are all normal, then don't worry about the P1739 code first.

Erase the code and get the P0420 solved first.

The engine error takes precedence over any other error and solving it might cause other errors to be rectified.

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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 7:08 AM

DEREKSON16

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5 POSTS

Ok sounds good. But how do I know which part of P0420 needs to be fixed, whether its the sensors cat converter or what. How do I know what to tell the mechanic?

Thank You Very much

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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 7:37 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Derekson16,

The best is to do a diagnostic data test where you can find out whichever component not performing within specs.

You can ask your mechanic to do a visual inspection of the cat converter but sometimes you won't see much except if it is clogged or internally corroded.

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Thursday, June 19th, 2008 AT 7:38 AM