2002 Honda Accord should my car need a new catalytic conver

JETT81

MEMBER
2002 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Hi there, I recently replaced the timing belts and water pump on my Accord. After the installation the car is running just like before. A few days later I get a check engine light code P420. I did not do anything about it, after a day or 2 the check engine light went away on its own. Then I took the car on a trip from FL to NJ, no problems there. Once arriving in NJ the light came on again. But went away after 2 days. When I returned to FL, the cat. Convt. Started making a lot of noise at idle and when I let off the gas. It sounded like marbles inside a can. Long story short. It still making noise. But should this car need a new catalytic covt. Already? I know that theres prob. A reason for it go bad. So what should I check first? Thanks guys.( Ps : its only been about 5000 miles since I replaced the timing belt)

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Cats go bad when they go bad sometimes because there old and sometimes from the car running too rich or burning oil. Does your car burn oil?

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Monday, August 2nd, 2010 AT 1:19 PM

JETT81

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the reply, my car does not burn oil. Almost the same amount that goes in at time of oil changes is what comes out. I also tried smelling the exhaust for rotten egg smell. And nothing.