If I leave my catalytic converter alone on my Odyssey...

What are the side effects? In this bad economy I really don't have an
extra $800-1000 to spend on new catalytic converter on my Odyssey.

 

what problem are you experiencing?

 

You should be able to find one for much less aftermarket, through a
*reputable* muffler shop. Failing that, see if you can buy one used from
a salvage yard.

 

Why do you think you need one? It could be that one or more of the O2
sensor or the wiring to them is bad & the cat is fine.

To answer your question - if the check-engine light doesn't bother you and
you don't have to pass a pollution check, the only impact as far as the car
is concerned is that the engine computer will be doing things to the tuning
of the engine trying to get in-spec readings from the O2 sensors.

 

That's what I thought. Yeah, it's the check engine light giving off
P0420 reading. I've took it to a shop and they replace dsome engine
parts (engine coil, spark plugs, etc.) and the light came back on. So
yeah, it could be the O2 sensor or the cat. The car is running fine
(so far) so I'm more incline to leave it alone.

If it is either O2 sensor or cat I just wanted to know if there's no
potential big damage besides bad fuel economy.

 

It would be nice if you gve the /year/ of your van...

 

Aftermarket online will save you money, though the aftermarket cat
converter may not last as long. Magnaflow is a popular brand and
should run you under $250 at http://magnaflowcatalyticconverter.com/home.php

Catalytic converters tend not to be available at junkyards, due to the
precious metals used ones hold.

Are you in California? Like Tegger asked, what year and exact sub-
model is your Odyssey?

 

99 Honda Odysey EX

 

Mileage and exact date of purchase? I could have sworn they had a
10/100K emissions warranty.
--

- dillon I am not invalid

"Iran wants nukes? North Korea wants nukes?
I'm sure we can give them some. Or the Navy."

- former B52 wing commander

 

Yes, leave it alone and it will come home... wagging its tail behind it.

 

105K, bought it used

 

Cats are 8 years 80K except for a few select CA-market '95, '96 and '97
models. On those, the original cat is warranted for 14 years or 150K miles.
(TSB 98-081).

P0420 has just about zero to do with how the engine is performing and
almost 100% with how the cat is performing.

There is a TSB out on this specific vehicle (03-073). Basically, the cat is
toast and needs to be replaced. Thank your federal government's EPA for
that little nugget.

If you are NOT in California, you can get "universal fit" aftermarket cats
for about $200 at any muffler place.

If you are 100% certain the MIL illumination only has (and only ever will
have) the DTC P0420 behind it, and provided you do not have a regular
emissions test in your area, you can safely ignore this DTC and not get the
cat replaced. No damage to the engine will ensue.

 

That's what I want to hear, thanks.

 

Thank you. What I discovered was thie "10/100K" applied to Carol's
now sold 96 Accord and was due to a recall campaign. She also got a
free service. Recieved the letter 2 weeks after the car was serviced,
date limit was like 3 months out. But the dealership, in the interest
of contiuned use, refunded the charges.

--

- dillon I am not invalid

"Iran wants nukes? North Korea wants nukes?
I'm sure we can give them some. Or the Navy."

- former B52 wing commander