Wanted - Catalytic converter for 2001 insight

[chrisoc]

The subject says it all. The price from honda for the part is $1700 which is outrageous, but I have been told by other mechanics that installing an after-market part will often not turn off the check-engine light (very necessary since I am trying to get the car to pass NYS inspection).

[Skuits]

Ouch! How many miles do you have? I thought they were warrantied for 150K?

There is a little trick you can use w/ a spark plug fouler to locate the 02 sensor just outside of the exhaust flow that may work for you.

Good luck,
Mark

[chrisoc]

I have read elsewhere that the cat is warrantied till 130k, and you say 150k. I am at 101k. Do you know where I can find information on the emissions warranty? Also, what is this trick with the spark plug fouler, and what would this trick do for me, determine that the problem is the FAL sensor or secondary o2 sensor?

[Skuits]

I would imagine the emissions info would be part of the original owners manual.? I suggest you contact your local Honda dealership and explain your problem. Have you gotten a trouble code yet? Depending on the code would depend on your remedy to fix the problem. Your dealership may want to charge you for diagnosis, but you could at least find out the warranty info before you proceed.

My wife's Civic had a check engine light and code w/ the CAT efficiency being below standard. I removed the oxygen sensor and put a spark plug fouler in the hole where the O2 sensor was and put the O2 sensor on the end of the plug fouler. It allowed me to reset the check engine light and fooled the computer into keeping the light off. I guess it allowed more air around the O2 sensor? I ran the car that way until I could afford to buy a new CAT. Even a 1999 Civic CAT still cost me $500.

Keep us posted on what you find out.

Mark

[jh057]

First, as Skuits recommended, check warranty info. That fixed the code on my car last Feb and it hasn't come back since.

If it is indeed bad, check out Smith Brothers Catalytic Converters, Smith Brothers. I called them last December and they quoted $350 for a complete rebuilt unit. (you send your old one back and get a core charge credited).

As much as people replace cats on Insights, I would not trust a used one.

[NTInsight]

Go to Browns Recycling. This is what I did and the code went away. They are under $200 and you are good to go...

[satchel]

Thread about cats here:
P0420 - ECU and/or catalytic converter replacement cost?
rkleefam bought a direct fit for <$300 at this outfit that fixed his P0420:
Catalytic Converters - Direct Fit - OEM Quality - Discount Prices - Fast Shipping

edit: I'm not finding a cat listed on their website. They have a O2 sensor for $70.
warranty is 8yrs/80,000miles http://www.insightcentral.net/KB/faq-purchasing.html

[playtimeover]

Originally Posted by chrisoc

The subject says it all. The price from honda for the part is $1700 which is outrageous, but I have been told by other mechanics that installing an after-market part will often not turn off the check-engine light (very necessary since I am trying to get the car to pass NYS inspection).

Didn't you try to install an after-market part? The mechanics is absolutely correct.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

Originally Posted by chrisoc

The subject says it all. The price from honda for the part is $1700 which is outrageous, but I have been told by other mechanics that installing an after-market part will often not turn off the check-engine light (very necessary since I am trying to get the car to pass NYS inspection).

Check my post. I've got an entire exhaust pipe with the gasket for $218. And it's in NYC.

[Hugh-Falls]

Beware Smith Bos., they still haven't returned my converter since beginning of May. I have since bought an after market converter (direct fit and no core charge) for less than $250 and had it installed by local Honda dealer. No problem with fit and it works okay.

Don't be scammed, deal with honest people who know what they are doing.