Re: Troubleshoot
Just an FYI and technical clarification as to how the system works.
There are up to three O2 sensors in an Insight. The primary is an "unusual" type called a LAF (linear Air / Fuel) in that its output is a "flat" voltage vs. O2 content compared to a "standard" type with a sinusoidal output (voltage constantly sweeping). Its this primary sensor that requires a different test, again vs. the standard type. And it is the only one of the 3 that has "control" over the fuel mixture. The secondary or tertiary O2 sensors only "wake-up" when the CAT doesn't properly "scrub" the exhaust stream.
As far as pressure these sensors can only detect the difference in O2 content between ambient and the exhaust stream. It is true that catastrophic CAT failures are commonly caused by an engine misfire and are sometimes due to bad O2 sensor data being sent to the ECM causing the misfire. This will ultimately melt the CAT to a solid plug of clay in the pipe, causing abnormal pressures and engine stalling due to the inability to "flow". If you don't ignore a misfire symptom you can usually save the CAT :!:
"Severe" misfires require immediate attention :!: (towing)
But the most common failure is related to the CAT's ability to "scrub" and won't result in a meltdown.
HappyCamper your "odds" of goodwill are zero until you ask.
If the dealer says no, don't take offense, it's just how the _stupid_ system works. You'll need to call Honda customer relations next, _after_ asking the dealer (its how this game is played
)
IMO at just over 80K there's good reason for hope :!:
HTH!
