[WhyHonda]

My check engine light has been on for a while and the scanner shows trouble codes P0420 and P1445.

P0420 says "The catalyst system efficiency is below threshold" and P1445 says "Purge flow sensor circuit high input".

Is there anybody else here has the same problem and how did you fix it?

Thanks!

 

[Foxpaw]

I'm just going to take a stab in the dark, but it sounds like there is a problem with either the NOX catalytic converter, or the sensor inside of it. That's pure speculation, based on my limited knowledge of the Insight. Do you still have lean-burn?

 

[Rick]

Taking a similar stab in the dark. I would think given the codes you have bad catylitic converters, or maybe it's just a bad sensor. Either way the proper procedure for fixing that is to replace both cat's. I hope your under the 50,000 mile emissions warranty because otherwise the cat's alone run a few grand.


Here's what the ESM says for those codes:
Taking a similar stab in the dark. I would think given the codes you have bad catylitic converters, or maybe it's just a bad sensor. Either way the proper procedure for fixing that is to replace both cat's. I hope your under the 50,000 mile emissions warranty because otherwise the cat's alone run a few grand.


Here's what the ESM says for those codes:
DTC P0420: Catalytic System Efficiency Below Threshold.NOTE: If some of the DTCs listed below are stored at the same time as DTC P0420, troubleshoot those DTCs first, then recheck for DTC P0420.P0137, P0138: Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2)P0141: Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2) Heater1. Do the ECM Reset Procedure.2. Start the engine. Hold the engine at 3,000 rpm (min-1) with no load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on.3. Test-drive 64 - 88 km/h (40 - 55 mph) for approx. two minutes. Try to keep the engine speed between 1,500 to 2,500 rpm (min-1). Then decelerate for at least 3 seconds with the throttle completely closed. Then reduce the vehicle speed to 56 km/h (35 mph), and try to hold it until the scan tool indicates catalyst readiness complete. Is the test result FAIL? YES - Check the three way catalytic converter (TWC). If necessary, replace the TWC. n NO - Intermittent failure, system is OK at this time


A search for P1445 turns up nothing in the ESM. Good luck.

 

[Rick]

http://www.insightcentral.net/encyclope ... lytic.html

 

[WhyHonda]

I just noticed my check engine light is gone this morning. I guess maybe some conditions changed and something didn't work works now.

I will keep monitoring this problem and let you guys know the status.

Thank you very much for all your insight ideas and information!

 

[joe4ska]

I've had this happen two years ago, Durring the winter as well. When I took it in all they had to do was reset the light. Somthing temporally happened which caused it to go off.

And guess what as of tonight it is doing it again two years later. The Owners Manual says to check the Gas Cap and drive 3 trips. If it is still on take to a dealer.

I think somthing about running the Deforster durring the winter and Driving the car while it is cold and has not been running for several minutes causes the engine light to go off.

I noticed the light come on tonight a minute after turning the car on and driving with the defroster on. I have not had the o2 sensor replaced per the recall yet.

Does anyone know how to reset the sensor?

 

[Rick]

***Edited***

Woops double sent, read below. Sorry.

 

[Rick]

Disconnect the ground from the 12 volt battery for a few minutes and then reconnect it. You'll loose your IMA SOC temporarily, but this cleared the CEL I triggered when playing around with a disabled IMA.

If the light comes back on after a little while the fault still exists and something is likely bad.

 

[nortoncomando]

I just got back from the dealer because the check engine light came on yesterday. They said it was that same "cat efficiency" code. Then they quickly ordered the two part,$1400 cat convertor and said it was covered by the 80,00 mile warranty! Did the dozen Lamar's donuts help?
Good Luck everyone. let's keep track of how this new problem is being handled.

 

[nortoncomando]

Yesterday pushing through slush and a big headwind at highway speeds the CEL went out. The dealer didn't want to cancel the light because I would be coming in soon for the cat. replacment.
I would think they would want to change the 2 O2 sensors before pressing on with the $1400 cat. system.
Was my commute under high power enough to clean up the cat and/or O2 sensors?
I'll keep in touch.

 

[Willie Williford]

cats

If you are a "putter" (Never exced 3,000 rpm) there is a chance you have saturated the cats. (Especially using low rpm with high throttle use or openings) Suggest you run the engine to near max. "redline" once in a while to "keep it clean". In my past experience, vehicles driven mostly in city driveing (stop,go,low speed, low rpm)are 90% more likely to fail an exhaust emmisions test.........(My theory)