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1997 Honda Accord Repair Question


Topics covered: Engine, Catalytic converter, Distributor.
Mileage: 187,000 miles.

Asked on December 21, 2012

Honda Accord Engine Problem

Sept 2012: I replaced the timing belt and spark plugs at 185000. Dealer recommended replacing distributor. The car seems to be running fine since (purrs like a kitty) except my gas mileage has taken a dive.

Prior to the above service, I was getting 27-30 mpg driving mostly highway miles. The mpg in subsequent fill-ups has steadily fallen. At the most fill-up (12/17/12), my mpg was 22! Granted, it is winter and I need to "warm-up" the car on really cold mornings, but in the past that didn't impact the mpg as greatly.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Avatar Asked by Krofchik

Answer

Replied on December 21, 2012

i reccomend it too. they are common failures that will just drop out.

Roy

Tiny Answered by ASEMaster6371 (expert)
24,845 answers provided
Replied on December 21, 2012

Have the ignition timing rechecked.
Mostly the part that fails is the ignition coil and replacing that should do unless you have oil leakages within which requires the oil seal to be replaced as well.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,900 answers provided
Replied on December 28, 2012

The tech did note a leak on the diagnostic sheet with the 20-point inspection stuff on it.

Anyway, the check engine light just came on. Could this be related to the distributor issue?

Thanks again.

Tiny Response from Krofchik
1 question asked

Replied on December 28, 2012

Get a scan to retrieve the trouble code and let us know what it is. It could be anything related to the engine control system.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,900 answers provided
Replied on January 6, 2013

The tech pulled a P0420 code. The sales dude suggested replacing the O2 sensors and possibly the catalytic convertor.

Tiny Response from Krofchik
1 question asked
Replied on January 6, 2013

Sales dude? Did he do any diagnostics apart from retrieving the codes?
I would not jump to conclusion and start replacing components without any diagnostics to confirm the cause of the problem.

DTC P0420 : CATALYTIC SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD

NOTE:
If DTCs P0136, P0137, P0138, P0139 and/or P0141 are set, trouble shoot those DTCs before trouble shooting DTC P0420.

Perform PCM reset procedure. Start engine and run at 3000 RPM with no loads and transmission in Park or Neutral, until radiator fan comes on. Allow engine to idle. Connect SCS service connector. Test drive vehicle at 40-55 MPH for approximately 2 minutes. Decelerate
for at least 3 seconds with throttle fully closed. Reduce vehicle speed to 35 MPH, and hold it there until readiness code comes on. If DTC P0420 is not indicated, problem is intermittent, system is okay at this time. If DTC P0420 is indicated, inspect Warm-Up Three Way Catalytic converter (TWC), if equipped and/or Three-Way Catalytic Converter (TWC) for plugging, melting, cracking, exhaust system leaks. Repair or
replace as necessary.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,900 answers provided

Replied on January 6, 2013

They seemed to do diagnostics. They had the car for 90 minutes and did a "road test".

Did not talk directly to the tech, but the guy that runs the desk.

At this point, we are planning on getting it smogged and then put up for sale. What do you think are the chances of passing?

Tiny Response from Krofchik
1 question asked
Replied on January 7, 2013

If the code is there, not likely you are going to pass the smog test as this problem is emission related.

Tiny Answered by KHLow2008 (expert)
39,900 answers provided