Check engine light problems.

Tiny
MELODY7844
  • MEMBER
  • CHEVROLET IMPALA
I have a 97 Honda civic and my check engine light come on a few weeks ago. So I got the codes back from advanced autozone:

p0420 Catalyst Efficiency below threshold
p0302
p0303 Cylinder misfires
p0304

I'm assuming and hoping that I just need a tune up with replacing of the spark plugs, etc. As far as I know it's been a while since they've been replaced. Anyone have any advice or other ideas? I would appreciate it.

Oh and should I completely refrain from driving the car until it's fixed? That's my big question right now, since I'm uncertain what all that means.

Thanks
Saturday, January 7th, 2006 AT 11:48 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JEREMIAH
  • MECHANIC
  • 217 POSTS
Changing the plugs, caps and rotors USUALLY clears the problem. How many miles do you have on it?
The other code means your catalytic converter is no good. It's a pretty expensive part. Check with your dealer/s if they could warranty it for you.
I wouldn't advise driving around with three misfires though, and not changing the cat conv would fail emission inspection.
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Sunday, January 8th, 2006 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
THECHEESEMANNN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I would put a bet on faulty sensors. But if it has over 120000 miles, new plugs and wires would probably help gas mileage anyway. If the car studders alot when you romp on the gas, or if it just dies ad random, check the fuel pump, and the fuel injectors may be bad. Thats an expensive fix though.
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Friday, January 13th, 2006 AT 4:02 PM
Tiny
DAVAGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
If you car has less than 80,000/8 years on it, then you can get Honda to fix that part for you for free! (Catalytic converter). I got them to do my 2000 Passport. It was a $2000 job.
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Thursday, March 30th, 2006 AT 10:55 PM
Tiny
JEREMIAH
  • MECHANIC
  • 217 POSTS
The p0420 could also be caused by the misfire, since the oxygen sensor could be sensing the unburned fuel from the 3 misfiring cylinders which would cause it to think that the cat is bad.
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Friday, January 18th, 2008 AT 8:21 AM

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