[diegobatman]

Hello,

I recently bought a 2002 Acura RSX Type S with 128,000 miles. About a day into owning it a check engine light came on. I took it to Pepboys to get it checked and they told me it was a P0420 code and I was told I needed to change the catalytic converter. I took it to a muffler shop, and the guy told me I could change it with the OEM catalytic converter for $1600 or that I could do an aftermarket one for $642. I decided to just run out the car until I decide what to do with it. Today I was driving on the highway and my exhaust managed to literally slice in half near the muffler. I took it back to the shop and got it welded and fixed, but on my way there I noticed that my revs weren't going past 5500-5600. After getting the muffler fixed, it still wasn't going past 5500. I took it to a well known mechanic near my area and he took it for a test drive. Before taking it out, he checked oil levels and made sure everything was good. Without scanning the check engine code he immediately told me I have to change out the catalytic converter. He said it could be that there isnt enough back pressure because of the current cat restricting it and that could be why I'm not getting past 5500 rpm. He checked the check engine code again, and sure enough it was only the same P0420 code. Now my question is, is what he's saying actually true? Could the cat be causing my revs to get stuck at 5500 from not enough back pressure? If so, should I go with an aftermarket one online or just use the OEM?

(BTW I by far have no knowledge in the mechanic world, so bare with me)

 

[VTEC_Inside]

The P0420 code doesn't automatically mean cat, its spit out as a function of both O2 sensors. If either of the sensors isn't working correctly then it could incorrectly spit out that code. With that many miles on it I would change both O2 sensors first and see if it comes back.

As for the rev cut. That's too specific of an RPM to be cat blockage, it also coincides just about with the high cam changeover. Your mechanic may mean well, but I suggest you take it to someone that is more familiar with Hondas/Acuras... It could just be a clogged screen at the VTEC solenoid.

 

[diegobatman]

I've turned the P0420 code off like 3 times because I've been told it could also be a O2 sensor and it always came back with the same code.

Can you suggest any mechanic shop that has more experience with Acuras/Hondas in my area? Queens, NY

 

[VTEC_Inside]

Turning the code off without doing anything else is just going to result in the code coming back.

Have you changed either one of the O2 sensors?

I can't help you on a shop... Try the regional section of the forum for someone else in your area...

 

[diegobatman]

I just wanted to confirm that check engine light code and it always came back after 50-100 miles. Today I took the car out on a drive and I was able to go above 5500 and hit vtec. Its od but I'm not sure what's going on to be honest.

Can you recommend any aftermarket cat for the 02 Type S?

 

[JaxEP3]

Have you checked you vtec solenoid yet. What your describing sounds like syptoms of non functioning vtec.

 

[diegobatman]

I haven't but today on my daily commute I got off the highway and gave it another go. I was able to go past 5500 rpm and hit vtec. I stopped revving it right before redline and pulled it out of gear and repeated it again and to my surprise again I was able to hit vtec. Could this be a sign of something about to break and needs replacing soon?