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Catalytic Converter Not Ready

3699 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  mfarmakas17
I have a 2002 RSX-S. I went for a California smog test and could not get the catalytic converter to read "ready", so it failed smog. All the other indicators were ready. I'm not sure how to get to the ready mode. The tech told me to drive the car and if the Check Engine light turns off without blinking, it'll be ready.

The check engine light blinks 5 times before turning off.


This is supposed to be a drive cycle for the 2002:
I was told to drive the car 10 minutes at varying speeds on the freeway. Then drive 3 cycles of: 30 seconds at 50-62 mph in 5th gear followed by 1-2 seconds of throttle closed (which I took to mean, foot off the accelerator). I did this but nothing changed.

So what's next? I don't smell anything coming from the exhaust, nor do I see anything. Could a sensor be at fault somewhere?

Incidentals: The tires are new Michelin's, I use 87 octane gasoline, and had a recent oil change using Mobil 1 (which is the only oil I've ever used), 135000 original miles.

How do I get this catalytic converter to the ready mode?
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Wait, did you say you’re running 87 octane in a type S?? Those have high compression engines and need 91 octane to prevent detonation and possible engine damage. These poor Hondas were so masterfully engineered and constructed only for silly kids to neglect oil changes and force lean AFRs with dumb CAIs and/or race exhausts without properly tuning or monitoring data.. A maintained rsx S should easily make it past 250k miles without any significant work.. I neglected my 03 for a good couple years.. blew a head gasket, overhauled, still driving it like I stole it- but now she is well maintained. Almost 250k on the odometer, picked it up from the original owner over 100k ago who was a grown up and followed service intervals.
Many an rsx have been ruined due to neglecting oil changes along with frequent redlining and cold air intakes/race exhausts without proper tune. Running low octane fuel in high compression engines not only reduces performance, but also greatly increases wear and load on the crank and main bearings. Before buying a sports car, even an inexpensive Honda, performing a small amount of research in order to educate oneself is highly recommended.
Michelin tires-check.
Mobil 1 full synthetic-check
Low octane fuel in a high compression performance engine regularly while ignoring the pinging and detonating going on until irreversible damage has been done-check

but at least you got those Michelins..

The amount of morons I’ve seen drop paychecks on cosmetics for their cars while spending no time and effort inspecting suspension components, mounts, brakes, neglecting regular maintenance, and ignoring early signs of failing components- then keep running the car into the ground when it has obvious issues and complain about Honda when it finally craps out due to constant neglect blows my mind.. I personally neglect cosmetics and only care about efficiency and performance.
Michelin tires-check.
Mobil 1 full synthetic-check
Low octane fuel in a high compression performance engine regularly while ignoring the pinging and detonating going on until irreversible damage has been done-check

but at least you got those Michelins..

The amount of morons I’ve seen drop paychecks on cosmetics for their cars while spending no time and effort inspecting suspension components, mounts, brakes, neglecting regular maintenance, and ignoring early signs of failing components- then keep running the car into the ground when it has obvious issues and complain about Honda when it finally craps out due to constant neglect blows my mind.. I personally neglect cosmetics and only care about efficiency and performance.
You’re responding to a 6 year old thread. This guy hasn’t even logged on since then.
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