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Forum > Smog Check Repair > Question

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid O2 Sensor Problem P0420

Hello. I have a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid which couldn't pass smog check. The error code is P0420. There is no after market cat converter in the market for it and buying original part from Honda dealer costs around $2600 + labor. CAP doesn't help me because it's not due for smog check of my car and I need it for registration.

Now scanner shows 3 O2 sensors and the measurements are:

-02 S11 V is stable between 0.6 & 0.64

-02 S12 V is bouncing slowly between 0.4 & 0.84 and sometimes 0.12

-O2 S13 V is stable around 0.8

I need to know the right voltage for the sensors to make sure they're doing well plus, if you have a recommendation please let me know. Thanks.


Answer:

First thing we recommend you do is contact your local Honda dealership and find out whether this particular Honda Civic Hybrid has had Technical Bulletin #SB-11-043 service performed. This service bulletin was issued in 2012. It involves reprogramming the ECU to correct false CAT trouble codes.

Second, based on the O2 voltage numbers you've provided it appears that the oxygen sensor (bank one) is not responding properly. This might be due to the ECU not yet having been reprogrammed, or indicate that the air/fuel ratio monitor is actually defective. Voltage should be fluctuating between .1 and .8; as is O2 sensor on bank (2) two.

Once you verify that your Civic's recall repair is performed, and O2 (1) still shows steady voltage, we'd suspect O2 (1) is defective; just keep in mind you'll need to have already looked into possible vacuum leaks and/or fuel management problems.

O2 (3), which is the rear CAT and designed to monitor CAT efficiency, seems to be working fine, as it is remaining stable; however the voltage is a bit high. It should be closer to .5 volts. You'll need to get O2 (1) to start switching correctly and then diagnose the rear oxygen sensor. Once O2 (1) is working, meaning it's now switching, and you also see O2 (3) switching, we'd then and only then we'd suspect a faulty catalytic converter. Do not jump the gun and fault the catalytic converter without making sure the oxygen sensors (or in this case Air/Fuel Ratio Sensors) are working first, as well as ensuring there are no vacuum leaks and fuel management system is working properly.

Start with contacting the Honda dealer. Give them your Honda Civic Hybrid VIN number and have them look up whether the recall service was performed. Then continue on with diagnostics. They may or may not perform the recall service free of charge, based on your Civic's mileage.


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