CascadiaBlue

I'm CascadiaBlue...just bought my first Honda...always been a Ford Gal. Recently totaled my 2003 Escape with 189,890 miles on her...so many great adventures but she was getting tired...still, it was a tough one to say goodbye. I no longer need an SUV so I spotted a great 2001 Honda Civic EX.
Of course the check engine light came on when I was on my way home but it had already passed smog so whew! I got the notorious P0402 code but I am not thinking it's the cat, I am searching for a valve leak first. So...what did we do right off the bat? Replaced the spark plugs and found a terrible valve cover gasket leak so we replaced the valve cover gasket too. The heater wasn't heating but the car was starting to over heat so we flushed the heater core and out came a glob of something gross...topped off the coolant and burped it...runs fine now. So glad my son can help! So...the check engine light was off for a couple of days after all of this but came back on. Checked the code...same thing . If I don't let it warm up a minute or two I can back out of the parking space but as soon as it goes into drive it'll start, then hesitate, act like it's going to stall then take off. The car runs great. I get 28 mpg around town and 38-40 or more on the highway...I'm loving that! It's been strange driving so low to the ground after driving an SUV for years but I think I'm liking it more all the time...I'm pretty pleased with this car and it's in great shape for being a 2001...cute car! I'm a new Honda enthusiast!

ezone

Welcome to the forum!

P0402? P0420.
P0420 on a car you JUST bought...Needs a cat (EDIT: Probably). That's one reason the car was for sale. Someone cleared the light so it wouldn't be obvious there's a problem right off the bat.

Poopies

iTrader: (4)

Welcome to the forum!

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Welcome! Hopefully you got a good deal on it if it's needs a cat.

Stock 99

welcome

A lot of people catch that bug....hard not to like a Civic.

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

First off, welcome!

second, yeah, your car needs a new kitty. Or...... quick DIY fix to clear the light like a mechanical O2 simulator.. lol. It works, to clear the code so that it doesn't return, but ultimately doesn't fix the problem

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/7...simulator.html

CascadiaBlue

Thanks for the welcome fellas! Well...it doesn't sputter or hesitate when I give it pedal to the metal...smooth acceleration and shifting...no smoke. Maybe the a/f fuel sensor or maybe the O2 sensor? I have to take it in for the airbags to be taken care of...will ask for diagnostics at the shop. I can do the cat or any sensors...but how in the world do you access the fuel filter in the tank?

CascadiaBlue

Yeah P0420...that's the one! Even if it needs a new cat...not sorry...just a couple things and it'll be just fine...runs so smoothly right now as is..

ezone

Gotta pull out the pump (tank module) and split it apart in order to replace the upper section of the module that contains the filter.

CascadiaBlue

Thanks!

Hondi

Welcome!

CascadiaBlue

So I cleared the check engine light. Here's what I did...we took off the air filter and replaced it with a K & N...I always use a K&N air filter...cleaned out the intake with some Ocean Spray...did a few super accelerations on the highway...blew out big puffs of white smoke. Cleared. Also upped my MPG a little. 29.6 mpg around town and commute. Also replaced the cabin air filters....looks like my cat is just fine Tires are next...then a stereo...you need music to cruise! What tires are you running to diminish road noise?