Hello from Oregon!
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 
Hello from Oregon!
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!
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! 
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 
Re: Hello from Oregon!
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.
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.
Last edited by ezone; Apr 11, 2015 at 05:33 PM.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 21,620
Likes: 1,252
From: Las Vegas, NV
Rep Power: 511 Re: Hello from Oregon!
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
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
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: Hello from Oregon!
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?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: Hello from Oregon!
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..
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517 Re: Hello from Oregon!
but how in the world do you access the fuel filter in the tank?
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Rep Power: 0 Re: Hello from Oregon!
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?
Tires are next...then a stereo...you need music to cruise! What tires are you running to diminish road noise? 
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
breanna_17
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
5
Jul 21, 2015 04:01 PM
