# 2002 CRV P0420 code - but I think the cat was recently replaced? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** cr-v, honda\ **Created:** [November 19, 2016, 2:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567 "2016-11-19T02:56:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![circuitsmith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/circuitsmith/32/40376_2.png) [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2016, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/21 "2016-11-22T14:07:55Z")
> [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobi](#): > > -incorrect fuel grade > -fault o2 1+2 > -faulty engine coolant temp ect sensor > -damaged or leaking exhaust system > -excessively retarded spark timing It would be helpful to know how they reached these conclusions, and if there are other codes besides P0420. ---
**Author:** ![AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmandaWithAnOldsmobile)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/22 "2016-11-22T19:41:34Z")
When I googled p0420 these are some of the potential causes that come up, so I think that’s where. At first I thought they were telling me that these were all problems my car has because they weren’t very clear but I don’t think that’s the case. I believe the 0420 code is the only one logged. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2016, 11:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/23 "2016-11-22T23:05:31Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > when OP does finally take the car to a shop, it would be wise to say “I just thought I’d mention the catalytic converter, upstream and downstream oxygen sensors were recently replaced, but the code keeps coming back.” IMHO the OP should tell the mechanic everything he/she knows about the symptoms and the vehicle, and show him the receipts he/she has. That will also help him look up the part numbers used and confirm that wring parts aren’t the source of the problem. [quote=“db4690, post:15, topic:96567”] Another thought occurred to me . . . if incorrect parts were installed, all bets are off. For example, if this is a California emissions car, and 49-state components were installed, it might get interesting [/quote] That’s good input too. ---
**Author:** ![eddo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/eddo/32/2594_2.png) [@eddo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eddo)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2016, 12:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/24 "2016-11-23T00:10:59Z")
an exhaust leak can cause a P0420 code, and you know you have an exhaust leak. Start there. ---
**Author:** ![AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmandaWithAnOldsmobile)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2016, 3:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/25 "2016-12-22T15:09:30Z")
I think you might be on to something with the incorrect parts theory. I updated the main post with what I think is going on. ---
**Author:** ![BillRussell](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/billrussell/32/3179_2.png) [@BillRussell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillRussell)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2016, 3:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/26 "2016-12-22T15:15:35Z")
In many states, you fail inspection if the check engine light is on… ---
**Author:** ![AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmandaWithAnOldsmobile)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2016, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/27 "2016-12-22T16:48:41Z")
my state doesn’t have inspections 😉 ---
**Author:** ![AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@AmandaWithAnOldsmobile](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmandaWithAnOldsmobile)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2017, 6:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/28 "2017-02-22T18:48:45Z")
Solved: the catalytic converter was defective. We took it to a repair shop and they couldn’t find anything wrong, so they took our receipt and went to the car parts store and got a replacement cat under warranty. $130 for labor to install it and the car is good to go, no check engine light in over 2 months. ---
**Author:** ![0708Honda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/82dd89/32.png) [@0708Honda](https://community.cartalk.com/u/0708Honda)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2017, 6:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567/30 "2017-03-03T06:30:03Z")
I’m glad you got it fixed. I bet the dealer it originally came from knew about the issue and did a wholesale to a mom and pop corner dealer. I have seen traded cars with mechanical problems sold off to small corner dealers because the big reputable places don’t want to deal with them. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-crv-p0420-code-but-i-think-the-cat-was-recently-replaced/96567.md?page=1)