2000 Honda Accord-check engine light- code thrown for catalytic converter, is that a must to get fixed?

just bought the car, after fist payment check engine light is on, tested at Auto Zone and they say converter. Options? must pass emissions within the next month- HELP!!

This Site Might Help You. RE: 2000 Honda Accord-check engine light- code thrown for catalytic converter, is that a must to get fixed? just bought the car, after fist payment check engine light is on, tested at Auto Zone and they say converter. Options? must pass emissions within the next month- HELP!!

You will need to have the converter replaced. The cat code is po420 or po430. You cannot just re-set the light and go through smog test, the code will be stored in the computer. There is no way around passing until you replace the converter and turn the light off. Also, nobody uses a tailpipe tester on a 2000 year vehicle, all they do is hook up a scanner and read for codes.

the car will get through emissions with the converter but not with the check engine light on. the code is for a deteriorated catalyst and that means that the ability to process exhaust gasses (clean them up so to speak) has deminished to less than 50% of the converter's original capacity. It doesn't mean that the converter isn't working so the car is probably still operating within the emissions limits. the code for the converter takes a long time to set, so my suggestion is to have the code cleared and drive the car. If the check engine light comes on again, note how long it took for the system tests to trigger the light. I've seen it where the light doesn't come back on for months. If the light comes back on in two weeks, then simply go to autozone and have them clear the code about a week before you go for the emissions test. that way the light will be off and you should pass the test. If the light hasn't come back on by that time, just go through the test. I know you don't want to know how much the replacement converter cost. lets hope clearing the light gets you through the emissions test. Then you can drive the car until your next emissions test is required without buying the converter. the car won't act any differently with a deteriorated catalyst and won't leave you stranded or die on you as some other manufacturers converters will Hope that helps