I have a 2005 Honda Pilot with 108,000 miles that the service Engine light came on in and I went to Autozone and they pulled the code, it was P0420. The code printout they gave me says "BBC Catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1" with probable causes of
- A/F ratio concern
- Air leak near HO2S Bank 1
- Ignition System concern
- Faulty Catalytic converter

I do regular work around the house but I havn't done much more than replace bulbs and change the oil in my cars in the past but as we all know times are tuff and I would like to take care of what I can. Do I need to have a mechanic look at this or is this stuff I could try to problem solve and get it done cheaper than taking it to a mechanic? or would sombody on here want to take care of it on the cheap?

Thanks for the input.

9/29/2009 8:13:41 PM

is it not the EGR system?

i remember my car having that stored code from carbon buildup in the egr system.

[Edited on September 29, 2009 at 11:23 PM. Reason : we have a similar engine btw. ]

9/29/2009 11:23:21 PM

ten bucks says you need a new catalytic converter...or at least a new downstream O2 sensor.

9/30/2009 2:19:19 AM

From my quick searching online the O2 sensor is a much more affordable diagnosis than the catalytic converter but both seem out of my leage.

I guess I will take it somewhere and have them check out the EGR system as well.

Thanks

9/30/2009 8:59:50 AM

maybe you should service the engine soon

10/19/2009 3:03:55 PM

While you're at it, you're 3k miles over your required timing belt replacement interval. Don't mess around with that. Hate to see that pilot become an expensive boat anchor.

BTW, did I mention I do Honda timing belts at the most reasonable rate short of doing it yourself in the triangle?

10/19/2009 4:00:29 PM

^ This man knows how to swap a timing belt like nobody's business.

10/19/2009 11:46:45 PM

I did the 105,000 mile service at 104,000 b/c the wife had to take a lond trip. But thanks for the info.

The light went off about 10 days after it come on. Others have seen this happen if there is a wiring issue to one of the O2 sensors. I guess I will look into it more if I have any other problems.

10/20/2009 7:52:23 AM

might be melted on the exhaust

10/21/2009 1:09:13 PM