1998 Honda Accord Catalytic Converter

1998 HONDA ACCORD
95,575 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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THECORAPIS
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My check engine light came on for my 1998 Honda Accord EX, 4 cyl. I brought it to my Honda Service shop and they reported that two codes were causing the light; P1739 - 3rd gear pressure switch and P0420 - cat converter. I replaced the 3rd gear pressure switch. The cost for the cat converter was over 900.00 with labor. I stated that I had not noticed any performance or fuel economy problems since the light came on. They recommended that I not do anything now unless I notice any changes in performance and fuel economy. Is there anything else that I can do to avoid replacing the cat converter? What else could be causing the cat converter sensor to call out the check engine light?
Apr 16, 2008 at 1:03 PM
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DEREKSON16
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I have a 1998 Honda Accord lx 4cyc and have the same 2 codes: P0420 and P1739. Is your car automatic or manual? How did much did it cost to fix the problem with the 3rd grear pressure switch? And after you did this repair, was your "check engine" lligh still on?
Jun 17, 2008 at 3:16 PM
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THECORAPIS
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I have an automatic. It cost about $135 to get the 3rd gear pressure switch repalced. I choose not to replace the cat convertor. The check engine light went out about 2 weeks after the repair. I think it was related to a tank of bad gas and that the two codes were coincidental. Since then I have had no check engine light come on. Glad I did not spend the approximately $1000 to do the cat convertor.
Jun 18, 2008 at 7:37 AM
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DEREKSON16
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ok kool. If i were to go to the mechanic, i should just tell them to replace the 3rd gear pressure switch? Thats all?
Jun 18, 2008 at 4:50 PM
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THECORAPIS
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I would start with the thrid gear pressure swicth and then wait and see what happens. You could also try to swicth the gas station you are using. I remember the station I was at when I noticed the light and so I don't go there anymore. I would not spend 1000 dollars on the cat convertor unless the car's performace was noticeably bad.
Jun 19, 2008 at 7:19 AM