[whyhateme]

My '98 Honda's engine light would come on and go off, then it decided to stay permanently on. I didn't notice any change in the way it ran, and when I took it initially to the garage, I was told I needed a catalytic converter. Since the car was still running well, and it was a second car, I didn't want to spend the money, and was skeptical the catalytic converter was needed. However, to pass smog yearly, I would disconnect the battery overnight, reconnect, and run for about 25 miles (hoping engine light wouldn't come on, and it didn't if I didn't take out on highway and run 60 mph), and take in for smog test. It passed for 3 straight years doing this. I've since sold the car (told buyer also).

[bmac88]

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

This may sound ridiculously stupid, but check your gas cap. A check engine light can come on if your gas cap is loose or off. That happened to me once when I forgot to put the cap back on after filling the tank.

The gas cap will only throw a code for "evap leak" or "small evap leak"
so if you code is anything else,its not the gas cap.

[j2k1]

Originally Posted by von949

Both of those codes are emissions related. Sounds like your EGR valve just needs to be cleaned out. And your EECSIPF is being affected by your EGR valve. You can do this easily yourself or take it to a respectable/honest mechanic and have them do it. They should not charge nore than $70 to do this. I know mechanics near the base that do this for $45.

Im a 10 year mechanic in the Air Force by the way.

You were right. Both error codes were due to the EGR valve being blocked.
I found the mechanic at the location you mentioned. The name of the place is Quality Auto Service (4889 E Craig). They cleaned the EGR valve for $50.
The check engine light turned off.
Thank you very much.

[Kurtis123]

I just got a smog test and i have 2 results, i just wanted to know if this 2 things will cost me tons of money or its just minor? one of the code is P02420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold and P0440 Evaporative Emission System. I would really appreciate it if someone can answer my question. ^_^

[Kurtis123]

Does people who works for smog tests are supposed to tell you what the codes or results meant?

[Danknee]

Originally Posted by Kurtis123

Does people who works for smog tests are supposed to tell you what the codes or results meant?

Nope, they just tell you if you passed or not.

Your catalyst below threshold code could be a worn out catalytic converter or a defective O2 sensor. I had a similar code on an older Accord and was able to replace the sensor on the cat (bank 2) (there is typically also one up on the manifold) and the code didn't come back. If you do need a catalytic converter you should shop around. Some online retailers offer direct bolt in replacement converters, although these aren't an option on all cars. I have replaced a converter for as cheap as $100 when the dealer was asking for $1400. Even if you need to buy one that welds in, most muffler shops will do this for $40-$60. Some newer vehicles have a 5 or even 10 year warranty on emissions parts that may cover the replacement of a defective catalytic converter.

Here is a page detailing some causes and remedies for your other code, could be as simple as buying a new gas cap.

[Robustus]

Originally Posted by Kurtis123

Does people who works for smog tests are supposed to tell you what the codes or results meant?

Autozone will usually run your codes for free. Write them down, then google them. Should give you plenty of info.

[Danknee]

Originally Posted by Robustus

Autozone will usually run your codes for free. Write them down, then google them. Should give you plenty of info.

True, but he already had the codes.

Originally Posted by Kurtis123

one of the code is P02420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold and P0440 Evaporative Emission System.

[Robustus]

Originally Posted by Danknee

True, but he already had the codes.

Then the second part of my comment (ie; google the codes) was more relevant for him. I guess I was just being extra helpful/thorough pointing out that Autozone runs codes for free.