My 2008 EX-L started throwing a CEL with a P0420 fault code about a year ago at 215,000 miles. Currently at 235k miles, all original parts in the exhaust/emissions system. Cleared the code with my Actron reader and it came back sporadically about 4 times. Each time it cleared and stayed off for a couple/few months, no performance or gas mileage issues noted. Then the dreaded “California SMOG check required” shows up in the mail.
In May, I got with my local independent mechanic who tells me 100% of the time its the Bank 1 Catalytic Converter and that it will fail SMOG with that fault. (Note - he also does SMOG tests) That checks with everything I’ve read in this forum, so we agree that he’ll order the CARB compliant one from Honda and will let me know when it’s in. Estimate for the whole job is $1,800. ($1,400 parts). The back order pushes two times and in late July he tells me it will now be September at best before they’ll have parts on hand. My registration expires 31 July…
So I got a second opinion from another equally trusted mechanic (who does NOT do SMOG testing). He reports that if I can get the Fault to clear and all monitors to set to ready, it should pass smog. That was easy enough to do, but comes with the risk that something trips on the way to the SMOG station leading to a failed test and me parking the car until I can throw $1,800 at a mechanic to throw an new Cat in it. Risk taken (with a quick code scan a block from the test station), Test passed, and 2 more years of owning and operating this amazingly reliable vehicle in Southern California enabled.
Lessons learned: 1. A mechanic who also does SMOG testing will probably not give advice which undermines the ‘sanctity‘ of the SMOG test process. 2. Don’t wait to get a second opinion on any job over $500.
