I only recently got this code P0142 on my 2.4 '03 Honda Accord which refers to the Catalytic converter being below threshold. In simple terms this code means the CAT is almost gone and the result is a constant unicode lit CEL. I now realized that the code is trouble for a Nigerian who likes to keep a car running close to manufacturers recommendation. It takes 1-3 or something like 100miles or above to have the light back after clearing the code with the OBD II tool. I must mention to those who do not know that apart from the lit CEL, high fuel consumption is inevitable in tolerating this code.

To properly fix the code i understand one needs a new OEM CAT which is not affordable to me. Getting a used one like most mechanics advise is also tricky since a good buy cannot be determined at the point of purchase. Like i stated above, it may take up to 3 or more days before i know the used CAT i purchased is still good or not. Even if it is good for a week to a month, how much longer can i be guaranteed? (Question 1: Is there a way i will know from live data?)

Nigeria does not have the laws to compel me to keep my CAT according to factory spec. I have attempted to install a spark plug defouler but the locally sourced one does not fit to size and cannot be installed. I do get live data so i assume the sensor is good. The solution like i have read is to install an O2 spacer of spark plug defouler that will fit. However, getting that locally is a challenge. (Question 2: Can i get any of that in ABJ and where if you know?)

I have started entertaining a thought of fabricating the spacer. (Question 3: What is the best dimensions for this spacer)

Seina did mention on an old thread that a straight pipe would work better in the event you would like to gut out the CAT. (Question 4: At this early stage of the CAT failure, should i just do the straight pipe thing to avoid getting back to the same code in the near future?)

Question 5: What other advice do i need to attempt getting off with the code.

Please the best procedure must be cheap for me to afford without spending a fortune. Ikenna, you did something like this though probably on a Peugeot which i know a Honda emissions system will be harder to fool but your experience is needed too.

CEL came up while I was travelling back to phc from the village on the 3rd of January. Please wen u r done, just let me know so that I follow ur method. I hate seeing that CEL light on my dash.

Had this dreaded code on my 05 accord about a year ago after changing my cat. Used a sparkplug spacer and the code was gone. Its over a year now and it never came back.

abatically:
Had this dreaded code on my 05 accord about a year ago after changing my cat. Used a sparkplug spacer and the code was gone. Its over a year now and it never came back.

Please how did you do it? Where did you buy the spacer? Where and how much did you buy your catalyst? I am in Port Harcourt, can you help me buy it?

abatically:
Had this dreaded code on my 05 accord about a year ago after changing my cat. Used a sparkplug spacer and the code was gone. Its over a year now and it never came back.

Please if you bought in Abj let me know where so i can buy tomorrow.

adanny01:


Please if you bought in Abj let me know where so i can buy tomorrow.

I live in Lagos, bought it for 25k in ladipo. I understand its not oem so as I expected the code came back within 3 months of installing the cat. So I used a spacer and the code has been away for over a year. The spacer is about 1,500.

The christmas light popped up in my Highlander 2.4L 4cyl dash today. Scanned it, and I got three codes:

P1135
P0161
P0141

They are O2 heater code related. I searched from Kubwa to Jabi and Utako spare parts shops (even Ekesons plaza) and none had a damn common sensor. I am really worn out and tired. Infact I feel I've stretched myself beyond my limit. I maybe tempted to do the Naija style. Drive the damn car even with the check engine light illuminated.

abatically:


I live in Lagos, bought it for 25k in ladipo. I understand its not oem so as I expected the code came back within 3 months of installing the cat. So I used a spacer and the code has been away for over a year. The spacer is about 1,500.

Can we communicate on mail? I sent you a PM.

lomomike:
The christmas light popped up in my Highlander 2.4L 4cyl dash today. Scanned it, and I got three codes:

P1135
P0161
P0141

They are O2 heater code related. I searched from Kubwa to Jabi and Utako spare parts shops (even Ekesons plaza) and none had a damn common sensor. I am really worn out and tired. Infact I feel I've stretched myself beyond my limit. I maybe tempted to do the Naija style. Drive the damn car even with the check engine light illuminated.

I can help, I created a post on that a few weeks ago, $4.35/pound to abuja if you place the order yourself, send me a PM and I will give you my US address. Pay only after I have cleared the goods not before!!

But if i place the order for you, then I go chop your dollar!

I can also bring in via passenger flight from the US to Nigeria within the month for a price, whichever you prefer

IdaraCHODB:



I can help, I created a post on that a few weeks ago, $4.35/pound to abuja if you place the order yourself, send me a PM and I will give you my US address. Pay only after I have cleared the goods not before!!

But if i place the order for you, then I go chop your dollar!

I can also bring in via passenger flight from the US to Nigeria within the month for a price, whichever you prefer

Thanks bro! I would had love to deal with you on this. But I'd soon travel back to Ibadan. This means the HL will be parked and my RX will be commanded to deal with my daily commute. However send me your quoted price+ shippment to my doorstep via the email registered to my nairaland username. Looking forward to getting an email.

abatically:


I live in Lagos, bought it for 25k in ladipo. I understand its not oem so as I expected the code came back within 3 months of installing the cat. So I used a spacer and the code has been away for over a year. The spacer is about 1,500.

I feel I'd not even remove any damn A/F sensor shyte. I'd just slam a spacer thru. Its really offensive getting distracted by the MIL.

Adanny sorry 4 bombarding your thread with my own palava. Hope apologies accepted?

@Op, your first misconception is concerning getting a used one. Contrary to what you have stated, you can easily tell a good replacement just by looking at it. I.e even before it is installed. I don't know where you intend to get your from sha but a used replacement is easily obtainable in Lagos.

Secondly, I still have spacers although just one left. However for anyone intending to install a spacer, you MUST de-cat first. Meaning, you must remove the element in the exhaust. This is because, if at that point, your element has broken up into pieces or breaks into pieces later on, you will not know until it is too late and the particles have been sucked into your engine.

Cheers

lonelydora:

Can we communicate on mail? I sent you a PM.

I replied ur pm

nissparts:
@Op, your first misconception is concerning getting a used one. Contrary to what you have stated, you can easily tell a good replacement just by looking at it. I.e even before it is installed. I don't know where you intend to get your from sha but a used replacement is easily obtainable in Lagos.

Secondly, I still have spacers although just one left. However for anyone intending to install a spacer, you MUST de-cat first. Meaning, you must remove the element in the exhaust. This is because, if at that point, your element has broken up into pieces or breaks into pieces later on, you will not know until it is too late and the particles have been sucked into your engine.

Cheers

De-cat? I installed my cat in may 2013, light came back in July, I then installed spacer in July 2013 and since then light never came back. I check my cat regularly though and its still OK.

abatically:


I replied ur pm

Please resend, I can't find it on my inbox.

lonelydora:

Please resend, I can't find it on my inbox.

Just sent u another one

lomomike:


I feel I'd not even remove any dam A/F
P1135
P0161
P0141

They are O2 heater code related.

You need a new O2 sensor. Heater is Bad.

GAZZUZZ:


You need a new O2 sensor. Heater is Bad.

Chief thanks, I know they are bad, but na as I suffer yesterday to search for them without success dey pain me hence my ranting.

lomomike:


Chief thanks, I know they are bad, but na as I suffer yesterday to search for them without success dey pain me hence my ranting.

In the spirit of the new year




















I will direct you to where to get it in lagos

abatically:


De-cat? I installed my cat in may 2013, light came back in July, I then installed spacer in July 2013 and since then light never came back. I check my cat regularly though and its still OK.

LOL...Pray tell me how you check your cat regularly?
You have a panel beater remove your exhaust and catalyst to look inside on a regular basis?

lomomike:
The christmas light popped up in my Highlander 2.4L 4cyl dash today. Scanned it, and I got three codes:

P1135
P0161
P0141

They are O2 heater code related. I searched from Kubwa to Jabi and Utako spare parts shops (even Ekesons plaza) and none had a damn common sensor. I am really worn out and tired. Infact I feel I've stretched myself beyond my limit. I maybe tempted to do the Naija style. Drive the damn car even with the check engine light illuminated.

I bought my car with a P1157 Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Range/Performance Problem but i got a used one in Apo mech village for N3,000 and has been working well.

From live scan you should know for sure that the two sensors are not live. Am sure you will get it with those in Apo who sell exhaust parts except if you are after new oem, them your search will be stressful.

adanny01:


I bought my car with a P1157 Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Range/Performance Problem but i got a used one in Apo mech village for N3,000 and has been working well.

From live scan you should know for sure that the two sensors are not live. Am sure you will get it with those in Apo who sell exhaust parts except if you are after new oem, them your search will be stressful.

Okay, this is better. But I will soon travel to Ibadan. If I enter Agodi Gates spareparts market, I will ask and purchase them. Do I need to take my bad A/F sensor along with me or ask for a Highlander's 2AZ-FE engine A/F sensor without taking the faulty sensor along with me?

GAZZUZZ:


In the spirit of the new year




















I will direct you to where to get it in lagos

Lol, thanks

nissparts:
@Op, your first misconception is concerning getting a used one. Contrary to what you have stated, you can easily tell a good replacement just by looking at it. I.e even before it is installed. I don't know where you intend to get your from sha but a used replacement is easily obtainable in Lagos.

Secondly, I still have spacers although just one left. However for anyone intending to install a spacer, you MUST de-cat first. Meaning, you must remove the element in the exhaust. This is because, if at that point, your element has broken up into pieces or breaks into pieces later on, you will not know until it is too late and the particles have been sucked into your engine.

Cheers

.






@nissparts. Please I need those spacers, I tried calling your line on your signature, it wasn't going through.

lomomike:



Okay, this is better. But I will soon travel to Ibadan. If I enter Agodi Gates spareparts market, I will ask and purchase them. Do I need to take my bad A/F sensor along with me or ask for a Highlander's 2AZ-FE engine A/F sensor without taking the faulty sensor along with me?

I think you need to take every thing including the car if you are buying a used one. You have to install and scan live data before you pay, thats how i did it. Both sensors are hard to unscrew, an Oxy Acetylene Welder may have to preheat.

A live scan will tell you how both o2 sensors are working and you can check the temperature before and after the cat you will be sure which is not working.If both sensors are good there is a wrecked camry somewhere with a good sensor; find it and borrow that cat for a token even the whole exhaust

If the senor has a problem Piyke has a spare with easy wiring issue, or a way to order a new one

I'm havin d same problem with my 2.4L camry engine. The same code P1135 and d same obd interpretation. Pls which is d correct sensor? Is it d one on the manifold opposite d radiator or the one bellow the car before the catalyst. Note I've looked for dis sensor and I neva c sef. Some mechanics often claim' oga e nor dey do anyfin we dey cut am throway. Smh''. So pls lomomike help. Wud dat make d car guzzle more fuel?

lomomike:
The christmas light popped up in my Highlander 2.4L 4cyl dash today. Scanned it, and I got three codes:

P1135
P0161
P0141

They are O2 heater code related. I searched from Kubwa to Jabi and Utako spare parts shops (even Ekesons plaza) and none had a damn common sensor. I am really worn out and tired. Infact I feel I've stretched myself beyond my limit. I maybe tempted to do the Naija style. Drive the damn car even with the check engine light illuminated.

speed001:
I'm havin d same problem with my 2.4L camry engine. The same code P1135 and d same obd interpretation. Pls which is d correct sensor? Is it d one on the manifold opposite d radiator or the one bellow the car before the catalyst. Note I've looked for dis sensor and I neva c sef. Some mechanics often claim' oga e nor dey do anyfin we dey cut am throway. Smh''. So pls lomomike help. Wud dat make d car guzzle more fuel?

Here is it.

the cheapest way is to get a cheapest scan tool to reset the error codes
http://www.obd365.com/wholesale/mini-elm327-interface-viecar-obd2-bluetooth.html

Emperoh:
I am having a P0420 on my 2005 Lexus ES330.

I have taken down the catalyst last year, soaked in water cleared the codes and they came back to keep me company again.
Sometimes the codes go off themselves and come back on again, this happens when i do two or three quick stops and driving with the car already heated.

I have since learnt to drive with my xmas lights on. The terrible thing about the Lexus is that the CEL also triggers the TRAC and VSA lights with it. Brand new Cats cost about $550 and i no get that kind money now.

A guy who runs the an Auto centre gave me this procedure; I haven't tried it but off the hand, i sort of believe it won't work.

STart the car and allow it to idle.
Allow it to get to normal operating temperature.
Rev it to 3000 rpm and hold on to it for 3 - 5 mins
Switch off the engine afterwards and clear codes.

My mind tells me they will come back again so i haven't bothered trying.

In the mean time, anyone who is able to figure out where to get Spacers in Abj, please let me know. I am keen to try that out.
By the way, are the Spacers generic; as in, does one fit all cars?

Lol, so you're now comfy with that annoying light?

No matter what trick you perform, that light must come up until you find what triggers the fault. Its even worst in Toyota/Lexus/Scion cars because even if pigeon farts, it will come up.


My 2003 HL 2.4L christmas light showed up, three rubbish codes up. 4 nights ago my RX330's own christmas lights showed up VSC and Check light I've not scanned it yet. I don vex park them travel back to Ibadan via bus.