exhaust system question

[RayRay]

Hey everyone,

Have a problem and was hoping one of you have a solution. I just got the entire exhaust system with the exception of the catalytic converter changed on my 96 prelude. I'm talking from engine to tailpipe. After I got it changed the check engine light came on. The guys at Meinieke says to drive it around a few days and it should disappear but I'm skeptical of that solution. They plugged in the on-board diagnostic machine and could not make the light go away. Anyone ever have such a situation occur to them? Maybe someone had a problem with the check engine light after getting the borla? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Ray

 

[sharp4runr]

Wait are you talking about a CAT back exhaust system? CAT back means that the exhaust starts from your CAT to the back of the car. Or did you also replace the exhaust header, down pipe as well?

I'm not sure how the prelude is, but a lot of vehicles have at least one oxygen sensor in the exhaust plumbing. It could be very well the oxygen sensor was damaged. Do you hear any exhaust leaks?

To reset the light, pull the negative battery terminal for about 15 minutes. This will clear the code. If whatever caused the light to come on still persists, the CEL will come back on.

 

[mole177]

if you say engine block (exhaust port) to muffler tip, i can assume you have non-OBD II compliant headers.

this is assuming an aftermarket make set.

that would set your CEL off.

 

[AlphaQup]

all cars starting after 96 were changed to OBDII. That means you have not only 1, but 2 O2 sensors. I'm pretty positive they left one of the sensors out (tied up/dangling). One goes before the cat, and one is right after the cat. Make sure you've got those in place if you want to clear the CEL's.

Nick

 

[boston_kevin]

Does the light go on immediately after starting or does it take a few minutes to come on after you start the vehicle. Honda's (I had an Accord) were very prone to partially plugged cats which would show up as a CEL after running for a few minutes. If it got completely plugged it would heat up almost to the point of catching fire.

 

[RayRay]

Thanks for the quick responses everyone. I'll try to undo the negative terminal tomorrow and see if that works. I remember he only showed me 1 oxygen sensor location so i'll look for another tomorrow. At first I only got the cat back park replaced, but then they found a leak in the downpipe so i had that replaced too. I am not 100% positive but i do not remember the check engine light being on before the downpipe was replaced. Is there any type of sensor in the downpipe area? I just hope I dont have to replace the sensor, i'm already pouring too much money into a car i dont drive very often. Thanks again.

Ray

 

[RayRay]

i tried disconnecting the battery but the light came back on. So i tried the self diagnostic and it came back with a code for secondary oxygen sensor heater malfunction. I made an appointment at honda and hopefully they'll replace the sensor under the honda emissions warranty extension. Anyone know if oxygen sensors are covered under the extended warranty?

ray

 

[AlphaQup]

i tried disconnecting the battery but the light came back on. So i tried the self diagnostic and it came back with a code for secondary oxygen sensor heater malfunction. I made an appointment at honda and hopefully they'll replace the sensor under the honda emissions warranty extension. Anyone know if oxygen sensors are covered under the extended warranty?

ray

Did you check if the secondary O2 sensor was even plugged into the Cat, where it's suppose to be? O2 sensors are not that expensive if anything.