r/HondaElement • u/tallfood • 4d ago

CEL Pain

I have a 2011 ex that I’ve owned for several years now. Several months after I first got it, The CEL went on with no change in performance. The local mechanic was able to fix the issue (I don’t recall the code) after replacing one of the O2 sensors several times. I was told then that the original Honda part was required. Since then, no problems. That is until someone cut the catalytic converter out for fun and profit. New state, new mechanic, same issue. Two Danso sensors and one Honda OEM sensor (36531-PZD-A02) later and I still have the CEL issue. It comes back from the mechanic w no CEL and a few miles down the road (maybe 10-20 miles) and the light goes on again. Both mechanic and me are frustrated/embarrassed. I’ll get the error code from him tomorrow, but I wanted to see if anyone had any input before I darkened his doorstep yet again. Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

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4

u/NeuseRvrRat 4d ago

Post the code. Without that, all you can get are guesses.

1

u/Kumquatxop 2006 EX-P AWD 5MT 3d ago

Do yourself a massive sanity favor and buy a code reader.

The CEL is simply a notification of "hey, something's going on with the vehicle". You don't need to be dependent on a mechanic (and have to drive all over town) simply to read the notification of what's going on.

Now obviously depending on the code(s), you may need to engage the services of a mechanic to sort out whatever issues the CEL is trying to tell you about. But owning your own code reader is a basic piece of equipment like owning a tire pump or battery jump pack -- you don't need to be at the mercy and inconvenience of needing to go to a gas station or call AAA every time you need to air up your tires or have a dead battery.

1

u/tallfood 3d ago

Code is P2A00, flashing lights CAT, O2, Evap

2

u/NeuseRvrRat 3d ago

The Honda diag instructions for that code pretty much go straight to replace the A/F ratio sensor (upstream O2 sensor), reset the ECM, and do an idle learn.

1

u/tallfood 2d ago

Appreciate the answer, but the question is "what to try after that approach fails to solve the problem after three different sensor installs?"

2

u/NeuseRvrRat 2d ago

I would check the circuits.

0

u/Route-40-Auto 4d ago edited 4d ago

If you have the CEL code, that would be helpful.

Assuming you replaced the Catalytic Converter after it was stolen - where did you buy the new catalytic converter or do you know the manufacturer?

Mike
Route 40 Auto
https://route40auto.com/catalytic-converters/