Acura Rsx
2002 Acura RSX check engine light bad Oxygen Sensor and Catalytic Converter?
my check engine light came on on my 2002 Acura RSX and I took it to the dealership and they told me that I have 2 bad oxygen sensors (code: PO138) and a bad catalytic converter (PO420). They estimated it would cost $2300 to fix this seems outrageous. Can anyone help me out?
How much did this dealership charge you for this "service"? It sounds to me like he was shooting from the hip, into the dark.
"P0138" merely indicates that the circuit voltage for the Oxygen sensor is high.
Why? Time for DIAGNOSTICS !!
"P0420" indicates that the Catalytic efficiency has deteriorated below a threshold level that could cause emissions to rise to an unacceptable level.
How does the computer know that? Time for DIAGNOSTICS !!
There are tests to run for both conditions. It takes a while, and a qualified emissions shop could run both tests in less than a half an hour, though they would probably charge an hour's worth of time.
The voltage could be high due to a dirty air filter, or contaminated oil. The sensors COULD be defective and need replacement, but it is unethical to spend the customer's money with such cavalier abandon. In many states, it is also illegal. It is impossible to tell by merely checking codes what is the cause of the failure.
As for the Cat, the means for determining the efficiency is another oxygen sensor. That is all. Suppose that sensor is faulty? You may have replaced the cat for $1,800.00, and still have a failure. But they will cover that by replacing the sensor at the same time as the cat (and not tell you about it), or charge you for it as being "…the proper repair, with ALL the necessary parts.
Find a QUALITY repair shop that specializes in emissions, preferably an ASE certified shop, and get another opinion, diagnostics, estimate, and CORRECT repair.
Check out these Acura Rsx-related listings and save big bucks!
 MAHLE PISTONS ACURA RSX K20 / K24 86.00b 86s 139r 12cc US $609.00 
|
 MAHLE PISTONS ACURA RSX K20 / K24 86.50b 86s 139r 12cc US $609.00
|
 MAHLE PISTONS ACURA RSX K20 / K24 86.00b 86s 139r -9cc US $609.00
|
 MAHLE PISTONS ACURA RSX K20 / K24 86.50b 86s 139r -9cc US $609.00
|
 MAHLE PISTONS ACURA RSX K20 / K24 87.00b 86s 139r 12cc US $609.00
|
 MAHLE PISTONS ACURA RSX K20 / K24 87.00b 86s 139r -9cc US $609.00
|
 Buddy Club N+ Damper Kit Acura DC5 RSX 02-up US $1,349.00
|
 Ganador Mirror for Honda Integra, Acura RSX 2002-2006 US $550.00
|
 02-04 Acura RSX Motor Mount Bushing Inserts 16.1110 US $34.99
|
 FERREA SEAT LOCATOR SL1054 ACURA RSX 2.0L K20 (16 Pieces) US $53.28
|
 ACURA RSX 05 REAR HATCH HANDLE OEM DC5 US $40.00
|
 ACURA RSX 05 REAR WIPER MOTOR OEM DC5 US $100.00
|
 SRP PISTONS 278888 ACURA 2002-UP RSX TYPE S FSR US $554.84
|
 SRP PISTONS 278890 ACURA 2002-UP RSX TYPE S FSR US $554.84
|
 Eibach Sportline Springs 05 06 07 Acura RSX US $209.00
|
 TAKEDA SHORT RAM INTAKE SYSTEM 02-06 ACURA RSX TYPE S US $199.00
|
 JE 296963 ACURA RSX HONDA SI K20A2 K20A3 86mm 9.0:1 US $570.64
|
 JE 204256 ACURA RSX HONDA SI K20A2 K20A3 86mm 10.8:1 US $590.76
|
 JE 204255 ACURA RSX HONDA SI K20A2 K20A3 86mm 9.0:1 US $590.76
|
 JE 226379 ACURA RSX HONDA SI K20A2 K20A3 86mm 11.3:1 US $590.76
|
 JE 253984 ACURA RSX HONDA SI K20A2 K20A3 86.5mm 9.0:1 US $570.64
|
 JE 242862 ACURA RSX HONDA SI K20A2 K20A3 88mm 9.0:1 US $603.94
|
 3 Hole Gauge Pod for Honda Civic and Acura RSX US $30.00
|
 INJEN SP SHORT RAM INTAKE 02-06 ACURA RSX TYPE S (BLK) US $188.50
|
 SKUNK2 LOWERING SPRINGS 02-04 ACURA RSX ALL 2.25F 2.0R US $170.99
|
 SKUNK2 LOWERING SPRINGS 05-06 ACURA RSX ALL 2.25F 2.0R US $170.99
|
Acura RSX's Z1 vs Honda Civic 07 Z3
Recently found via this site: