Did you have the ECU reflash performed already (about a year ago)? The reason I ask is that the ECU reflash was intended to fix possibility that the HCH I would run too lean and somehow damage the cat.

See: http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/s...ead.php?t=2759

I got a call back from Honda's customer relations department. Apparently the "check engine" code for a failed CAT might be a phantom. There is a software update for the HCH-I that will be released in January. The CAT might be just fine. I guess I'll know after I get the update installed.

Whoa Ashen,
I wonder how much that glitch has cost HCH1 owners?
I know cats are one of the trouble spots on the HCH1's. Maybe it was REALLY the CATS, after all.
I'll be VERY interested in following your story here.

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL

Thanks very much for this! I don't think mine has had the ECU flash, although I'm the second owner so I'm not sure.

My "check engine" light has been off (probably as shocked by the cost of a new catalytic converter as I was) and with the icy driving here, I haven't taken it to the garage yet... I'll definitely stay tuned and add any details that I can.

Did you ever hear if this update was released? My MIL just kicked on yesterday and AutoZone reports the code as P2000 which relates to the catalytic converter. I'd much rather hear that the code is spurious than sign up for a $1500 job at the dealer.

Thanks!
--Larry

Larry, thanks for nudging me about this... should have posted 'the rest of the story' ages ago, and I'm sorry I haven't.

On the advice of an independent mechanic (kudos to Hondauto in Fort Worth), I contacted Honda and fussed (nicely) about how having a converter give up at 85K was not acceptable to me as a five-time Honda owner, given Honda's reputation for reliability over extended mileage, etc. After quite a grilling from the first person I spoke with, I was referred to 'regional', I think it was. A few days later, I got a phone call to say they'd replace the converter if I'd pay the labor charges (about $100). Needless to say, I was surprised and delighted!

Part of my complaint was that I'd been told by advisors at two dealerships that the check engine light also comes on when you haven't tightened the gas cap (as it says in the manual). Mine would come and go very sporadically. My advice: don't assume it's the gas cap problem!

I'm very grateful for the helpful advice I received here and from the mechanic, and of course also to American Honda for dealing with the problem!

All the best,
Kris

I should also have mentioned that I brought up to Honda the fact that it seemed (from online forums like this one) that I wasn't the only owner of a Hybrid Civic to have catalytic converter problems at a fairly low mileage, like shortly after the 80K warranty on it expires!

I'm not sure how much that helped my case, but firmly believe that together we can make a difference!

Kris