Hi Everyone, I am new to this site but thought this would be a good place to find out if anyone else is having a similar problem. I have a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid (CA Version) with 108,650 and the newest software updated applied. I am having a issue with P0420 Check Engine Code coming on and off about four times per week. The code is reading, "Catalytic Converter Below Threshold Bank1" I have been in contact with the Honda Dealer about this issue and they are trying to get Honda to cover a new Catalytic Converter but due to my mileage they are not cooperating. I am wondering if the software update could be causing this like it did with the previous HCH model after a software update was applied. (Service Bulletin 07-036) I am having the following symptoms... 1) Check Engine Light has been on for five days now. (was off an on prior) 2) I have been reading the code with a OBDII Code Reader 3) Code Reader is still pulling P0420 Catalytic Converter Below Efficiency 4) Car is very sluggish during acceleration sometimes (bucks almost like a backfire) 5) IMA Battery is draining to 2 bars frequently (2 times per day or every time I drive) Let me know if anyone else is experiencing similar symptoms. Thanks, Todd

*Update*

I posted this on CleanMPG.com and a user suggested a battery load test be done.
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The sluggish acceleration and draining IMA battery leads me to suspect you've got issues with your 12V battery. Before doing anything else I'd recommend getting that battery load tested and replaced if necessary. Lots of strange symptoms appear in Honda Hybrids when the 12V battery is weak… including spurious error codes.

Give that a try and let us know what you find out!
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- Sean
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I had a load test done this afternoon. I was not able to get it tested right after startup but about 15mins from startup it read 12.9v

I did notice quite a bit of build up around the contacts. I am going clean the contacts this weekend and see if I can get it tested again after.

Has anyone else had strange issues caused by the 12v battery?

Make sure you get the codes for the radio if you disconnect the battery cables. Baking soda and water cleans that stuff away. Try this treatment before removing cables. H

I cleaned my battery terminals and contacts today. There was quite a bit of build up around the contacts. I had the battery disconnected long enough to perform a power reset. After attaching the contacts to the battery, I drove the car for about 20 minutes to allow the IMA battery to be fully charged.

I am hoping this will fix the constant battery recals I am getting. I will post up later this week with results.

Here is what I noticed after the power reset.

Yesterday I experienced two recals on the way into work and another three on the way home from work.

The recals on the way home were back to back, the pack would change and then 3 to 5 minutes later the pack was dead.

This morning I did not receive any recal and my avg mpg drastically increased from 37.5 to 42.8 on 138 miles according to the trip computer. I am hoping to have the same results on the commute back home.

My daily commute consists of 70 miles round trip.

Hi Todd

How did you solve this problem.


Regards.

Yes, it ended up being the Catalytic Converter. This is the main one right behind the engine coming off of the exhaust manifold. I found a deal on a savage yard one off of a wreaked 2009 since the cost for a new one was well over $900 when I needed it.

Good luck!

Thanks Todd.


i check my 12v battery and i saw the bolts were not tighten so the contacts with the wire was not good, i tighten both bolts, and looks like the problem gone.


i hope the ima light not appear again.