2001 Accord, 4 cyl, 5 speed, 239K. Had a v-Tech CEL on a week or so ago (vacuum issue).

This CEL code just came up P0459.

I couldn't find any Honda specific info. The only thing I found online was:

P0459 Description
The Evaporative Emission System (EVAP) canister purge volume control solenoid valve uses a ON/OFF duty to control the flow rate of fuel vapor from the EVAP canister. The EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve is moved by ON/OFF pulses from the Engine Control Module (ECM). The longer the ON pulse, the greater the amount of fuel vapor that will flow through the valve.


I have no idea what all that means or where to look. Obviously it has something to do with emissions.

Any help appreciated.

 

I don't see that code in the 98-02 shop manual. You may want to get the codes read again.

 

HOLY COW BATMAN.

I have no clue what I was looking at when I wrote this post, I even typed the code into the iPhone to get it right.

I wasn't even close.

The code IS P0420 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold

 

I saw a youtube video about using laquer thinner to clean a catalytic converter by scotty kilmer. He also says you can soak it in dish soap and water to clean out any buildup. Once you see the price of the OEM catalytic converter, you will probably give this a shot.

Try hitting the catalytic converter and listen for a rattling sound. If you hear that sound, then the honey comb is broken and can't be cleaned.

 

I changed the tiltle and deleted the other thread.

 

Ok here is what I found.

Cat doesn't rattle (that I can hear). Everything looks secure BUT..........

1) exhaust pipe is dented right at the curve from the manifold curving out to the cat, no holes and probably doesn't mean anything and I'm going to say the wife did it since every time she drives my Honda she either wrecks it or something goes wrong (2x4's hit trunk in Home Depot parking lot, hit guard rail avoiding deer, caused brakes to fail after making caliper leak and now CEL on for this, she is NOT allowed near my Honda ever again).

2) I'm guessing this is the "resonator"? The pipe section that goes from the resonator (the thing with the weave on it) to the cat seems to have become dislocated and has a gap. There is about a 1/4 gap in between the weave and the flange (other side is tight). It is loose and you can wiggle it a bunch by hand.

This would explain the exhaust smell (noticed it yesterday confirmed today) and the sort of Jetson's car sound coming from it lately????

Would that leak have an effect on the cat readings?

 

That thing with the weave on it is called the flex pipe.

 

Exhaust leaks can also cause a P0420 code.

 

Could it flex too much and separate?

 

no the weave on the flex pipe does nothing in terms of "sealing" the exhaust system. In fact the weave is not really necessary, there is a flexible section under that weave that is one piece.