I have a 2011 Acura TL front wheel drive with about 170,000 miles.
The Check Emission System Light is on. I brought this into a mechanic who said that I'll need to replace the catalytic converter... which is about a $1200 job.
I was listening to Scotty's video on driving at high rpms and I've noticed that when I drive the TL on sport mode (high RPMs) here and there, the Check Emission System Light goes off after a bit of driving on sport mode.
However, it comes back on after a driving on normal (D) mode after a while.
I'm wondering if this is due to a catalytic converter or if it's due to some carbon build up in the engine? Is there a easy way to troubleshoot that or should I go ahead with replacing the catalytic converter?
Thank you in advance!
Clarification: Is this a P0420 code? Or what is the code or codes? List them all.
Thanks for the help! Unfortunately I don't know. Should I find out from the mechanic? Not sure if he'd share.
We will need the code(s) to help you. Also, any auto parts store should be able to scan for you and you can jot the code down (be sure to see the code or codes for yourself). Anyhow, see below for checking if the catalytic converter is fine or not:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/82370/
You probably just need a good Italian Tuneup. Blow the carbon out of that sucker!
I'll try to get the codes from AutoZone. Right now the Check Emissions light is off - but it's a matter of a few days before it comes back on again. Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll update the post when the light comes back on and I get the codes.
Probably also a good idea to invest in a basic scan tool.