2002 Honda Accord Catalytic Converter Location
2002 Honda Civic catalytic converters sit underneath the car, making them an easy target for thieves.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Krieps Mergen
The catalytic converter on a 2002 Honda Accord is located underneath the car, making it vulnerable to thieves who know how to operate the tools to access it.
The theft rate of one of the most commonly stolen car parts, the catalytic converter, continues to rise after hitting all-time highs in 2020. If you are a car owner, you need to know where this valuable part is located so you can keep it protected.
Here’s where the catalytic converter is located on the 2002 Honda Accord, how to protect it, and signs to look out for if yours is on its way out.
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The catalytic converter on a 2002 Honda Accord can be found underneath the car between the engine and the muffler.
Unfortunately, this makes your car a sitting duck for thieves who can detach this part in just a few minutes using only a socket wrench. While the actual catalytic converter rests inside a metal casing, this can easily be removed off-site once the thief has unbolted the entire unit.
Many newer vehicles have adapted and put their catalytic converters under the hood, inside the engine bay to keep them better protected.
What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a 2002 Honda Accord?
So, what does a catalytic converter do, anyway? It’s a vital part of the exhaust system that filters out contaminants by converting harmful emissions into gasses that are safer to be released. Without a catalytic converter, your Accord wouldn’t be able to pass certain emissions tests, and your engine performance could decline as well.
What makes them appealing to thieves is that these high-priced parts are made of valuable metals that play a role in that conversion process, like rhodium, palladium, and platinum.
How to protect the catalytic converter on your 2002 Honda Accord
Catalytic converter theft is a huge problem and common occurrence for just about all Accord owners, no matter the model year. Accords ranging from 1986 to 2020 are the
second-most likely cars to have their catalytic converter stolen
due to their vulnerable position, simple removal process, and the sheer number of them on roadways.Thankfully, there are some preventative measures you can take to keep your catalytic converter in its rightful place:
- Park your Accord in a well-lit area. A locked garage is the ideal place to keep your Accord, but if you have to park in a driveway or the street, motion-sensor lights or street lamps can make all the difference.
- Mark your catalytic converter with your VIN number. While this may not stop the theft from happening, it can help you track it down and make it a harder sell to an aftermarket parts dealer.
Another way to keep yourself protected from catalytic converter theft? Add
comprehensive coverage
to your insurance policy. This will allow you to file a claim for a catalytic converter replacement if yours is ever stolen.What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen
In the worst-case scenario of a thief getting away with your Accord catalytic converter, try to remain calm, and take the following actions:
- Document the incident with pictures of your exhaust pipe and all missing parts
- File a police report
- File an insurance claim if you have comprehensive coverage
- Consider anti-theft devices to deter future thieves
When to replace the catalytic converter on a 2002 Honda Accord
Generally speaking, a catalytic converter should last about 10 years—but like any other car part, it can wear out quicker. Keep an eye out for the following signs of a declining catalytic converter:
- Engine performance decreasing
- Dark or putrid-smelling exhaust smoke (think sulfur or rotten eggs)
- Car’s underside is overheating
- Failed emissions test
- Check engine lightis o
If you notice any of these signs, use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to detect any exhaust system malfunctions. You can also take your vehicle to your trusted mechanic for professional diagnosis.
If there is a problem, it may only be with one part of the catalytic converter, such as its heat shield, which would be much less expensive than a full-on replacement. In the event you need an entirely new converter, you’ll be looking at an average replacement cost of $2,300 to $2,500.
How to replace a catalytic converter
Requiring above-average mechanical and tool-based knowledge, replacing your own catalytic converter isn’t one of the most inviting DIY projects. In most cases, you’ll need to know your way around a pipe cutter or torch at the very least—and that alone can be enough justification for the expensive repair shop bill.
If you are confident in your abilities, though, don’t forget to look up the correct part number for your ‘02 Civic so you can get an OEM replacement. Aftermarket parts may reduce the risk of theft, but this may not be an area where you want to compromise quality. Catalytic converters play an important role not only in your vehicle’s performance, but also in releasing less harmful emissions into the environment.
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