2005 Honda Accord Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Tips
Find out some ways to keep the catalytic converter safe on your 2005 Honda Accord
Written by Brian Hicks
Reviewed by Bellina Gaskey
The best way to protect the catalytic converter on your 2005 Honda Accord is to install an anti-theft device. In the event that your converter is stolen, you’ll want to make sure you have the right
car insurance
coverage in place to cover repairs. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise and increased by over 325% between 2019 and 2020 alone. The catalytic converter is part of the vehicle’s exhaust system and helps to decrease the emission of toxic fumes into the air. It’s such a sought-after part by thieves because of the precious metals it contains.
Unfortunately, Honda Accords from any year are frequent victims of this crime. Keep reading to find out more about catalytic converter theft on the 2005 Honda Accord and what you can do to prevent it.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversIs it easy to steal the catalytic converter from a 2005 Honda Accord?
Yes—but catalytic converters are easy to steal on any vehicle. This is partially due to the fact that the thieves aren’t looking to sell the entire part, but rather the components inside, meaning they don’t have to be as careful when removing it.
Honda Accords are
one of the most targeted vehicles
for catalytic converter theft. Even though these vehicles don’t provide easy access to the undercarriage like a large pickup truck or SUV, thieves will often go for the mid-size car instead. While you want to protect your whole vehicle from theft, you always want to protect the more vulnerable parts.Why are 2005 Honda Accord catalytic converters stolen?
Honda Accords are one of the most popular vehicles on the road, which means there are just more of them to target. Experienced thieves can remove the parts in under a minute without drawing much attention to themselves.
Catalytic converters use expensive elements, like platinum and rhodium, that can be sold independently of the parts for up to $20,000 per ounce! (That’s part of the reason that replacing catalytic converters can be so expensive.) Honda also uses higher amounts of these precious metals, which makes Hondas more lucrative for thieves.
MORE: Honda Accord EX V6
2005 Honda catalytic converter replacement cost
Catalytic converters are not cheap, which is part of the reason they’re targeted for theft so frequently. For replacement parts alone, you’re looking to spend at least $2,000. Add labor, and that number is going to increase.
The 2005 Honda Accord with the V6 engine has three catalytic converters, while the V4 only has one catalytic converter. The placement of two of them in the V6 makes them difficult for a thief to get to, but if all three are stolen, you’re looking at a much higher replacement cost.
How to prevent catalytic converter theft from a 2005 Honda Accord
Unfortunately, vehicle parts theft is a common occurrence, which is why prevention is so important. Even if you have the proper insurance coverage to replace the parts after a covered incident, filing a claim is always a hassle.
If you want to protect your Honda Accord’s catalytic converter as much as possible to minimize your risk of theft, consider some of the options below.
Park in a secure area
When you park your vehicle, make sure it’s in a safe location. A locked garage is always the best option when it comes to parking. But if you don’t have a garage or are parking in public, find a well-lit area, which is a natural deterrent to thieves. If you are parking outside at your house, invest in motion-activated cameras that you can train on your car.
Install an anti-theft catalytic converter device
Installing an anti-theft catalytic converter device is the best option for keeping your catalytic converter safe. Here are some of your options:
A catalytic converter shield is a thick piece of metal that will block your converter. These are difficult to cut through, which should keep your part safe. They need to be fitted to the vehicle to ensure protection, which means you’ll need to get a professional mechanic’s help.
A catalytic converter cage works off of the same principle as the shield. A cage, usually made of rebar, is fitted around the catalytic converter so that it can’t be easily taken.
There’s also a locking cable that can attach the catalytic converter to your vehicle. You may want to pair this with another of the options above because while this will stop the converter from being stolen, it is still easily accessible to thieves who may detach it before realizing that they can’t take it with them.
Etch your VIN on the catalytic converter
Engraving your
vehicle identification number (VIN)
on your catalytic converter will make it nearly unsellable on the black market. While this method won’t necessarily stop your converters from getting stolen, it will be a strong deterrent for any thief who sees it and is looking to sell the parts.Invest in comprehensive insurance
This measure is not preventative. Unfortunately, no form of insurance can stop a thief from stealing parts from your car. However, if you invest in
comprehensive coverage
on your insurance plan, it’ll make your repair and replacement costs from theft and damages much more manageable. What to do if your 2005 Honda Accord’s catalytic converter is stolen
If your catalytic converter is stolen, the first step is to contact your local authorities and file an official report. The sooner you report the theft, the better the odds are that the thief (and potentially your converter) will be found. Give the police any details you have or any footage that may have been recorded on a home security system.
After you’ve filed your official report, you’ll need to report the theft to your insurance company. If you didn’t invest in comprehensive coverage, the insurance company won’t be able to help, but if you did, you’ll be able to submit a claim. Insurance will then cover the cost of a replacement (minus your deductible).
Can you drive a 2005 Honda Accord without a catalytic converter?
You can drive a 2005 Honda Accord without a catalytic converter. However, driving without a catalytic converter is not recommended and is usually illegal.
For the short term, your car would function fine, but you’ll notice increased exhaust noise, lower fuel efficiency, and rough acceleration.
For the long term, your car will never pass emissions testing. These tests are required as part of your vehicle’s yearly inspection, which means it would be illegal for you to drive without a catalytic converter once your inspection is due.
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FAQs
Does a 2005 Honda Accord have a catalytic converter?
It does, and it might have more than one. The V4 engine only has one catalytic converter, but the V6 Accord engine has three catalytic converters.
What should I do if someone is trying to steal my Honda Accord catalytic converter?
If you find someone trying to steal the catalytic converter off of your Honda Accord, you should report it to the police immediately. But remember that your safety is the top priority in any situation. Make sure to write down any distinguishing features of the thieves or their vehicle, which can help the police if there’s no video footage.
What are some signs to look for when a catalytic converter is stolen?
One of the reasons that catalytic converter theft has increased so much is that it isn’t always noticeable. However, if you notice a rougher ride or increased exhaust smells coming from your Accord, you might want to see if anything is missing from the undercarriage.
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