The 2005 Honda Odyssey bank 2 catalytic converter is located in the engine bay. This makes it more difficult for thieves to access, but there are additional precautions you can take to further increase your protection.

In 2020, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that catalytic converter theft claims jumped by 325% from 2019. In 2021, it increased by another 353%, and the massive increase in thefts remains an ongoing problem.

To help protect your own vehicle’s catalytic converter, it helps to know a little bit about it—like where it’s located, what anti-theft measures you can take, and outside of theft, what signs you might notice if it’s time for a repair or replacement. If you drive a 2005 Honda Odyssey, the following guide is for you.

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Where is the catalytic converter on a 2005 Honda Odyssey?

The 2005 Honda Odyssey is actually equipped with three catalytic converters. Two catalytic converters on a 2005 Honda Odyssey are found in the engine bay in areas referred to as “bank 1” and “bank 2.”

Accessing either is a tedious task that requires the removal of myriad other parts. Luckily, that makes it a lot more difficult for thieves to get to.

The third catalytic converter is found on the vehicle’s undercarriage at the rear, making this one more vulnerable to theft.

What are the benefits of a catalytic converter on a Honda Odyssey?

The catalytic converter on a Honda Odyssey—or on any vehicle, for that matter—is a crucial part of the exhaust system. It converts gases created during your engine’s combustion process into less harmful emissions. Carbon monoxide can be converted to carbon dioxide, for example, while nitrogen oxide can be separated into nitrogen and oxygen, which aren’t hazardous on their own.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards necessitate a catalytic converter, and it can help engines operate more efficiently, too. If you live in a state that requires emissions testing, you’re likely going to need to have a functioning catalytic converter in order to register your vehicle.

Important as they are, catalytic converters are notoriously prone to theft. The way they work requires the use of valuable metals, like platinum, rhodium, and palladium. A Honda Odyssey catalytic converter replacement could cost about $1,700 to $2,000.

How to protect the catalytic converters on your Honda Odyssey

Other older Honda models are some of the

vehicles that most commonly have their catalytic converters stolen

. But while the 2005 Honda Odyssey’s bank 2 catalytic converter location helps give it better protection against theft, no vehicle is completely immune, and the rear one is still vulnerable. Plus, nobody wants to shell out thousands of dollars for a replacement.

If you drive a 2005 Honda Odyssey, here are extra steps you can take to keep your catalytic converters protected:

Lock your vehicle when it’s not occupied. If a would-be thief doesn’t have easy access to the hood release inside your vehicle, an already tedious process becomes that much more difficult.

Install an

anti-theft device

. Two popular options to protect against catalytic converter theft are

CatStrap™

and the

CatClamp®

, and items like alarms, shields, or dash cams can be used as well—just make sure they’re compatible with your vehicle and won’t affect your ability to pass an emissions test.

Park your Odyssey in a garage or a well-lit area. A secure garage is the safest place to keep your catalytic converters and the rest of your Odyssey protected. But if you don’t have access to one, installing a motion-activated light in your driveway or parking in well-lit areas can help deter thieves.

Add your VIN to your catalytic converters. If one or both of them do get stolen, it increases the chances they can get traced back to your vehicle, and reputable dealers won’t be as likely to buy them.

And perhaps one of the most important protective measures: verify your

car insurance

policy includes

comprehensive coverage

, which covers a range of incidents, including theft. With the right coverage terms and deductible, you won’t have to worry about spending thousands out of pocket for a replacement.

What to do if your catalytic converter is stolen

If the worst-case scenario happens and your catalytic converter is stolen from your Honda Odyssey, here’s how you can respond:

Gather documentation: Take photos of the missing catalytic converter and surrounding parts.

File a police report

Submit an insurance claim if your policy includes comprehensive insurance or other applicable protections

After replacing your catalytic converter, consider exploring options for anti-theft devices to help deter future thieves

MORE:

How to know if your catalytic converter was stolen

When to replace the catalytic converter on a Honda Odyssey

Even when you manage to keep your catalytic converters safe, they can still be subject to wear and tear, just like other vehicle parts. Catalytic converters can generally last anywhere from 10 years to the lifetime of a vehicle.

If your catalytic converter is nearing the end of its life, here are some signs you might notice:

Worsening performance power

Declining fuel efficiency

Failed emissions test

Check engine light turns on

Engine misfiring

Overheating

Dark or

foul-smelling exhaust smoke

—more specifically, a sulfur or rotten eggs smell

If you have an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner, you can use it to check for any potential problems, whether it’s related to the emissions system or another area of the vehicle. If you’re unsure what the culprit is, you can always take your Odyssey to a certified mechanic.

Sometimes, only minor repairs to a catalytic converter may be necessary. But as mentioned above, if your catalytic converter needs a complete replacement, it’s possible you could spend somewhere between $1,700 to $2,000 or more for the service.

How to replace a catalytic converter

While the 2005 Honda Odyssey bank 2 catalytic converter’s location gives it better protection from theft, it makes repairs and replacements a little more complicated, so this isn’t a task you’d want to take care of at home unless you already have the technical know-how.

It’s also important that the replacement catalytic converter you choose—and how it’s installed—won’t impact your ability to pass an emissions test if necessary.

MORE:

How to fix a catalytic converter without replacing it

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