My 03 Civic EX with 165k on it has had some issues. When sitting in traffic or going up hills, the engine sputters, the engine light comes on, and the car shuts down. Sometimes the entire car turns itself off (everything including my brakes at times). So I brought my car to Autozone and they said three codes came out (P0340, P0240, and P0341). I guess I need a new catalytic converter, a new camshaft position sensor, and a new oxygen sensor. The parts would have run me $450 without installation. A mechanic friend can do it for me for I think around $100-200 to put everything in, but I don't know if I can wait for him to fix it. The car is kind of dangerous to drive. How much would the same job cost if I brought it to a dealer or a local place?

 

The camshaft sensor is what will cause sputtering and stalling. The oxygen sensor and converter will not. Replace just the cam sensor first. Whenever there is more than one code, some of them may be very old from a temporary situation that no longer exists.

If the engine is not turning, the power brakes will work once or twice on stored energy then the power boost will give out. You can still stop but you will need to press much harder on the brake pedal than normal. If all the lights on the dashboard go out (ordinarily the battery and oil lights will come on after the engine stalls) the ignition switch may be bad.

 

Thanks. If this is true then I'm even more screwed. I have been driving with the light going off and on for about...7 months.

http://www.civicforums.com/forums/17...-location.html

The lights in the dashboard stayed on.

 

While I will try the camshaft position sensor first, can I really find a catalytic converter for $120 or am I missing something (not a car guy)?

List: Search for 'catalytic converter' | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

the camshaft sensor is a pain in the *** to do im sure a dealer would charge you an arm and a leg i would have your buddy do it. you could go aftermarket cat but don't expect it to last as long i would get an OEM honda cat.

 

So I go the camshaft position censor replaced and a new catalytic converter. For some reason the car, or the general engine sound seems to be a lot louder. Just a deeper sound than before. Is this normal?

 

Check for exhaust leaks -- idle the engine and block the tailpipe with a rag. Pressure should build up quietly. If you hear a hissing sound under the car, go back and get the leak fixed.