Hello all,

So long story short - My check engine lights been on, and I need to get smogged, so I checked it out and it's my catalytic converter. I shopped around and got the best deal I could on a cat for my 97 Honda Civic DX (350$ ouch!)

So the confusing thing is, I have talked to a few friends who know about cars (Not civics though), and through watching youtube videos of how to replace catalytic converters, and my own research, and basically everywhere I have seen lists the catalytic converter as on the bottom of the car. As in you need a jack to get to it. Some say it's welded, others say it's bolt on.

So I buy my part, and I'm looking for where it goes, and it appears to me that it goes right on top directly outside the engine. Is this correct? Are civics just built differently from most other cars?

I just want to be sure that by replacing this part my check engine light is going to go off, and I won't have to buy another one that does go underneath the car. I would appreciate any help given to me. Thank you for your time!

 

Yes, that is correct. You have a D16y7, that's why. Honda embedded the cat into the manifold on your set-up. Now, people with a D16y8 (EX models), have the cat under the car, which is more "common" to see.

You do not have a cat under your car.

 

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

 

Just replaced my cat on a 98 civic CX with 236,000 Km with an aftermarket unit by"Dorman" plus an upstream O2 senor by Bosch.

Check you plugs and Distributor cap as well. Clear engine code, drive it for a few days and make sure the light doesn't come back on. if it does, start with a new upstream O2 sensor

 

Use Google to find the Honda Civic Service Manual 1996-2000. There are some small part that should be renewed like nuts and gaskets. The manual will show which to replace and what torque is recommended.

 

In the service manual see page 9-6 and 9-9.