My 98 Honda accord, check engine light, error code is P0420?

[Sumit T]

while driving my Honda Accord 98 EX(90,000 Miles) car showed check engine light, after taking it to auto zone and after plugging a scanner it showed error code P0420, it was saying some catalyst system efficiency problem, what exactly should i do now, how serious is the problem is, because being an international student i dont want to spend too much on car, any estimate how much will it cost to get it repaired if the problem is serious??

 

[gotspeed7883]

the rear o2 sensor is saying the catalyst convertor is below threshold..for bank 1..might be due to convertor is stopping up, or you might have exhaust leak before the convertor and sensors are not picking up exhaust reading...I would clear the codes and test drive again...light will pop back on when you reach normal operational temperatures...might want to have it checked at a trustworthy repair shop..question...does the car seem to be slugish, lack of power..if so...replace convertor

 

[Ben S]

catalitic converter not flowing efficiently. I would just drive it if you dont have much money. Can get pritty spendy to replace.