They can't fix it because the poster is telling them what they can and can't
do. The shop should just send him on his way if he won't let them apply
their knowledge and fix it. Odysseys have a lot of weak spots.Check out the
threads at www.odyclub.com . The exposure is being caught in a spot EPA
inspection or his area starts inspections. How many miles on the van? Are
the techs analyzing with an OBDII tester or just pulling the codes and
throwing parts at it. Has the EGR recall been performed. How long was it run
with the check engine light on before it was checked? ERG, O2@ problems can
destroy a cat in short time.

the first question is, why can't these guys fix it???  you need to find
a different shop that knows what they're doing!!!

to answer the question, the car will still run, but if you're in the
habit of driving about with the light on, you're at significant risk of
damaging something expensive if another fault code develops because
you're already ignoring the fault indicator.  just get an aftermarket
catalyst and deal with the problem properly.

My engine light has been on for months. I have taken the car in several times.
Honda has fixed things several times. The light always comes back on after a
day or couple of hours. My 2000 Honda Ody. is at the shop again now they say
it is the catalytic converter. Actually they have told me that it could be
that from the start, but because of cost we tried some other things it might
be. Anyway, my question is what happens to my car if it is not fixed. Cars
did not use to have them. I know it is for pollution control. But does it
have any effect on the car its self?