Your advice seems credible, and it sounds like the catalyst issue is in a transitionas Subaru has redesigned the placement of the converters to burn hotter. I cant offer any savings on Convertor, there is no margin. All Rights Reserved. The car also had leaking head gaskets and we have always changed the oil frequently (2.5k 3k, never as much as 4k miles). I went to part source and had it scanned and a code came back as PO420.. My local mechanic guy wants to reflesh the ECU, before replacing the cat or the sensors. I did manage to speak directly to the technician and he seemed knowledgeable and thought that the front and rear sensors were ok, but that the catalyst needed to be replaced. She was perfect. Air bags. thank you Justin for the input guess ill get those tests. You can read here for more information about how the system works, and its always a good idea to buy your own code scanner. After this switch the check engine light disappeared. With a noticeable loss of performance, high fuel consumption and more harmful emissions at the tailpipe, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. I would say yes its uncommon to need a second Catalyst at 50k after the first but I dont know if the front air fuel sensor was ever replaced or if there is something else going on? My Mechanic wants to change out the whole thing. When I drive like my wife drives it will not throw the code. Catalytic Converter Thefts Have Skyrocketed Since 2019 According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which tracks crimes reported to insurance companies, the number of reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018 to more than 52,000 in 2021, the most recent year for which data is available. Takata Airbag Inflator Recall. Rich A/F Ratio Wasnt like he was trying to take my money. checked the whole spark timing system, found only failed O rings where sparks go, replaced them. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these. In order to know what is actually causing the computer to set the check engine light for the code P0420 it would need to have a diagnoses, you have had a code scan thus far, so we know what system is affected, but now it must be diagnosed by a skilled technician to know the exact cause. Is the work being done at a shop with a Guarantee? This will be at op temp only and most likely never at idle. Or do you not have info info to make an educated guess (I wont hold you to any answer you give me as I understand there are a ton of variables)? Full My confidence in them is shaky. oops again. When the car is warming up in the morning, I smell gas odor, but it goes away when I begin driving. Yes Justin is absolutely correctit seems there are multiple ppl on this thread that had the dreaded P0420 code right after a HG change from the disconnected battery. Thanks once again so much for your wisdom! So I got the cat replaced and the code went away. WebCheck Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter on Subaru Forester Problem Description The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of low catalytic converter efficiency. Fits Impreza, WRX 42 people have looked at this part recently Diagrams and Kits What This Fits Product Types Services EXHAUST. ANYWAY, over the weekend I was driving thru town, when I had to abruptly stop to avoid someone backing out of a parking spot on the main street and my CEL came on immediately after this. Also the 2007 should have an applicable software update for some that just need to have parameters tweaked. We review every problem as we work to keep our roads safe. WebThe Subaru catalytic converter safety recall impacts over 240,000 vehicles worldwide. Closed Public Holidays) or email at feedback@subaru.com.au. However, I havent seen anything here (or on other sites) yet with my issue. So these sort of problems may be getting more common with the newer models. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. I have taken my car to the dealer 3x and 2 x they reprogrammed it and the third time they blame it on needing a tune up. Someone really needs to look at the Data and figure it out, is really what needs to happen. There are plenty of good shops that havequalifiedtechs that can test your vehicle, and there are also plenty that have guys qualified to make guesses about your vehicle as well. P0420 code was detected, and Subaru dealer eventually performed catalytic converter replacement under warranty. Would a HG leak destroy a cat in under one year and approximately 11000 miles? Why Is The Power Steering Making Noise on My Subaru Outback? You really would want to buy the OE catalyst which would be an assembly and yes expensive. It does not seem to be running any different. Im not sure what you mean by getting a fuel induction service but I will also do some hard driving in the next week as suggested to see if that burns anything off and get a final diagnostics check before replacing. I have a 2004 Legacy with the 420 code. Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. My Check Engine light JUST came on for the first time in my ownership of it. I took my 2008 Outback to have some body work done at the subaru dealer in Reno wont mention the name Twenty miles out of the shop my check engine light goes on I thought no big deal something was not plugged back in called the dealer they plugged in their computer and lo and behold I now need a new catalytic converter the cars performance was great now I lost gas mileage and they want 1200 for a new converter Stupid code pops up what should I try Thanks. If you are not able to locate one, than that is most likely ruled out as a possibility. Full Diagram #44102B EXHAUST. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Try to create some Exhaust heat when driving it and that may help it light of. Noticed MPG drop right after engine work and told dealership twice. I cleared the code and started the car, it ran for a few seconds and then stalled. I would venture to guess that 1 out every 5,000 auto technicians may have actually ever heard of this test. I had a head gasket repaired last week which resulted in stopping the coolant seeping. WebShop 2022 Subaru Outback Base Catalytic Converter (Front). Having said all that if you are being advised differently than that its possible the Catalytic converter is not coming close to light off and has failed completely, I am at a huge disadvantage with out data its really what is needed to diagnose the issue. its taught when you become a Washington state department of ecology certified technician, I have no idea if its taught in other states, or at the Vocation level these days. For this test, all you need is a pressure gauge with its hose fitting. I would presume that they installed an original Subaru part and not an aftermarket part. He took it in to the Subaru dealer and they say it is a p0240 code and it needs a new catalytic converter at a cost of $1800. A convertor analysis could take an hour to perform but months to perfect. Many converters on Subarus begin at a front Y-pipe that bolts to both sides of the engine. It Runs great and doesnt use any fluids at all. 370 people reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester Vehicles With This Reading out the fault codes using a diagnostic device is relatively reliable. Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. Report a problem with your vehicle, tires, car seats or other equipment. The mechanic told me I needed a new catalytic converter, because a friend suggested I try using a spark plug non fouler on my rear O2 sensor to clear the code Didnt work. Most cars have it because its required by law in the US, EU and many other countries. Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explained pt 2. You mentioned further testing is not free. With 230,000 miles on it,I cant complain. nitrogen. Data from any sensor is only as good as the sensor it self! WebSubaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. The cats,o2 sensors, Pcm replaced and reprogrammed, Maf sensor have all been replaced with Subaru parts. Did the techs come up with a solid fault? While there are many quality aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers these days, you can price the converters and pay less than half what the Subaru dealer will be asking. The industry or the market place rather does not allow for scientifically approaching the issue with a prove good or prove failed circumstance, instead its not an exact science unless you have the ability or the inclination to go one or several steps further in your diagnoses. The vehicle is completely safe to drive with a P0420 set, however if anything new was to come up that could damage anything, you would have no way of knowing as the check engine light would already be on. It is important to verify catalytic converter lightoff prior to determining if a catalytic converter has failed. After dumping money into these repairs, last thing I want to find is that I now need more expensive repairs. Second, I installed a Torque Pro App on my android phone and purchased a blue tooth compatable code sender. Another thought is to not fix it? pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of. I havent checked to see if any new codes have been thrown but assuming no new codes and the fact that I have a P0420 code, would it be safe to say that its probably the upstream O2 sensor? Really would not want to replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with. I am in WY where it gets cold. No change whats so ever. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion device that has been added to the exhaust to clean up the remaining unwanted gasses. Without a code I have no idea what to try and suggest you check, while its always good to check the car fluids, the check engine light is not generally ever going to come on for low fluids. Adobe Digital Marketing. The car drives very well, there is no smell from the converter. Thanks for the feedback. A clogged catalytic converter essentially "suffocates" the engine, preventing it from "exhaling" the exhaust. This would be that based on this condition X, Y shall be this voltage. You dont ever want to use Carb cleaner on the Throttle Body! And ever since that repair, from time to time the CEL comes on and the cruise light blinks. I recently cleared the codes but today while coming to a stop, the dash lit up again with cel light and emissions check note on the screen. I guess Ill look into testing the O2 sensors first. I am considering to keep my subaru another 100k. That can have an affect as well. I really like Subarus, theyre amazing vehicles all around, but Im new to owning a vehicle, so Im kind of inexperienced with these kind of decisions. Thanks. I have been now reading other posts and beginning to wonder. Analytics/Measurement. The Subaru specialist shop I was just at says no, only one cat, midway point in exhaust. If just the boots are bad at least that I can see, is there any harm in changing just these and leaving the axles as is? I have heard that sometimes reflashing the ECU can take care of this P0420 code reflash problem so I am thinking of trying that first. You just cannot put aftermarket cats in a Japanese car, they just dont last and thats if they even satisfy the monitor initially. Thanks again for the extensive response and advice! Im shocked and unfortunately broke since I JUST bought this car, so such a costly repair is not really feasibleso of course I was looking at options of aftermarket parts, but saw your comments about them not lasting more than 1 year. Happened Sunday as I rounded a curve. Love your site, and I too wish you were closer to Utah. You make an interesting point, its the cost for cleaner air and will only get worse newer cars have more Catalysts. This is certainly going to affect my thinking when it comes to possibly purchasing a used car in the future. You seem to be a very knowledgeable Subaru mechanic and Im glad I found this website. I really like your website and it has provided a lot of information to me on the P0420 code on my 2000 Subaru Outback. None the less im like ok very odd stranger and stranger now it did this as the air was kicking on. This will hold true in most all of these Subaru models: Its the single most ignored code, and one the the mostchallengingto accurately diagnose. This direct-fit catalytic converter by Davico will be a great solution to replace your failed or damaged catalytic converter. environment. Thats what happens when I post after my bedtime! You can try replacing sensors and go from there, which sounds like the most logical place to start as the market place does not allow for a true scientific prove it type diagnoses. Buy an O.E. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these. All sensors should be tested and replaced as needed. 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