Second, we also have a 2007 Outback wagon, and earlier this year, had the head gaskets replaced (under drive train warranty, yay!). Also,should I be running hi octane fuel full time? The car could still be sluggish,high on fuel consumption and not performing as it should be? been maintained. My best suggestion is to drive it hard with premium fuel. Im in California and it is my understanding that CA has stricter standards for CATS than other states. For this test, all you need is a pressure gauge with its hose fitting. 1. Hi, Justin, thank you for info you have provided on this site. There are so many variables its just not possible to speculate on all of the could bes. I may drive the car around a bit at a higher rpm, as was mentioned above. Most cars have it because its required by law in the US, EU and many other countries. EXHAUST & MUFFLER '04MY-'05MY. Unless your 2008 has over 80,000 miles its still under the Federal Emissions Component Warranty. Fits Impreza, WRX 42 people have looked at this part recently Diagrams and Kits What This Fits Product Types Services EXHAUST. Should it get back to where it was once its broken in? On the way home from work it had some hesitation that at first I thought was caused by me not shifting correctly however a few miles down the freeway while going 75 the car started losing power and surging. If you dont have any good advice I have a 2000 subaru outback for sale. There is no more external oil or coolant leaks at the head anymore. After some research, I assume the rattle was coming from the CAT. I am wondering if these contributed to the deterioration of the cats. How did you get on with your problem? The next part is a little less scientific and a little more in the grey area, its entirely possible for a check engine light to occur after the battery isdisconnectedand set a PO420 even though there were no indications of a catalyst issue prior. 5)**What is the likelihood of an actual meltdown? Two California emissions cats and two brand new Denso O2 sensors. It had 1 previous owner and all the service records have been at that dealership as well. For $6.00 its worth a try.. Have a 420 code.Mech says to replace cat.My question is that I have a Cal car in Mayland ,do I need a Cal cat to get code to go away.Thanks. FCFE2. Alternatively, you may call our dedicated Recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 994 (Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST. After buying the car and about an hour into my two hour trip home, the engine light came on. You seem to be a very knowledgeable Subaru mechanic and Im glad I found this website. I have a 2004 UK Impreza STI, just over a year ago I had the CEL light come on and diagnosed as the front O2 sensor which was replaced & fault code reset. Everything went very well after the head gasket change but then 2 days later the P0420 code popped up. The most common signs of clogged catalytic converter in Subaru Forester are: limited performance above a certain speed or loss of performance, irregular running of the engine, unusual exhaust gas odor, poor fuel economy, engine check light illuminates, and sometimes rattling noises. I also have a k&n drop in air filter too. Not psyched to pay 950 to replace the convertor. MAYBE you can assist me here..i have a 2011 forester diesel turbo. Catalytic Converter (Front) the lights came on again and I went ahead and had the new Cat installed.Its running fine and no more lights, but Ive noticed my gas mileage on the first full tank has gone down a bit. exhaust cover '06my. my CAT is good, Ive changed the secondary O2 sensor as well, searched for leaks before O2 sensors, did not find any. The first time this happened, I took it back to the shop that replaced the wheel bearings and they found that the speed sensor on one of the wheels had been damaged during wheel bearing replacement and they replaced that speed sensor. oops again. I have The advice I typically give is to get away form the Stealership, and look for a great independent. Larry. Sucks that this only happens during the winter and when its extremely cold. The data generated is only as good as the sensor, so the sensor must be tested first. Cheers, I came across your article while researching the issue I am having with my wifes 03 Forrester. Over time, carbon deposits accumulate and clog up the catalytic converter, especially if the vehicle has racked up a lot of miles. This one is a 2008 and just over two weeks ago was at a subaru dealer in St. Louis to replace the left or right front axle. Analytics/Measurement. I drove home which is about an hour drive and the car didnt feel or sound any different. I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon Limited and I get code P0420. The car was purchased in Boston, MA and then driven to CA. At one time I had a running to lean code but it has cleared its self. Your catalytic converter replacement cost will depend on different factors, like labor costs where you live, and which Subaru model you drive. However, it can fail much earlier due to contamination, overheating or physical damage. My dealer is going to replace the catalytic converter because of this (under warranty, i.e. 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 your response. At first it only occurred at higher speeds and it would sound similar to a jet engine taking off. Is it possible the aftermarket muffler is leaking ? Ive got a 2008 Outback that had a new engine block put in at 77k because the dealership snapped the head bolts off when trying to replace a cracked head gasket. Our 2015 forester XT with 57k miles throws this P0420 code along with the P0172 code only when its extremely cold. My car is still within the Cat warranty at 76K, but I have a rebuilt title and Im not sure they will honor it. I havent been able to pinpoint what precipitates CEL illuminating.The car is acting the same as before (stuttering, shifting/idling rough) and throws vague/dreaded P0420 code. When you press the gas pedal from a stopped position, the vehicle may accelerate normally initially. So any advice would be much appreciated. EXHAUST & MUFFLER '04MY-'05MY. My confidence in them is shaky. I am wondering whether this problem could be related to the P0420 code. Ill stay away from the additive I used and hope its back to normal now. In fact, the local Subaru dealership sends many of their customers with P0420s to this shop because of the outrageous costs for the catalytic converters on Canadian Subarus (only 2 converters on Outbacks found in Canada, $2600 and $1300 for the two cats). I bought it used so, I have no reference to what may or may not have gone on with for the previous owner. WebVehicle Recalls. EXHAUST, Engine, CP - OEM Subaru Part # 44620AA750. Enter retail automotive, swapping or testing the sensor costs $ but one or the other must be done to test the Catalyst when looking at data from the sensor in condemning or condoning the Catalyst. It Runs great and doesnt use any fluids at all. The CEL on our 2003 Forester is coming on again. I only wish you were in New England instead of Seattle. The head gasket leak on your Subaru needs to be repaired, most likely the convertor and sensors as well. I objected by saying that it could be running rich for two reasons: Was the WVM 23 service campaign performed on your 2008 Outback? I have a 2001 Subaru Impreza and I got a P0420 code. Testing now. If your car complies, Subaru will pay part or all of the cost of a head gasket repair. This direct-fit catalytic converter by Davico will be a great solution to replace your failed or damaged catalytic converter. Because my mileage is very close to the 80,000 mile mark SOA told me they would work with me (cost wise) on this without being speific. With so many converters, one of them is bound to need replacement at some point. went oncode po420. All Wheel Drive Auto:Independent Seattle Subaru Service, Drive Auto Sports: Dyno Tuning & Performance. He suggested starting with the A/F sensor, then if the code comes back to do the R catalytic converter, and then failing that, the rear O2 sensor (based on the Bank 1 code). Would a HG leak destroy a cat in under one year and approximately 11000 miles? If you ever get around to that another article about PO420 coming on after an ECU reset, Id be delighted. Toggle navigation. Report a problem with your vehicle, tires, car seats or other equipment. Hi Justin, I thought to wait a little while to save up to replace cat and sensors, but the day after the car was checked, it has begun stalling at traffic lights. View details Hide details. Given the rattling, gas odor, CC inoperable, and the PO420, is it reasonable to assume the CAT needs replacing? Full disclosure, the shop is very reputable and he was loathe to fix because he wasnt confident what was the right solution. I have 83,938 miles on my car. P0420 code when I looked it up is bank 1. The lights were on until the tank was about half empty and then went off. Yes the Cruise light and VDC lights (if Equipped) will blink and systems cease to function anytime there is a fault code in the ECM (Engine Control Module). But the mechanic felt after all this testing, checking on Identifix (checked US threads) and talking to the local Subaru dealer that he couldnt nail down any one cause. If you used a cheaper Aftermarket Catalytic convertor than yes its most likely already failed, we generally see the aftermarket Catalytic convertors last a year or so if its under warranty than yes have it replaced if it fails the tests I have outlined in the Article. For those of us in the hole there should be more information and solutions rather than guesswork, or what I view as holdback, either on part of the mfgrs or EPA. In other words my engine was running hot for the first 20,000 miles or so. Anyone heard of this? pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of. Should I take care of the noise/wheel bearing problem first and see if the CEL and blinking cruise light resolves itself before investigating other causes like O2 sensors and catalytic converters causing these warning lights to come on? Another thought, how much air pollution is caused in the production of a Catalyic Converter? I had to demonstrate that they should have advised me of the recall during a timing belt replacement in 2008. I would also suggest reading in your Owners Manual What Subaru states about not just the Check engine light, but about all warning indicators so you have the knowledge going forward, and know when its ok to drive and when its not ok to drive. id really like to stay away from the OEM $400+ part if i could do it for less by just replacing with aftermarket. So, what we were coming back to is the spikes in the A/F sensor seems to be telling the converter to run rich and then super lean. Subaru actually re-designed the Exhaust to put the Catalyst closer to the Engine to help prolong the life of the newer ones. The cat fooler is installed between the pipe and o2 sensor. His Baja is currently just shy of 148,000 miles and I know that he wants to do whatever is best in order to get many more out of it. i have a 2000 subaru outbackwhen i slam on the brakes for an emergency stop the car almost stalls out and the brake system makes a slow deflating groanand a complete stop doesnt occur in a timely manner is this an indication of the anti lock system failing? 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. The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. You wont find any answers until the code is read and a plan made form there. 2)**What is the life expectancy on the genuine Subaru part? Best Regards Adobe Digital Marketing. We do not have an extended emmisons system warrenty here as it seems you do in the USA. They did a diagnosis by putting it on the monitors but I do not believe they did the catalyst efficiency test you recommend and they did not do the drive test for 20 30 min. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion devicethat has been added to the exhaust to clean upthe remaining unwanted gasses. Thanks! When I drive the car for a week it will throw the code (spirited driving). Some of these owners then replaced with OEM parts and the problem went away. 400kms of mainly open road driving and the CEL light is back on again. I like you have also experience the cat converter which as been a problem since owning the car. Please advise if this is the way to go..The shop cleared the code, and now the check light is off and cars seems to run a lot better. Also, is there another test the garage should be doing? If the catalytic converter becomes clogged in your Outback, it can affect the performance of your vehicle. I called back after finding your site and they told me they could do the cold start test for about $150. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. Opps, I forgot my third question. Many thanks in advance! Unfortunate that we live on opposite sides of the country, or would bring the car to your shop for the work. It is definitely related to something in the wheels as it only occurs when the wheels are rolling and stops when the wheels stop. to pump money into my 2005 Outback with 190,000 Subaru Motors has employed multiple catalytic converters on its vehicles for many years now. Exhaust. The most common signs of clogged catalytic converter in Subaru Outback are: limited performance above a certain speed or loss of performance, irregular running of the engine, unusual exhaust gas odor, poor fuel economy, engine check light illuminates, and sometimes rattling noises. The warranty complicates things and can create a situation where the Dealer will want to try the 02 sensors and it may temporarily resolve the issue and get the vehicle out of the warranty period. Cat fooler is only installed after removing the catalytic converter. If your Subaru Outback has racked up over 100,000 miles and you see noticeable loss of performance with high fuel consumption, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. Required fields are marked *. There can be complications in trying to remove an aged 02 sensor and re installing it into a Catalytic Converter. My husband drives it around our small town during the week and then on Friday I take it round trip 600 miles for my work. I was able to graph the 2d O2 sensor. Is the one year lifespan of the aftermarket converters common, or just when theres a cause like a head gasket leak to make them fail? Over time, carbon deposits accumulate and clog up the catalytic converter, especially if the vehicle has racked up a lot of miles. Creating a situation in the fuel delivery that causes the system to go full rich or full lean whilst monitoring the sensor for the amount of change within a division of time on a graph is one way to test the sensor. 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. Sometimes clearing the memory will cause the code to be set. The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system in Subaru Forester and its main purpose is to convert exhaust gases like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that are harmful to health and the environment into less harmful byproducts, like carbon dioxide and Subaru Catalytic Converter Location COIA Contents [ hide] The car is now on its 5th cat. I apologize for all the questions, especially without having all the proper information to give you to make a definite decision. My current Outback is a 2006 Limited with @150,000 miles on it. Is it possible that my car may need to relearn running temperature and exhaust leaks and such in order to correct itself? 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. Since some OBD codes are manufacturer-specific, the scanner will be able to give you more accurate information if you enter more details about your Forester. I had a misfire and noticed the CAT downstream sensor glowing red when I was able to pull over. If the Rear O2 sensor was tested out side of the data you gave me than yes the Catalyst is not reaching light off and will need to be replaced to satisfy the check engine light and the P0420 code. At the time of purchase we took it to a Subaru dealership of our own choosing and paid for a multi-point inspection (the same one they do for certified pre-owned cars). Catalytic Converters are recyclable and just like any other recyclable material including engine oil and coolant is only hazardous if not handled properly. Exhaust. Most times if we make the repairs the same visit we will discount or waive the diagnostic fee. Test for about $ 150 winter and when its extremely cold a definite decision had a running lean. 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subaru catalytic converter recall