Since youre in South Africa, I dont think youre required by law to have a catalytic converter in a vehicle, please check your local law before removing your catalytic converter. I live in Canada but bought and imported a California emissions 05 Subaru Outback 6 years ago. 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. And the HGs are leaking. There may also be some firm ware update for your car as well that may address the issue. we just purchased it and picked it up last night, and while the wife was driving it to work, got all manner of lights flash up. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. The lights were on until the tank was about half empty and then went off. I would make the head gasket repairs, then budget for the Subaru convertor when you can and maybe replace the front air fuel sensor and rear oxygen sensor at that time as well. -Does cat affect fuel efficiency? The 2000 outback has 107k and is running very well so I hope to keep it for a long time. This commonly happens due to a bad upstream oxygen sensor, but can also happen due to a bad MAF sensor or worn spark plugs. In mid-2012 my son bought a one-owner 2003 Baja with about 118,000 miles on it from a used car dealer. My question is, would checking the CC, 02 sensors, etc. I dont dispute that the catalytic converter probably needs replaced. What can I check next? We purchased a used 2002 Outback wagon recently. I have In other words my engine was running hot for the first 20,000 miles or so. Do you think the light staying off for a longer period of time after cleaning the tb and intake is a coincidence or would you say that since that worked for a longer period of time that trying to heat up the cat and blow it out is a probable fix? Anyone heard of this? After warm up I ran it while parked at about 3000 rpm. Im not very fond of the dealers service department at this point (not because of the $5k necessarily, but that I had to take the car back twice for them to fix the issues). ), 2. I didnt know the converters were made to only last that long. The cel appeared a few days ago. A partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards. You wont find any answers until the code is read and a plan made form there. Should I have asked for a Prenup.? Glad you enjoy the XT, they are really fun cars. My car is a 2.5 06 Outback with 85,000 miles. These are Subarus sold in the lower 48 states and Alaska. So I had both front bearings replaced. Since then I get at random times, can be a couple of days to a couple of weeks before getting the P0420 code up (this will reset straight away eveytime) It tends to come on when you just cruise along at a steady speed. FCA03. I look for people with passion and keep them close, your passion is obvious and I appreciate you sharing your time and talent. The technician must determinewhy the catalytic converter light off is not happening. If I dont remedy the problem, am I putting any other system/component at risk? Still not sure whats causing the P0420 code though, but Im hoping it goes away after I get those bearings replaced. Hi Justin, Full Diagram #44102B EXHAUST. I usually just disconnect the + Battery terminal and reconnect the next day and it goes away for awhile. Clean air costs money the media doesnt discuss it, so most are unaware. We had the headgasket done a month before the code appeared. Its just difficult to try and spell out a procedure for you. WebCatalytic Converter Part Number: 44102FE040 Exhaust Pipe Center. I have no idea if any one sells a factory Subaru Convertor online. Ill stay away from the additive I used and hope its back to normal now. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Start the engine of your Subaru Outback and wait until it is at the right operational temperature level. Really would not want to replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with. Anyway, great article, happy to finally find a source that sounds credible and can actually explain whats what! The P0420 may be related to what ever is causing the P0172, but I cant know that until I diagnosed. exhaust cover '06my. Kind regards, It doesnt have three convertors, it has a single piece primary and secondary convertor assembly. I would very much value your input on what I should do with respect to the recommendations I am receiving. This direct-fit catalytic converter by Davico will be a great solution to replace your failed or damaged catalytic converter. I only wish you were in New England instead of Seattle. The 420 code and how it is running will have no correlation 99.9% of the time. Ammonia (NH 3) odor may also indicate poor catalyst function. Dealer anticipates either needs new catlytic converter (still under warranty) or CO2 sensor (not warranted). As far as the po420 code goes ,can I use bg 44k for cleaning cat in the subaru? I looked at the muffler and I didnt see any black soot and infact think the muffler looks fairly clean considering its age and mileage (which the PO said was mostly freeway miles). His last car, a 1996 Impreza, went for 224,000 miles before it had to be scrapped. These heat shields are susceptible to exposure and can break loose from connections and create annoying rattles while driving. id really like to stay away from the OEM $400+ part if i could do it for less by just replacing with aftermarket. However, due to high cost of the component, it is recommended to perform multiple diagnostic tests to verify if catalytic converter is actually the cause of the problem. Any unburnt fuel in the engine that goes into the exhaust system will ignite in the catalytic converter. I have a 2001 Subaru Impreza and I got a P0420 code. I like to know before I decide whether 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. Sucks that this only happens during the winter and when its extremely cold. So I am hoping you can suggest what my next moves with my Subaru dealer here should be as i am very reluctant to rush into replacing the CC,s. I dont want to replace the c.converter if it isnt broken. Once its set to ready status before the convertor is monitored it has to be up to op temp and driven at speed for a length of time, its not minutes its frames of time for which conditions are present. I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy with 112,000 miles and recently my check engine light came on. My 2015 only has 110,000 Kms (80,000 miles) and I have only ever put in premium gas and always do premium oil changes every 5000 Kms. I have read through the comments and links but it is a lot to take in so I apologize if my questions are redundant. I have been doing a good deal of research on the internet on the code with the hope that I might be able to avoid replacing the CAT. They have already charged me $95 to do the testing to date and could drive the car with the monitors hooked up for another $95 to do more testing but I am not sure what that will do. So I had both front bearings replaced. 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] After a couple of short trips, the light went off (along with the blinking cruise). If replacement is $200-$300, probably not a high target. 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 had the converter done at just a regular shop in my area. The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system in Subaru Outback 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 nitrogen gas. https://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-faq-3-my-check-engine-light-came-on-and-or-my-cruise-control-light-is-flashing-can-i-drive-my-subaru/, https://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-check-engine-light-part-ii/, https://allwheeldriveauto.com/your-subaru-check-engine-light-explained/. If the rest of the car is in good shape I would never suggest you get rid of it for a failed convertor, you may be able to get many more years of good life out of the car, the converter is an emissions control device and even when the light is on ass a result of the Computer not seeing the data it wants, the car may not be grossly polluting. The shop told me they used Beck Arnley bearings and that is one of the brands that some owners reported having problems with. Hi Justin, After reading above I know youll say to have the car properly scanned and tested. Thanks again! Thank you. Had the CE light come on, took to the same Subaru dealership (Wagners in Fairborn, OH great place) and the diagnosis was rear O2 sensor. Of all the vehicle Ive had over the years with much higher mileage, Ive never had to replace a converter. did some reaserch and fell lost for ideas. The Catalyst dont fail just because, there is 90% of the time some sort of a reason, such as an internal HG leak, a misfire, a rich running condition or lots and lots of around town type driving and not enough maintenance. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. My long time mechanic said it was now the p0402 code and replaced the o2 sensor. The point I am trying to drive home is its not simple, its not possible to diagnose without testing, its instead at that point called guessing. I wish you would have purchased the gaskets from us, the brand you mentioned is just not a good option for Subaru and may in fact not be sealing. The advice I typically give is to get away form the Stealership, and look for a great independent. Also,should I be running hi octane fuel full time? If the checkenginelight comes on in your Subaru there is always a corresponding code set in the computers memory. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. However, my cruise control isnt working. WebVehicle Recalls. Ive tried to elaborate why in the article and subsequent replies. As far as what the service writer told you there are some dealers that will scan a code and give you an estimate without doing any real type of diagnosis. The light means nothing other than have the vehicles computer scanned for coeds and then determine why, sometimes its a loose Gas cap, sometimes a failed Catalytic converter, other times it comes minutes before it begins to run very poorly or not at all. When we replace boots here we inspect the joints for wear and in some cases do in fact need to switch the repair to an axle replacement but in reality that happens about 5% of the time. Still getting P0420 after replacing both cats, front cat and rear cat on 2008 subaru legacy. With so many converters, one of them is bound to need replacement at some point. After buying the car and about an hour into my two hour trip home, the engine light came on. Howdy Justin,Thanks in advance for reading and advice. You can try higher octane fuel and harder driving to build up Exhaust Temperature. Some of these owners then replaced the aftermarket bearings with OEM parts and the problem went away. Huge appreciation for that! What I do question is what are the actual conditions that throw a P0420 code (ie. With the tool connected, turn on the ignition. I purchased a new used 2004 Outback 2.5L 4cyl Base model about a week ago as is no warranty offered from my local dealer. CEL has been off for about 2 weeks but came back on last night (no driveability problems). The regulations for new cars also increase every few years as well which make it very difficult as what was perfected two years ago must now be redesigned to meet tougher standards. The thermostat being stuck open could affect the catalyst function but not the temperature gauge function, it could cause the gauge to read a lower temperature than normal but not cease to function. Many owners not savvy enough to do the work, will have to dish out money for labor installation as well. 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. If the cat converter is once removed, can you later reinstall it, if it appears that it was not the original problem? He reset and said it was fine to drive back home to my regular mechanic. Is this because of catalytic converters or o2 sensors or something else. Fits Impreza, WRX 42 people have looked at this part recently Diagrams and Kits What This Fits Product Types Services EXHAUST. They reprogrammed the ECM. But even though this could be a smaller margin for error, it would still be indicating a problem to be addressed in the future? Ive just bought a used 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i I just purchased a used 2000 forester with 240k miles, the PO said the head gasket was changed as well as other maintenance but they didnt have any paper work. WebSubaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. Actually I do not mind your answer. 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. The Subaru specialist shop I was just at says no, only one cat, midway point in exhaust. Not pleased with them. Another more slightly annoying feature Subaru owners discover about the exhaust system on their vehicles are heat shield rattles. Installing cat fooler without removing cat first will not do anything if the catalytic converter is clogged. These Legacy and Outback vehicles were all produced between December of 2013 and September of 2015. He also checked the sensors and said they were ok. If after the reflash it didnt resolve the issue I would then re evaluate it, and if the Catalyst is still not reaching 600 degrees I would then replace the Catalyst. He said that the HG leak could cause the Catalytic Converter to fail. Rant over. Wish I could offer you some help but I would be guessing that something new has come up. This will be at op temp only and most likely never at idle. Ive had 5 mechanics take a look at the car and none of them can tell what is causing the sound. Today they did not do the test for the emissions (only read the code) which I was unaware that reading the code and the test you mentioned were 2 different things of until reading your site. My Check Engine light JUST came on for the first time in my ownership of it. (Those are the O2 sensors, right?) Prior to I put cleaner is a full take of gas when I bought the car, still running in that same tank of gas with cleaner. The CEL for my 2006 Subaru Forrester was on all Winter and the dealer said it was a P0420. Suffering the same problem with the P0420 code. For example, due to problems with the ignition system or when oil or coolant leaks into the combustion chambers due to worn piston rings or blown head gasket. Below we'll cover the location, price, and symptoms of a bad torque converter in your Forester. Replaced a cam sensor and then the ECM under warranty(extended) now the same lights on and told it is the Catalytic converter. However, this is not always the case, as a bad oxygen sensor can also trigger catalytic converter codes. If I drive it until it gets to full temp and turn it off she wont start back up for 15-30 minutes, almost as if its flooded, turns over fine, just wont fire up. Poor acceleration A fuel mixture that is too rich, i.e. Another thought is to not fix it? He said it often is the sensors or an exhaust leak but these seemed to be operating fine and there was no exhaust leak evident. Good info, it helps a lot, thanks Justin. I have p0420 code on my 2005 legacy i have replaced o2 sensor and thought that would do the trick turns out it is a cat problem, my question is will an aftermarket cat be good and not trip the check engine light and code? After driving the vehicle hard for a bit it may go away, but you most likely had a on its way out Catalyst and now that the ECM is merely looking at pass fail data in a narrow way its easy to spot the issue. For this test, all you need is a pressure gauge with its hose fitting. Yes the Turbo equipped Subarus can and will have more engine related issues than a NA (Naturally Aspirated) engine will have but thats true for every car and its also mostly about maintenance habits. I have a 2009 Outback here in NC. THANKS. Even though the symptoms are only really showing up in extreme weather, it would also be true that the component at fault might be robbing you of performance all year long, and that left alone, over time will negatively affect the longevity of the engine and emissions control devices. When you press the gas pedal from a stopped position, the vehicle may accelerate normally initially. Short Term Fuel Trim in normal ranges during driving; however at idle hot spikes from -13.3 to +29.7 (normal ranges +/-10) Even fully depressing the gas pedal will not help, instead it may cause engine to sputter more. I went to part source and had it scanned and a code came back as PO420.. The difference in price is $300 more it seems. Required fields are marked *. Its got 95,000 mi. Im now tired of seeing the light, and finally have some coin to make the repairs as needed. To turn off the check engine light, you install cat fooler/space. 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