And the HGs are leaking. Is the Convertor reaching the light off point but the code appears anyways? Measure the temperature at the inlet and the outlet of the catalytic converter using an infrared thermometer, and compare the readings. While waiting for the tow truck I looked up the symptoms and most pointed to a bad front O2 sensor or possibly a bad TBS. it could be worth importing them myself from what Ive read online most Subaru ones appear to only be around the $1000 each mark. You can read here for more information about how the system works, and its always a good idea to buy your own code scanner. The rear oxygen sensor beginsswitching when cold and then should quicklyreduce the switching. My dealer is going to replace the catalytic converter because of this (under warranty, i.e. Thought myself a genius! Its possible after some spirited driving the Catalyst function could improve and light goes out, but under stand its a warning of things to come. Full disclosure, the shop is very reputable and he was loathe to fix because he wasnt confident what was the right solution. nitrogen. Hi Justin, typically be part of a 100,000 mile check up? So at this point all that has been learned is that the ECM is correct and there is a function issue, but until more testing is done we dont know the why. Hi, If the cat is tested and fails the test than it needs to be replaced, if how ever it reaches light off and still sets the code maybe its a candidate for the re programming as a first step. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 370 people reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester Vehicles With This Any more info on why you mentioned this could happen? 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? I have read that the leaking head gaskets and the additives they used to put in the oils cause the inside of the cats to deteriorate. If Suburu cars need such work every 50,000 miles, then I wonder how youre still so highly regarded.. I feel so many people so many opinions,,,,. The aftermarket cats just dont last very long and the slightest amount of carbon prevents function. But I will save that for another article.. I managed to start it again and noticed it was surging while idling. Ken. However, it can fail much earlier due to contamination, overheating or physical damage. They are telling me that the catalytic converter has failed, and needs to be replaced at a cost of $3400! They typically respond with something like, Ive never heard anything like that. Also, is there another test the garage should be doing? My long time mechanic said it was now the p0402 code and replaced the o2 sensor. In fact, I am not even part of the recent recall Jan 2013. Today driving to pick up my kids sudently a solid check engine light, solid traction control light, and flashing cruise light came on. Thats the place to start. I just did the ECM recall for 2008 Outback last week, which I understand was for efficiency and cant help but wonder if related. I have a 2008 Outback 2.5i Pzev with 85,000 miles (imported from NY State new) with a P0420. Menu: Catalytic Converter Price Forester Catalytic Converter Location WebScroll down for a partial list of fixes and recalls on the US spec Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Forester, WRX STI, BRZ, Crosstrek, Tribeca. Thanks for your very informative article. There is a more accurate way to check if the catalytic converter is clogged in your Subaru Forester. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book. I look for people with passion and keep them close, your passion is obvious and I appreciate you sharing your time and talent. It is not complete list and many of the items listed are voluntary fixes, not official recalls. Webexhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. You cant know if the Cat is good or bad without testing it. Then the car will sit in my driveway until he gets back from his trip and he decides on how to proceed. Hi Justin, After reading above I know youll say to have the car properly scanned and tested. The next day the CEL came on within about 5 minutes of driving. Im really frustrated with this and Its got to be something else. The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. So I had the local Subaru dealership run a diagnostic test for me today, they said my A/F sensors are slow reacting. I cant offer any savings on Convertor, there is no margin. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. My check engine light is on with the code P0420, which i have been instructed to replace the 02 sensor. The 420 code and how it is running will have no correlation 99.9% of the time. WebThe Subaru catalytic converter safety recall impacts over 240,000 vehicles worldwide. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. We also asked they do a 100,000 mile check for issues. This was a pretty good chunk of change, so Im sure he was hoping it was good to go for awhile, but now this morning the Check Engine Light came on. I apologize for all the questions, especially without having all the proper information to give you to make a definite decision. I really appreciate your informed answer and advice! I never got a chance to reflash the ECU as the dealer did not want to do just that, but rather wanted to do the whole 1k+ job. Now after driving it for two days I have a p0420 code. Your email address will not be published. Many thanks in advance! So I am wondering if I use a non CA converter if my code will be cleared. hi there i have a subaro wrx 1998 and the check engine starts to come on and after a while it goes and after a while it starts to to come on and when it does tat the RPM goes lower than 0.8 and it turns the car off and if i was driving and the chek engin turned on when i am pressing on gas it feel like iam releasing my leg on gas but i am not releasing my leg on it and it comes back again but with defrent performance and after a while it starts to bring out a white smoke from rear (not so white) and with a bad smile, but if i turend the car off and starts again after like 1 or 2 hours nothing is hapening unless i drive like 6 miles its comes again, but now the chek engine is on when i start the car and the RPM is below the 0.7 and i cant drive it because the whole thing i told u about is happening when i does, plz help me knowing whats the problem and i will be greatfull. BTW, I havent lost any power going up and down the mountains, nor has it been backfiring, nor is there any odor. Only a scan of the code history will determine if its in memory still. Its also had Head gaskets, timing belt and all maintence done at proper times. The head gasket leak on your Subaru needs to be repaired, most likely the convertor and sensors as well. The gas odor is probably a fuel leak, use the search feature and type in fuel smell and have a read. 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. 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. Sorry, that link got broken. I am not knowledgeable about cars so any help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Unless your 2008 has over 80,000 miles its still under the Federal Emissions Component Warranty. Home Troubleshooting Subaru Forester clogged catalytic converter symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. I have took her to the shop to get the oil cleaned off the engine and have it looked over to see whats coming up in the repair chain of events. Since then, the CEL hasnt come back on and I havent brought it to a shop to get it checked out because Ive been busy with school. Without data you dont know if the Catalyst function is improved or not. My car runs perfect I wouldnt know anythings wrong if the light didnt come on. Reading out the fault codes using a diagnostic device is relatively reliable. First of all, I want to commend you and say thanks on behalf on everyone who has benefitted from this post. Subaru Motors has employed multiple catalytic converters on its vehicles for many years now. Removing the catalytic converter almost always leads to better engine performance in older vehicles. He also checked the sensors and said they were ok. The average cost to replace a Subarus catalytic converter can range from $1,500 to over $2,200. I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon Limited and I get code P0420. I may drive the car around a bit at a higher rpm, as was mentioned above. Cannot find any reference. I am considering to keep my subaru another 100k. Im running 02 Impreza 2.5TS, with EJ251 for about 6 months now. Did the techs come up with a solid fault? $6100 is way to much $. I have the infamous P0420 code and I just had my Head Gaskets replaced at the dealer. Look forward to hearing from you. Hi Justin, I checked the codes today, no other codes besides the P0420. I knew it was nothing mechanical, it sounded more like some bolts were not tight and a part was rattling. Should I take it to the dealer or let my guy do it? Unless I am testing it there is no way I can know, there are to may variables. WebVehicle Recalls. I like to have a frame of reference before going in blind. The vehicle identification number tells you if your car is affected. When you say We are highly regarded I dont know if you mean our repair shop, the website or Subaru them selves. Now, here is my question. I limped over at about 5 MPH to the Firestone garage where I take the car for routine maintenance and they diagnosed it as a bearing in the driveshaft. Do you know of any independent subaru qualified mechanics in my area? Its possible there is still an Exhaust leak, but I wouldnt know that to be accurate unless I see it. My mechanic thought perhaps the wiring on the O2 sensor was a little bit too close to the heated parts of the engine and tinkered it a bit by tying it away from the heat. Do you think I should (1) reflash the ECU and see if that helps, (2) spend the $1k and replace the converter, (3) go somewhere else and see if they will do an efficiency test and throw more money at testing, or (4) do something else. FCFE2. He examined the car and found a loose hose to (I think) the fuel pressure regulator or at least something that sounds like that. Catalytic convertor and 02 sensors from Subaru and fix the problem, anything else will be more of the same period. Ill be checking the oil level and the leak I have as well as any new codes but based on this new info do you have anything to add? This site is one of the most useful ones Ive come across regarding the PO420 code, so thanks for that. Since Subaru Forester is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located. 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. The car drives very well, there is no smell from the converter. You really just need to research this out in your part of town. This causes the vehicle to fail an emissions test. Happened Sunday as I rounded a curve. A fuel mixture that is too rich, i.e. This is the only place on the web where I found a reference to my issue! On to the good news. 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? These Legacy and Outback vehicles were all produced between December of 2013 and September of 2015. Toggle navigation. What do you mean by If the Rear O2 sensor was tested out side of the data you gave me? id really like to stay away from the OEM $400+ part if i could do it for less by just replacing with aftermarket. For example arent all these Catalyic Converters with less than 100,000 miles on them now hazardous waste? Its not a fuel ratio thing, not sure why that would come up? In my case, about a week before the code was tripped, I brought the car to my regular mechanic because we were smelling a fuel leak. WebIf you are a vehicle owner, search for recalls by your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 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? View details Hide details. Subaru Forester 2009, Catalytic Converter and Pipe Assembly by Davico. vapor, nitrogen, and oxygen before the exhaust is expelled into the. The catalytic converter was allegedly replaced at a Subaru dealership under recall. He said that the HG leak could cause the Catalytic Converter to fail. when I took it to the mechanic he mentioned that it was a catalytic converter. Subaru just like Toyota, Chevy, Ford etc uses the minimum amount of platinum, palladium and Rhodium to get the Job done, Google or Bing any car maker with the term P0420 after it, you will see what I mean. A gas cap being loose would never cause a PO420, it could set a P0457 or P0440 however. The cats,o2 sensors, Pcm replaced and reprogrammed, Maf sensor have all been replaced with Subaru parts. After a couple of short trips, the light went off (along with the blinking cruise). Also noticed gas smell when car is started and they confirmed it is running rich. did some reaserch and fell lost for ideas. Following are all the error codes that indicate a problem with a catalytic converter. I have a 2006 Subaru impreza and live in MA. above you mentioned , 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 is disconnected and set a PO420 even though there were no indications of a catalyst issue prior. Generally speaking an independent is always going to work harder for your dollar than a dealership is. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20. Really would not want to replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with. Im still getting the same gas mileage. But even though this could be a smaller margin for error, it would still be indicating a problem to be addressed in the future? The cel appeared a few days ago. Web2006 Subaru: Engine and Cooling Products Search "Catalytic Converter" for 2006 Subaru Catalytic Converter Part Number: 44612AA490 Pipe Center Exhaust. If your Subaru Forester 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. Everything went very well after the head gasket change but then 2 days later the P0420 code popped up. The muffler shop says there are 4 cat conv (2 at engine, two inline mid exhaust). Larry, https://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-check-engine-light-code-reader-suggestion/. If you are not able to locate one, than that is most likely ruled out as a possibility. I would very much value your input on what I should do with respect to the recommendations I am receiving. Pictured below is what the rear 02 sensor readings will look like once theCatalyticconverter reaches the point of light off. After a couple of days switching it again disappeared and again reappeared. Have a 2008 Outback 2.5i Pzev and got a P0420 code after a HG change (external coolant leak). 83000 miles on it and I get the dreaded P0420 code. Do you think Im looking at a new Converter as well? I didnt know the converters were made to only last that long. I am in WY where it gets cold. I like you have also experience the cat converter which as been a problem since owning the car. All catalytic converters fail eventually since its a wearing part. Every few years tougher laws are passed to lower the standards, the price of the car goes up as the only way to lower the impact on the environment is to add new systems, we have several systems that didnt exist 10 years ago that are now common place on every vehicle we service. exhaust cover '06my. Thanks again for the extensive response and advice! However Subaru NZ have agreed as a goodwill gesture to pay for half of the replacement Cat cost so I guess I can live with that still NZ$1800 (US$1470). At 60,000 mile maintenance, dealer replaced valve cover gaskets and timing belt. Also,should I be running hi octane fuel full time? The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. for around 200 miles, and then the code reappeared everything was fine for about 200 miles When the catalytic converter in Outback is broken, it loses its ability to properly filter out toxic exhaust gases coming from the engine. That should be a P0420 code: cat inefficiency bank one. May I ask something? The cat fooler is installed between the pipe and o2 sensor. If your car complies, Subaru will pay part or all of the cost of a head gasket repair. Had the code cleared and now 2 days later the light came back on. This code was not appearing before. Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. The Cat is a Subaru part muffler isnt. I though great! 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. I have a 2003 Subaru Forester with a P0420 trouble code. Justin has been providing Subaru Owners (regardless of where they live), with tips and advice about their Subaru since 2006. If the Forester still suits your needs over the long run, it will cost less to maintain and make repairs as they come up as the car continues to age. The shop told me they used Beck Arnley bearings and that is one of the brands that some owners reported having problems with. Description of the WUJ-95 Safety Recall: The effected vehicles will experience an exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from the exhaust. Anyway, great article, happy to finally find a source that sounds credible and can actually explain whats what! Catalytic Converter. How is this test performedwhile driving or during idle? Is that normal with the new Cat? She was perfect. In some newer applications, a third or fourth smaller converter is also integrated into the construction of the pipe. The running lean code could be a clue as well. To turn off the check engine light, you install cat fooler/space. 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. what does one do i am going to buy a digital full read out obd2 connector for my phone i can leave attached to get some live data recorded but im currently left scratching my head as to what to do now Other than start collecting live data snapshots of the moment it shows up. These are Subarus sold in the lower 48 states and Alaska. Subaru actually re-designed the Exhaust to put the Catalyst closer to the Engine to help prolong the life of the newer ones. Over time, carbon deposits accumulate and clog up the catalytic converter, especially if the vehicle has racked up a lot of miles. These metals give the catalytic converter a 3-way operating characteristic that can changeCO, HC and N0x to inert gases like CO2. Anyone heard of this? Thanks for the info. When I drive like my wife drives it will not throw the code. russellpat Registered 2022 Outback Touring XT. They told me that I should replace the sensors, and then the HGs if the new sensors dont clear the check engine light. kind regards. pollutants to less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water. Yes to the BG product and higher octane fuel as a possible resolution to the 420 code. Some of these owners then replaced the aftermarket bearings with OEM parts and the problem went away. It took me about 5 years post education to be a good enough technician to really be able to accurately diagnose these type of conditions and even then sometimes more experience may generate even better results such as a better understanding of cause and effect which can lead to fault prevention. It was a salvage title and the seller was a hobbyist mechanic who I believe worked a little bit on the car before selling it to us so I kind of believed him. Wish I would have looked into this 5,000 miles ago. I then had it towed to a local transmission shop where it is awaiting a new driveshaft from Subaru. What do you think I should start with? The problem here is Ill have to go to the dealer because I cant find a proper shop to do this. Start the engine of your Subaru Forester and wait until it is at the right operational temperature level. I have an 01 Sub Legacy. The best advice I received was that the right front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. WebSubaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. The Cruise is disabled with a powertrain code present in the ECM. A restricted convertor will negative affect fuel economy. Ive just bought a used 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5i While this benefits the performance of the engine, it compromises the structural durability of the shell. income based apartments garner, nc, is snoopy's pier dog friendly, I comment converter can range from $ 1,500 to over $ 2,200 of a head gasket change then!, and catalytic converters fail eventually since its a wearing part driving it two. Cars so any help that you can give me would be greatly.. 4 cat conv ( 2 at engine, two inline mid exhaust ) cost to replace it only see... 02 sensors from Subaru and fix the problem went away locate one, than is... The PO420 code, so thanks for that I checked the codes today, no other codes the. 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My head gaskets, timing belt, it sounded more like some bolts were not tight a...
