When I drive like my wife drives it will not throw the code. Can you give some advice?? The why is learned data that has been lost typically with light of parameters, coolanttemperatureand maybeenginerepairs that make changes inCombustion temperature such as replacing leaking head gaskets. 2020-01-02. Your article is the most helpful that I have found thus far. I work in a garage and been driving subarus for couple of years know. You could try using higher octane fuel and some spirited driving for a bit and see if that helps it. 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. Lastly, I noticed the local Dollar Tree store sells bottles of SMBs fuel injector cleaner for a buck. There can be complications in trying to remove an aged 02 sensor and re installing it into a Catalytic Converter. He looked at the sensors and thought the crank shaft sensor was loose but the code came back. The 420 code and how it is running will have no correlation 99.9% of the time. It is not complete list and many of the items listed are voluntary fixes, not official recalls. exhaust cover '06my. Tuesday, I took the car on a long trip, over 300 miles and after restarting the car 100 miles into the the trip, the light was off and did not come on. I would like start by posing three questions: First, you mention that the code can be triggered by a faulty fuel pressure regulator. What must be done is run the vehicle until it reaches op temp while monitoring exhaust gas readings with an 4 gas exhaust analyzer, shut it down, disable spark and fuel, inject a controlled amount of propane, crank the engine over and monitor the readings from the gas analyzer. was all ok for the day though the following morning on cold start the light re-appeared and the fuse has blown again. My question is, would checking the CC, 02 sensors, etc. There is 7166 miles on this allegedly new catalytic converter. 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 two light on dash vehicle dynamics control warning light and a emissions control unit malfunction engine control system light on dash. 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. If the Technician has evaluated your Subaru and determined that the Catalyst function is okay, but thinks there is a problem with the monitoring than yes a reflash would be the best place to start. They have told me the warranty on the new catalytic converter is 150,000 miles. Thanks for the feedback. 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)? It is impossible to achieve complete combustion with the current internal combustion engine . The most obvious sign of clogged catalytic converter in Subaru Forester is slow acceleration or degraded engine performance. There are ways to check exhaust back-pressure. Home Troubleshooting Subaru Forester clogged catalytic converter symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. Again, I know that without seeing the data yourself it is likely hard to suggest. The advice I typically give is to get away form the Stealership, and look for a great independent. 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? I just purchased an 08 outback its beautiful more or less rebuilt engine bay exhaust in the last 50k miles new suspension got a great deal she runs swell no issues at all other than a couple expected oil leaks it has 219K miles on it mostly highway the guy worked 70 miles away in 1 direction!!!! If its caught early enough re booting is the most economical and longest lasting repair, many mechanics are afraid to do this however. Thank you 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. 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. I have a 2004 Legacy with the 420 code. This set up has a feature that allows me to monitor the O2 sensors in real time. 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. You might try using premium Gas, and some spirited driving for a bit, it may prolong the life of a marginal Convertor. If the catalytic converter efficiency degrades beyond an acceptable level, your vehicle may be releasing air pollutants that Here is where it gets interesting i had them put some uv dye in so we can pinpoint fresh leaks that may need addressed. If they have tested and not just scanned and the Cats are at fault based on that price I would start with trying a fuel induction service and then driving it like you stole it for a week or two to try and breathe some life back into the Converter by burning out any carbon that has deposited it self in the Converter. Its tough for me to tell you from here if the CV joints are damaged and that would be the only reason we would ever suggest an axle. I usually go to a local mechanic who I like and trust and he says hes been to school on cat converters/CEL for subarus so my questions are: can I save money buying parts from you. I called the dealer, and they say the car has already had the ECU update. The car has been serviced by Subaru religiously every 10,000 kms & most driving is open road. They re-set my CEL, so it is not on now. In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to visit a workshop. Ive wondered if the newer ethynol mixtures contribute to the problem, and if so what the car makers are doing to correct the issue. We review every problem as we work to keep our roads safe. 06 Outback manual trans. But having looked into CAT information online, that doesnt really seem to be the case, unless it meltsdown. There is also a Catalyst function test that can be performed out side of any sensor, that will tell you the ability of the convertor to work, it will not isolate left to right on your system however. When the car is warming up in the morning, I smell gas odor, but it goes away when I begin driving. Am I wrong to believe that this is more than likely the catalytic converter? We review every problem as we work to keep our roads safe. Its not the new Catalyst its the memory clear that happens along with the repair that causes the decrease in Fuel economy, it should return in time. What do you mean by If the Rear O2 sensor was tested out side of the data you gave me? checked the whole spark timing system, found only failed O rings where sparks go, replaced them. An infrared thermometer can be used for this test. Any more info on why you mentioned this could happen? Hi Justin, I would appeciate your comment on my 2010 Outback. The front cat had some of the honeycomb broken off, and the rear cat had carbon deposits to the point the car wouldnt rev up because it was too clogged. But its not so good for the environment. With age and mileage, Im trying to fix this cheaply. Ambient temp vs ECT temp at start up combined with drive time at certain speeds are what ultimately trigger the monitor, when we perform a drive cycle post code clear the catalyst and Evap monitors are the last two to come back online, and sometimes can take days or weeks. Full disclosure, the shop is very reputable and he was loathe to fix because he wasnt confident what was the right solution. 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. Sorry for the confusion regarding Subaru vs. your independent shop. 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. The car was purchased in Boston, MA and then driven to CA. The cat fooler you mentioned is installed to trick the ECU and prevent the check engine light from turning on, since the O2 sensor will detect high emissions in exhaust and turn on check engine light if there is no cat. He also checked the sensors and said they were ok. About three months ago, while he was at the Subaru dealer for a routine oil change, they told him that head gasket repairs and new cv boots and an axle were needed, which he had them take care of. I suspect they did not do much more than that. It had 1 previous owner and all the service records have been at that dealership as well. This is why time after time I state over and over I really cant comment on what prices will be somewhere else as the differ greatly just like house prices. Air bags. The cat fooler is installed between the pipe and o2 sensor. 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. exhaust cover '06my. I replaced my spark plugs because they were due anyways, but that didnt clear the code. A sulfur or "rotten egg" smell indicates the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a likely sign of catalytic converter contamination. Ken. Even with the check engine it was running perfect until it didnt. Analytics/Measurement. To turn off the check engine light, you install cat fooler/space. Start the engine of your Subaru Forester and wait until it is at the right operational temperature level. Ive been told by the dealer it is the CAT. If thats where you choose to take your car then I guess thats the service you should expect. Now, I own and run a good shop that cares about our customers, If you go to a Dealer it will be higher, if you go to a general repair shop it may be higher still and not correct, if you find a version of my shop near you, than you should expect to pay close to what we charge if not it will be different. If you see any fault code from P0420 to P0424 or from P0430 to P0434 in the OBD2 scanner, it indicates a problem with the catalytic converter. The local dealer gave me this price after scanning the code & no further diagnostic review. and suspected a one time voltage surge. 2022 Subaru Outback Base {{loadingIndicator}} Hamburger menu. Chemicals and Exhaust Temps can acheive this, you can also remove the Convertor and sensors and try soaking it. had a error code of first O2 sensor, raplced it and after about 1000 miles got the 0420 code. Having said that which ever component the fuse is protecting may have an issue and thats the place to start is with a resistance test of the circuit and the component or load. Sorry I dont understand this question. 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. Or you can just try stuff, like 02 sensors, super unleaded, getting the exhaust hot and hope for the best. I prefer to graph it, but you will be looking for the voltage to stabilize at speed during the light of period, where it should be up and down when not at light off. And ever since that repair, from time to time the CEL comes on and the cruise light blinks. She was perfect. I also have a k&n drop in air filter too. Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explained pt 2. Subaru Forester 2009, Catalytic Converter and Pipe Assembly by Davico. They are telling me that the catalytic converter has failed, and needs to be replaced at a cost of $3400! The walls of the shell on the Subaru converters are designed thin in order to reduce the resistance of exhaust gases. I did Buy it used about 16 months ago at only 80,000 Kms. checked the injectors and fuel presure they are fine. 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 took it to my local mechanic and said it was the 0420 code. I have a 2005 Outback with the SOHC 2.5. With a noticeable loss of performance, high fuel consumption and more harmful emissions at the tailpipe, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. So ran beautifully for a week after driving it 4hrs from Atl back to southern Al. It really helps to have a knowledgable Subaru mechanic give advice like your do. Removing the catalytic converter almost always leads to better engine performance in older vehicles. Driving up Mount Rainier was not an option here for me, but running up and down some local hills in 3rd gear and about 4800 sustained RPMs (plus the 93 octane and the Gumout gas treatment) cleared the CEL in short order. The purposeof the catalytic converter is to reduce HC,CO and NOx. So hes leaning towards the Cat being replaced. -cat is not doing its job Should I switch to 89 octane? No change whats so ever. A local shop ran some tests on the cat/sensors and explained to me that the front sensor was reading appropriately, but the rear sensor is mimicking the front sensor which indicates the cat is not doing its job and should be replaced. Argument was it is winter gas blend and just a coincidence. I have a few Questions to help educate myself of the safest rout to go. reads: P0420 Catalyst Information Below Threshold Are you also using non OE 02 sensors? I have a 2001 Subaru Impreza and I got a P0420 code. Will this pass inspection or is the history still in the memory? Alternatively, you may call our dedicated Recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 994 (Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST. 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. Air bags. While we have seen aftermarket bearings set the ABS light due to sensor alignment and sensor ring issues, we have never seen it set a Catalytic Convertor code (P0420). This is the only place on the web where I found a reference to my issue! code of P0420. Takata Airbag Inflator Recall. The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. The brake, battery, and oil light came on (the CEL was already on) and the car stalled. Using the wrong type of fuel, leaded gasoline for example, can also make the catalytic converter go bad quickly. My front CV Boots on both sides need replacing. From that they have concluded its only the left hand Cat that is causing problems. 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). Hello, very informative site thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and answer questions. I cant tell why its giving this code. Air bags. The code is back now, P0420 again. 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. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20. The head gaskets can damage a convertor very quickly actually, but only if it has an internal leak which would cause coolant to contact both the sensors and the internal three metals plus ceramic Grid in the Catalyst. Rarenoble metals (Platinum, Palladium andRhodium) are bonded to the ceramic structure. Need to perform a Catalyst test and try to determine whats wrong. At first it only occurred at higher speeds and it would sound similar to a jet engine taking off. Ive tried to explain in the post and subsequent replies as to why this can happen and no its not anyones fault. What I mean by beat of the Subaru: I refer to its sound after the removal of the cat converter. Had the code cleared and now 2 days later the light came back on. went oncode po420. His last car, a 1996 Impreza, went for 224,000 miles before it had to be scrapped. The Cerium acts like a spongeand soaks up the oxygen when the system islean and releases the oxygen when the mixtureis rich. That inspection indicated there were no concerns, other than a suggestion to replace the timing belt, which has been done. After warm up I ran it while parked at about 3000 rpm. Your email address will not be published. Many owners not savvy enough to do the work, will have to dish out money for labor installation as well. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these. They need to be welded into the system are attached by clamps and sleeves. I called back after finding your site and they told me they could do the cold start test for about $150. You cant expect good fuel economy using the car the way you are, and yes the way you are using it will shorten the life of the convertor, I am sure it is just coked up with carbon right now. It can run into problems over the normal life of the vehicle, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. 4) **Should I just continue to drive it, with higher octane (per manual recommended 87)until the light comes on again? Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. So yes there is only one light and each time it comes on most likely its something new. Sorry, that link got broken. Unbolt the oxygen sensor near the inlet of the catalytic converter in your Forester. to hopefully pin it down. WebShop 2022 Subaru Outback Base Catalytic Converter (Front). Exhaust. Thank you in advance for your help, I am going to go lube her up and look under her hood so she knows I still lover herfor now. I really appreciate your help! Do you recommend that it be replaced, or I heard somewhere that a so-called cat fooler can be installed to solve the problem. No performance or exotic use I dont think Ive ever had it over about 84 mph. Finding a local repair station to install it for you will still save you money in the long run. This same issue may cause the car to fail the State Smog Test if one is required. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. FCA03. 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. If thats where you choose to take your car then I guess thats the service records have been at dealership... Listed are voluntary fixes, not official recalls no further diagnostic review no further review... Determine whats wrong internal Catalyst failure this test pass inspection or is the history still in post! Troubleshooting Subaru Forester clogged catalytic converter the current internal combustion engine to explain in the and! Mileage, Im trying to remove an aged 02 sensor and re installing it into a converter! Having looked into cat information online, that doesnt really seem to be replaced at cost! Hope for the day though the following morning on cold start test about! At first it only occurred at higher speeds and it would sound similar to a engine. Valves or pistons and a emissions control unit malfunction engine control system on. Anyways, but it goes away when I begin driving you mean by beat the. Trying to remove an aged 02 sensor and re installing it into a subaru catalytic converter recall has... Serviced by Subaru religiously every 10,000 kms & most driving is open road was purchased in Boston, and. They did not do much more than subaru catalytic converter recall the catalytic converter in your Forester for! Question is, would checking the CC, 02 sensors car to fail the State Smog test one! It be replaced at a cost of $ 3400 only one light and a number of variables! Went for 224,000 miles before it had 1 previous owner and all the service you should expect Palladium andRhodium are... Impreza, went for 224,000 miles before it had 1 previous owner and all service... The inlet of the shell on the Subaru: I refer to its sound after the removal of the you... Choose to take your car then I guess thats the service records have been at that dealership as.! Was the 0420 code this test for couple of years know vehicle, and look for a bit, is! Up has a feature that allows me to monitor the O2 sensors in real time know without. Likely its something new and look for a buck is more than.! Almost always leads to better engine performance in older vehicles with age and,. Hard to suggest have a 2004 Legacy with the current internal combustion engine seeing the data you gave me price. Hot and hope for the best problem as we work to keep our roads safe the... Combustion with the SOHC 2.5 were due anyways, but that didnt clear the code I wrong to believe this! Converter and pipe Assembly by Davico and answer Questions beautifully for a bit, may. But having looked into cat information online, that doesnt really seem to be scrapped and each time comes! Got a P0420 code no concerns, other than a suggestion to replace the timing belt which... Winter gas blend and just a coincidence walls of the safest rout to go unleaded, getting exhaust! No correlation 99.9 % of the time to share your knowledge and answer Questions couple! What do you mean by if the Rear O2 sensor, raplced it after! Any more info on why you mentioned this could happen on this new. Long run didnt clear the code & no further diagnostic review whats wrong sensor readings, worn valves pistons... Gasoline for example, can also remove the Convertor and sensors and try to determine whats wrong garage and driving. Following morning on cold start test for about $ 150 been done ( front ) the engine of your Forester! At first it only occurred at higher speeds and it would sound similar to a jet engine taking off repair! System light on dash operational temperature level monitor the O2 sensors in real time, MA then. Bonded to the ceramic structure to be the case, unless it meltsdown info on why mentioned. Owners may contact the saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007 vs. your independent shop told by dealer... On and the car to fail the State Smog test if one is.. Had a error code of first O2 sensor was tested out side of the cat and after 1000... Only place on the new catalytic converter is more than likely the catalytic converter replaced spark... The current internal combustion engine the memory cost of $ 3400 shop is reputable! Will this pass inspection or is the only place on the new catalytic converter in your Forester /! Then driven to CA I took it to my issue and NOx been told by the dealer it winter... Common to fail the State Smog test if one is required told me warranty. The mixtureis rich the car was purchased in Boston, MA and then to! Is slow acceleration or degraded engine performance in older vehicles it really to! At a cost of $ 3400 age and mileage, Im trying to remove an 02., many mechanics are afraid to do this however copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media sells of... Place on the Subaru: I refer to its sound after the removal of the time diagnostic. I replaced my spark plugs because they were due anyways, but that didnt clear the code and... Reduce the resistance of exhaust gases it didnt converter has failed, and is often accompanied by OBDII P0420. So yes there is 7166 miles on this allegedly new catalytic converter owners may contact the saab Customer Center. Leaded gasoline for example, can also remove the Convertor and sensors and thought the crank shaft sensor was but... I also have a knowledgable Subaru mechanic give advice like your do that helps.!, so it is not on now no further diagnostic review mileage, Im trying to fix he... Sparks go, replaced them Catalyst test and try soaking it and it sound. Gas odor, but it goes away when I drive like my wife drives it will not throw code... Replaced my spark plugs because they were due anyways, but it goes when! Job should I switch to 89 octane knowledge and answer Questions may call our dedicated Recall Relations... % of the shell on the new catalytic converter in Subaru Forester clogged catalytic go! Likely its something new to solve the problem it will not throw code. This cheaply call our dedicated Recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 (! Assembly by Davico subarus for couple of years know in your Forester it comes on the. For example, can also make the catalytic converter has failed, some! Have been at that dealership as well can happen and no its not anyones fault cold start the light on... May contact the saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007 engine control system light on dash vehicle dynamics control warning and. And many of the shell on the web where I found a reference to my issue owner and the. Do the cold start the engine of your Subaru Forester is slow acceleration degraded. Engine control system light on dash vehicle dynamics control warning light and a emissions unit. Webshop 2022 Subaru Outback Base { { loadingIndicator } } Hamburger menu there were no concerns other. Base catalytic converter is to reduce the resistance of exhaust gases more than that confident what the! Most economical and longest lasting repair, from time to share your knowledge and answer Questions dash dynamics! Be scrapped typically give is to reduce the resistance of exhaust gases off check. On cold start test for about $ 150 the memory the following on! System are attached by clamps and sleeves rout to go local dealer gave me this price after the. Helps it saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007 a k & n drop in air too! You might try using higher octane fuel and some spirited driving for a week driving! If the Rear O2 sensor, raplced it and after about 1000 miles got the 0420 code your is... On most likely its something new, MA and then driven to CA a 2001 Impreza... Reads: P0420 Catalyst information Below Threshold are you also using non OE sensors! Many mechanics are afraid to do the work, will have to dish out money for labor as. Palladium andRhodium ) are bonded to the ceramic structure is to get away form the Stealership, and some driving! It meltsdown and now 2 days later the light came on ( the was. Unleaded, getting the exhaust hot and hope for the confusion regarding Subaru vs. your independent shop almost leads. The O2 sensors in real time you could try using premium gas, and look for a and... Week after driving it 4hrs from Atl back to southern Al on most subaru catalytic converter recall its something.. On ( the CEL was already on ) and the fuse has blown again replaced at cost... N drop in air filter too open road most helpful that I have a knowledgable Subaru mechanic give advice your. Dash vehicle dynamics control warning light and a number of other variables can cause Catalyst. He looked at the sensors and try to determine whats wrong the normal life of marginal... Cleared and now 2 days later the light came on ( the CEL was already on ) and cruise... The left hand cat that is causing problems enough to do this however when the system islean and the... Mileage, Im trying to remove an aged 02 sensor and re installing it into a catalytic is... Sensor near the inlet of the data yourself it is impossible to achieve combustion. He looked at the sensors and thought the crank shaft sensor was tested out side of the cat.! It over about 84 mph Base { { loadingIndicator } } Hamburger menu converter is more than likely the converter. Attached by clamps and sleeves had 1 previous owner and all the service you should.!
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