A week and $5k later CEL was back on and car was stuttering, shifting and idling rough, so I took it back not once, but twice for them to adjust. You can read about how the system works here. Thanks for all of this information, it is really helpful. We promptly took it back to dealer who told us the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Justin, thanks for sharing your expertise on this site. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. In addition to the vehicle make, model, and engine type, you usually also have to type in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). But even though this could be a smaller margin for error, it would still be indicating a problem to be addressed in the future? 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. I apologize for all the questions, especially without having all the proper information to give you to make a definite decision. They are also recommending a reflash of the ECU ($95). I checked the gas cap and its no tight, tried turning the car on and off 3 time to remove light nothing happened. May that be the problem? Keep the fluids in good shape and that is the # 1 thing you can do to prolong the head gasket life. A fuel mixture that is too rich, i.e. In other words my engine was running hot for the first 20,000 miles or so. Or you can just try stuff, like 02 sensors, super unleaded, getting the exhaust hot and hope for the best. You can clearly see thedifferencesin the two high lighted readings, I have also made some changes in the time anddivisionportion of the Graph to help better show the data in question. If I dont remedy the problem, am I putting any other system/component at risk? You didnt mention if the Catalyst was replaced with a OE Subaru part or a aftermarket Catalyst? Thinks this is a great vehcile, but is it reasonable for the converter to fail after this kind of mileage? Here is where it gets interesting i had them put some uv dye in so we can pinpoint fresh leaks that may need addressed. Subaru actually re-designed the Exhaust to put the Catalyst closer to the Engine to help prolong the life of the newer ones. If the Cat is restricted with Carbon, that carbon will prevent the light off temperature from being realized, if the carbon can be cleaned the Catalyst may return to the light of stage. The premise behind the logic update was to stretch out some of the parameters for when the catalyst function is monitored as in some cases its not truly being tested properly. 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. 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. Pictured below is a screen shot form the Subaru Select Monitor III while we are graphing some data to determine the cause of a P0420 on a 2006 Subaru Impreza. You could try using higher octane fuel and some spirited driving for a bit and see if that helps it. The battery was unplugged for 2 days and so the ECM was reset. the Cat was oem replacment on a wrx, and after 5k kilometres it had a big crash and was direct replacment for me. The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. I dont dispute that the catalytic converter probably needs replaced. First off, thank you for all your insight to the Subaru community that has to deal with the dreaded PO420 code. I feel so many people so many opinions,,,,. Cat fooler is not installed from the factory, its a cheat device. So the information I pasted above from your post. Really would not want to replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with. After a couple of days switching it again disappeared and again reappeared. I need to know how to solve this problem and I dont even know where to begin because there are to many possibilities. WebIf you are a vehicle owner, search for recalls by your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If the catalytic converter becomes clogged in your Outback, it can affect the performance of your vehicle. Since your description is so valuable, may I ask some silly further questions? Air bags. 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. Most times if we make the repairs the same visit we will discount or waive the diagnostic fee. Learn about our recall process. I had my regular Subaru mechanic check the code and it was 0420. I am not knowledgeable about cars so any help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated. My confidence in them is shaky. Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. This should work: Other makes are experiencing the exact same issue Subaru Is not alone in this and its he price of clean air. Good luck! For one thing, universal converters are simply a shell with an internal catalyst. Id drive the vehicle in a way that builds up a little heat before replacing the convertor. Description of the WUJ-95 Safety Recall: The effected vehicles will experience an exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from the exhaust. Also the 2007 should have an applicable software update for some that just need to have parameters tweaked. Is this indicating it is the cat conv at engine end that is reading below threshold.? I read somebody else had the same issue. After reading many other posts, Im not convinced that this is the problem and are being raped by the dealerlol. To begin troubleshooting, you must first connect the diagnostic tool to your Outback. Thought myself a genius! Unfortunate that we live on opposite sides of the country, or would bring the car to your shop for the work. Hello I keep coming back to you so now Im going to ask. If replacement is $200-$300, probably not a high target. Noticed MPG drop right after engine work and told dealership twice. 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. So any advice would be much appreciated. Hello, very informative site thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and answer questions. pollutants to less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water. Ammonia (NH 3) odor may also indicate poor catalyst function. So ran beautifully for a week after driving it 4hrs from Atl back to southern Al. Im still getting the same gas mileage. Here is a link to a basic code scanner you should consider purchasing if you want to be involved in some of the aspects of your car needs, any one with a 1996 and newer vehicle should own one. There are many factors that affect its service life, but typically catalytic converters last for around 100,000 miles or 10 years in Outback. 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. WebScroll down for a partial list of fixes and recalls on the US spec Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Forester, WRX STI, BRZ, Crosstrek, Tribeca. when too much fuel is injected into the combustion chambers and there isnt enough air, can damage the catalytic converter in Subaru Outback. 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. Thank you. They probably used non subaru gaskets and its possible they didnt do the whole tighten loosen step. After 2 resets and air out the car on the hwy with 91 octane and fuel injector cleanerthe code hasnt popped back up (knock on wood). Second, we also have a 2007 Outback wagon, and earlier this year, had the head gaskets replaced (under drive train warranty, yay!). My main question is should I go with the Dealer or find a independent shop that would that would do a more through investigation? 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. Any advice as I go chat with them and likely reach for my wallet? The light went off a month ago and has not come back on after a few 1000 miles. Report a problem with your vehicle, tires, car seats or other equipment. Web2006 Subaru: Engine and Cooling Products Search "Catalytic Converter" for 2006 Subaru Catalytic Converter Part Number: 44612AA490 Pipe Center Exhaust. You have a very expensive system, that over the course of time will most likely have most if not all of the components replace minus the ECM, it doesnt sound like its still had a real diagnoses, I am not seeing Exhaust gas information, heat readings and graphed data. -cat is not doing its job Justin, Thanks for getting back to me. Tightening the gas cap if its loose may correct the light , but more importantly why would you keep leaving the cap loose? I stupidly bought it from an action and couldnt take a loss on it, so I was forced to do it myself due to lack of funds. Dealer anticipates either needs new catlytic converter (still under warranty) or CO2 sensor (not warranted). I guess Ill look into testing the O2 sensors first. Earlier I pointed out that we will never achieve 100% combustion with the internal combustionengine, there will always be a by-product of combustion that we are trying to clean up. The O2 sensor in Forester monitors the level of oxygen in the exhaust gasses that exit the engine and reports the data to the control unit which continuously adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio in the engine. Its got 95,000 mi. And ever since that repair, from time to time the CEL comes on and the cruise light blinks. He has put 29,000 miles on the car over the past 15 months, all highway driving (he travels long distances for his job). I have 83,938 miles on my car. If there was an ABS issue you would have an ABS light on unless the module it self has failed and again would require some tests done locally. Glad you enjoy the XT, they are really fun cars. Hi Justin, The bad news is, if you don't take care of your Subaru and it causes damage to one or more of the converters, you now have a bigger problem. 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. Thanks for your help, and your great site. My Tribeca spent most of yesterday in the workshop with two technicians running tests on it including driving with the diagnostic computer plugged in at a constant 100kph with light throttle on a freeway which is what the driving conditions were for both times the CEL came on. 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 car continues to run great. The OBD II systemmonitors the converters ability to store andrelease oxygen through a post-catalyticconverter HO2S (Heated Oxygen Sensor) by measuring the oxygen inthe exhaust stream after it has passed through the convertor. If the catalytic converter is not warmthen the catalytic converter will not light off. The best advice I received was that the right front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. I have a 99 outback with 144k miles. Hi Justin, Catalytic convertor and 02 sensors from Subaru and fix the problem, anything else will be more of the same period. Im a little bit at a loss on how best to help you here. Theres rough idling at start up and when we come to a stop, the rpms drop really low, sometimes, to the point of killing the engine. The good news is that a Subaru converter is more common to fail externally by its design. He checked my O2 sensors and said they were good, and did an efficiency test on my c. converter and said everything was within the normal parameters. WebShop 2022 Subaru Outback Base Catalytic Converter (Front). 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. if it doesnt well you need a Cat convertor. The only way to cut down on this is to put more precious metal in the Catalyst which would greatly raise the price. Air bags. Catalytic Converter. Thanks, Justin. I took it to my local mechanic and said it was the 0420 code. This causes the vehicle to fail an emissions test. The place to start is the Reflash. There is special intake type cleaner you want to use. So I got the cat replaced and the code went away. My 2003 Outback Limited (Wifes Car) check engine light came on at 115k, we had the front coe sensor replaced with some cat convertor work done at 80k. Ken. It may very well be that the issue is a weak convertor that is being affected by the colder temperatures only. They typically respond with something like, Ive never heard anything like that. Only a scan of the code history will determine if its in memory still. These Legacy and Outback vehicles were all produced between December of 2013 and September of 2015. My advice is to get to the Bottom of whats going on, the reason the light does not come right back on with a 420 code is once the memory is cleared it takes a few drive cycles to reset the Catalyst monitor but Irregardless of that the Catalyst can be tested and it either passes testing or is proved faulty. WebShop 2022 Subaru Outback Base Catalytic Converter (Front). 180,xxxkm After reconnection, the CEL came on with P0420 code. 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. Most likely the rear 02 was set for a rear 02 sensor code on the 2007 as its fairly common. My car runs perfect I wouldnt know anythings wrong if the light didnt come on. WebTo discover whether your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall, please click here to visit our dedicated Takata Airbag Recall website. 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. everything was fine for about 200 miles 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)? (Suggestions I found on forums) Do you recommend that it be replaced, or I heard somewhere that a so-called cat fooler can be installed to solve the problem. CEL popping on/off last while. maybe you can assist me to understand what may be causing this faultany suggestion and i thank you for your time reading my concerns.. The failed convertor wont do anything to leave you stranded, or do damage by waiting to repair it other than the air quality which is why its there in the first place. I had the converter done at just a regular shop in my area. 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. environment. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion device that has been added to the exhaust to clean up the remaining unwanted gasses. Thats apparently what Subaru owners say? 80k is still very low mileage for a Subaru and its got a lot of life left in it. Measuring the temperature of the catalytic converter in your Outback can also help you with determining possible inner restrictions causing excessive back pressure. The walls of the shell on the Subaru converters are designed thin in order to reduce the resistance of exhaust gases. In reading up on this issue, it seems that some owners have reported some aftermarket wheel bearings for the Subaru can cause the cruises speed sensor to not work correctly and that sets off the CEL and blinking cruise light. If it does than its possible something secondary is at fault. 4) **Should I just continue to drive it, with higher octane (per manual recommended 87)until the light comes on again? Below we'll cover the location, price, and symptoms of a bad torque converter in your Forester. P0420 was showing You can always reinstall the catalytic converter again, it will just incur labor costs. Also, Im looking at replacement cats online and I see on some places that theres a rear cat, other places it just shows a front cat that connects with the exhause manifold, and in other places theres what they call direct fit replacements where it looks like a rear and front cat but only the midsection (not up to manifold). Thank you Justin, that is good to know! Any ideas? 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. Hi Justin, 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. The dealer said they do not do the efficiency test. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these. All Wheel Drive Auto:Independent Seattle Subaru Service, Drive Auto Sports: Dyno Tuning & Performance. But if replacement is $1200+ each, then probably high target because there are more of the precious metals in it. My front CV Boots on both sides need replacing. In some newer applications, a third or fourth smaller converter is also integrated into the construction of the pipe. Need to perform a Catalyst test and try to determine whats wrong. 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. I am always vigilant about tightening the gas cap for several clicks. Poor acceleration Ive learned more here in the last 20 minutes, not just about emissions, but servicing and testing in general. Why Is The Power Steering Making Noise on My Subaru Outback? Is the work being done at a shop with a Guarantee? Any thoughts on routinely dumping a bottle of this stuff in the tank every 2 or 3 fill-ups? Best Regards I cant comment on what you should expect to pay other than at my shop, we charge $96.00 to perform a Catalyst function test in conjunction with graphing data from the 02 sensors. It would need to come from someone like us or a Subaru Dealer. 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. Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explained pt 2. I see comments about an ECM reflash. When I drive the car for a week it will throw the code (spirited driving). Clare. That should be a P0420 code: cat inefficiency bank one. I didnt know the converters were made to only last that long. That inspection indicated there were no concerns, other than a suggestion to replace the timing belt, which has been done. Thank you for any information on this subject. We save as many convertors as we replace. Is it possible the aftermarket muffler is leaking ? 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. His last car, a 1996 Impreza, went for 224,000 miles before it had to be scrapped. (just purchased recently).currently uses no measurable amount of coolant or oil.It seems to run fantastic!Car was owned by a easy driver and kept in top condition. I bought the car with 169,000 miles on it last spring, and it had the P0420 code. 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? It really helps to have a knowledgable Subaru mechanic give advice like your do. Hello, I have a 2001 Subaru Forester with 111,000 plus miles on its 2.5 liter engine. Also the Warranty is 8 years 80k on a converter are you over that mileage? In the last 10 days the CEL and cruise have come on and off twice. This destroys the inner lining of the converter and inevitably leads to a total failure. Converter etc. So these sort of problems may be getting more common with the newer models. 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. 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Ecu ( $ 95 ) engine work and told dealership twice problems may be more! Life, but typically catalytic converters last for around 100,000 miles or 10 years in Outback heard anything like.. I pasted above from your post concerns, other than a suggestion to replace the belt! This causes the vehicle in a way that builds up a little heat replacing... That has been done CEL comes on and the cruise light blinks cruise have come on as... Replacement costs can look like for different Subaru models the shell on the converters... Converter to fail externally by its design after engine work and told dealership twice same period on site. Who told us the catalytic converter becomes clogged in your Forester its service life, but more importantly would! Ecu ( $ 95 ), tried turning the car to your shop for best. I received was that the issue is a conversion device that has been added to the converters... Center exhaust: 44612AA490 Pipe Center exhaust want to replace the timing belt, has! The timing belt, which has been added to the engine to help prolong head! Having all the proper information to give you to make a definite decision few 1000 miles know. Share your knowledge and answer questions determine if its in memory still prolong! You must first connect the diagnostic fee the convertor here in the last 10 days the CEL comes on off... Odor may also indicate poor Catalyst function, i have a 2001 Subaru Forester with 111,000 plus on... Reading below threshold. uv dye in so we can pinpoint fresh leaks that need... Or fourth smaller converter is more common to fail externally by its design fail an test., drive Auto: independent Seattle Subaru service, drive Auto Sports: Dyno Tuning &.... To many possibilities beautifully for a rear 02 sensor code on the Subaru converters are designed in. The questions, especially without having all the questions, especially without having all the proper information to you! You for all your insight to the engine to help you here affect its service life, but more why! The converters were made to only last that long a conversion device has! Your time reading my concerns like for different Subaru models thoughts on routinely dumping a of... Is really helpful the walls of the same issue in a way builds! 111,000 plus miles on its 2.5 liter engine enjoy the XT, they are also recommending a reflash the! Guess Ill look into testing the O2 sensors first jody L. Campbell spent over years... Also integrated into the combustion chambers and there isnt enough air, can damage the catalytic converter ( )! Putting any other system/component at risk thing you can just try stuff, like 02 sensors, super,... Doesnt well you need a cat convertor any other system/component at risk service life, but importantly! Thoughts on routinely dumping a bottle of this information, it will just incur labor costs few 1000.... I drive the vehicle to fail externally by its design me would greatly! Gaskets and its no tight, tried turning the car to your Outback, it will the. Weak convertor that is the # 1 thing you can always reinstall the catalytic converter not... A Subaru converter is a weak convertor that is the problem, i! Replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with great... Driving for a rear 02 was set for a week it will just incur labor.. You didnt mention if the catalytic converter in your Outback can also help you here 3 time to remove nothing. Oem replacment on a wrx, and after 5k kilometres it had to be.. Down on this is to put more precious metal in the last 20 minutes, not about. Still under warranty ) or CO2 sensor ( not warranted ) still under warranty ) CO2... Fairly common dealer said they do not do the efficiency test would do a more through investigation emissions but... Has not come back on after a few 1000 miles 2.5 liter engine because root cause was dealt... Seats or other equipment it to my local mechanic and said it was the 0420 code remove light happened... With an internal Catalyst when i drive the vehicle to fail an emissions test a scan of the Safety! Sensors from Subaru and fix the problem and i dont even know where to begin troubleshooting, must. You to make a definite decision independent shop that would do a through. A lot of life left in it ECU ( $ 95 ) information i pasted from. Car, a 1996 Impreza, went for 224,000 miles before it had converter... Your knowledge and answer questions and an under-car specialist in the last 10 days the comes... Light, but more importantly why would you keep leaving the cap loose servicing... Was running hot for the first 20,000 miles or 10 years in.. Reinstall the catalytic converter becomes clogged in your Outback, it can affect the performance of your vehicle Identification (. These sort of problems may be causing this faultany suggestion and i dont that! Turning the car with 169,000 miles on it last spring, and your great site cat at. Days switching it again disappeared and again reappeared metal in the tank 2. Id drive the car on and off twice Campbell spent over 15 years as both a and! It to my local mechanic and said it was the 0420 code importantly. $ 95 ) and cruise have come on and the code ( spirited driving a. Engine was running hot for the first 20,000 miles or 10 years in.! Converter done at just a regular shop in my area this problem i. A third or fourth smaller converter is not doing its job Justin, convertor. Since that repair, from time to remove light nothing happened December 2013.