Hi, Measure the temperature at the inlet and the outlet of the catalytic converter using an infrared thermometer, and compare the readings. Your article says a possible cause is sometimes its just a small exhaust leak. Quick question for you, been dealing with an on again off again P0420 code for about 5 months. The O2 sensor in Outback 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. My 06 outback kept tripping the 420 code off and on for a year. 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. At 75,000 mile maintenance, Dealer replaced head gasket under warranty. Im amazed you are still taking the time to answer all these very similar questions, but Ill throw my situation into the mix and maybe something sticks out. I objected by saying that it could be running rich for two reasons: Can you give some advice?? If just the boots are bad at least that I can see, is there any harm in changing just these and leaving the axles as is? I replaced it when I got home and the CEL went away. We did notice that some of the O2 sensors were flatlining but would switch back on. Webexhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. 1) ** Could the abrupt stop/stall (manual) have had anything to do with the CEL P0420 coming on? 2)**What is the life expectancy on the genuine Subaru part? The front Y-pipe assemblies can cost twice as much money to replace as the rear converter assembly. EXHAUST & MUFFLER '04MY-'05MY. My Check Engine light JUST came on for the first time in my ownership of it. Subaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. Over the last couple years it has been on daily short distance trips (barely enough to get it warm).Other symptoms are noticeably lower fuel economy and very bad exhaust smell. Unfortunately, now the check engine light is coming on, and is saying that the catalytic converter is not operating correctly. There was some sort of a condition that actually needed to be diagnosed and driving it like that did not do the Catalyst any favors. Could engine overheating cause a Catalyic Converter to fail prematurely? Learn More. Analytics/Measurement. Id start with putting the proper bearings back in, evaluating both the noise and any possible lights afterwards, but be prepared for something else to be causing the P0420 code. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 All Wheel Drive Auto LLC. Well, the light came on again maybe in mid January. They need to be welded into the system are attached by clamps and sleeves. Last week I finally had the time and money to have my friend who is a former head mechanic at ford (and also owns and works on subarus) change the head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, timing belt, water pump, etc. 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. Here is where it gets interesting i had them put some uv dye in so we can pinpoint fresh leaks that may need addressed. to pump money into my 2005 Outback with 190,000 This same issue may cause the car to fail the State Smog Test if one is required. 3 cranks later it comes back on i went and had it tested this past Friday with a huge obd2 scanner that shows alll the runtime data the and while we were looking at read outs the code auto cleared like completely Vanished and all read outs looked correct especially now that i see your diagrams the o2 sensor read out nice and stable like when the code cleared itself im presuming this is the off position ? 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. In the meantime I am going to try a higher octane fuel and some injector cleaner. shortly after I purchased c.e.l. Justin Stobb is the Owner of All Wheel Drive Auto, the premier Independent Subaru Shop in the North West. I cant think of any other I would rather be in if I was ever in a Head on accident or out in the snow. Should I take care of the noise/wheel bearing problem first and see if the CEL and blinking cruise light resolves itself before investigating other causes like O2 sensors and catalytic converters causing these warning lights to come on? Any unburnt fuel in the engine that goes into the exhaust system will ignite in the catalytic converter. I managed to start it again and noticed it was surging while idling. This commonly happens due to a bad upstream oxygen sensor, but can also happen due to a bad MAF sensor or worn spark plugs. They said could come on in 2 days or 2 months, or longer. Kind regards, Yes the Cruise light and VDC lights (if Equipped) will blink and systems cease to function anytime there is a fault code in the ECM (Engine Control Module). A professional mechanic can swiftly diagnose the problem for you. The local Auto zone reader reports a 0420 code. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion device that has been added to the exhaust to clean up the remaining unwanted gasses. Now the repaire man did the diagnostic and said I need a to replace the rear coe sensor and everything will be okay..Car when driving seems sluglish to me even though I dont dirve it often. I replaced my spark plugs because they were due anyways, but that didnt clear the code. When the catalytic converter in Forester is broken, it loses its ability to properly filter out toxic exhaust gases coming from the engine. a Technician carried out a diagnostic procedure as per workshop manual checked resistance between relay and connectors which led to finding a blown fuse.20A Green. I have a Subaru Forester 2009 and experience some performance problems lately. If it does than its possible something secondary is at fault. If ceriumis contaminated or the converter overheats,the converter is damaged. There is a more accurate way to check if the catalytic converter is clogged in your Subaru Forester. I've heard they can get up to $1000 for the metals in Toyota cats. In other words, if the cat converter is not removed, and only a cat fooler is installed, you actually dont solve the original problem? P0420 was showing My check engine light is on with the code P0420, which i have been instructed to replace the 02 sensor. I wish you would have tried us for the parts for your repair. 370 people reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester Vehicles With This Driving at a high speed. If you cant all I can say is what you are experiencing gets worse the newer the car as the number of systems aimed at keeping the internal combustion engine clean go up every few years. If you notice higher than 3 psi (0.2 bar) back pressure on the gauge, it means the catalytic converter is clogged. 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. The average cost to replace a Subarus catalytic converter can range from $1,500 to over $2,200. I really like your website and it has provided a lot of information to me on the P0420 code on my 2000 Subaru Outback. Buyer beware when it comes to the potential prospect for a VERY expensive catalytic converter replacement. 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. https://dl.dropbox.com/u/7723638/Diognostic%20Subaru.pdf. I have a 2008 Outback with approx. I cant offer any savings on Convertor, there is no margin. Converter Configuration: Direct Fit. They said direct import of a lower cost Cat from the USA was not an option as you use lower grade fuels we use 91 and 95 or 98 octane so it might be different and the exhaust layout is different being RHD here. While there are many quality aftermarket catalytic converter manufacturers these days, you can price the converters and pay less than half what the Subaru dealer will be asking. This site is one of the most useful ones Ive come across regarding the PO420 code, so thanks for that. It can run into problems over the normal life of the vehicle, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420. The best advice I received was that the right front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. I also have not yet seen a Tribeca with a Failed catalyst and kind of question the Post catalyst O2 sensor based first of all on the Statement that there would be a different code, which is not always factual. Could a non-CA cat cause such a code, or should I be having my mechanic look for some other issue? I have a 2008 Outback 2.5i Pzev with 85,000 miles (imported from NY State new) with a P0420. I doubt it will but will resetting the computer help or is there something bigger I have to do now? Does this help determine if its the cat or something less expensive to fix. Only a scan of the code history will determine if its in memory still. The only way to cut down on this is to put more precious metal in the Catalyst which would greatly raise the price. My mechanic is telling me that both O2 sensors are operational which leaves him to believe that its the front Cat. 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. If all is done well with the RIGHT parts you should be looking at this in the rear view mirror for years to come. All sensors should be tested and replaced as needed. Helps your vehicle emit harmless gases Direct OEM replacement. Measuring the temperature of the catalytic converter in your Forester can also help you with determining possible inner restrictions causing excessive back pressure. I did not get it replace. Is it possible that an after market muffler could be causing the code to remain. If the LM2 will help to diagnose the problem, what is the correct testing procedure? Measuring the temperature of the catalytic converter in your Outback can also help you with determining possible inner restrictions causing excessive back pressure. I have also recently been driving it a LOT, I have put a good 800 miles on it because we are moving from Oregon to California.about a 172 mile round trip and have have made that trip 3 times in the last 2 weeks. I also verified the code and was told it was below efficiency threshold not for being plugged, but could also be oxygen sensors. WebTo discover whether your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall, please click here to visit our dedicated Takata Airbag Recall website. Unfortunately this did not work either. So I had both front bearings replaced. Tightened cap againlight went off after three short trips. I have an 01 Sub Legacy. Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. 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. The average cost to replace a Subarus catalytic converter can range from $1,500 to over $2,200. When I drive like my wife drives it will not throw the code. Have a 2008 Outback 2.5i Pzev and got a P0420 code after a HG change (external coolant leak). Cat fooler is not installed from the factory, its a cheat device. Had a local garage check it out and they could not find any issues. Any advice is appreciated. With a noticeable loss of performance, high fuel consumption and more harmful emissions at the tailpipe, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. 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. On a modern vehicle you are asking for trouble if you dont use a memory maintainer tool when disconnecting the battery. I just read your article. EXHAUST, Engine, CP - OEM Subaru Part # 44620AA750. The check engine light is off for now, but I know its just a matter of time before it comes back on. everything worked fine for the first 300 Kms. This code was not appearing before. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the issue thoroughly before you consider replacing the very expensive catalytic converter in your Outback. WebVehicle Recalls. 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] My dad recommends that I just sell the car, in fear that it may cost us much more than we bargained for. Should I make sure they checked the O2 sensors, A/F fuel ratio, ECT, MAP before I allow them to replace it? I have a 2004 Legacy with the 420 code. Because of the awkward angles and the small size of the Subaru converters--especially in the front Y-pipe--finding the right size and then welding it into the existing pipe without compromising how it needs to bolt to the engine and the remaining exhaust system is very difficult. We dont have the extended emissions warranty here, so it is just outside of the standard 3 year one. Thanks for your reply Justin. The most common signs of clogged catalytic converter in Subaru Forester are: limited performance above a certain speed or loss of performance, irregular running of the engine, unusual exhaust gas odor, poor fuel economy, engine check light illuminates, and sometimes rattling noises. code of P0420. 2020-01-02. I didnt know the converters were made to only last that long. EXHAUST & MUFFLER '04MY-'05MY. i go have the code cleared maybe it was just burning some stuff off. After warm up I ran it while parked at about 3000 rpm. Learn about our recall process. The warranty complicates things and can create a situation where the Dealer will want to try the 02 sensors and it may temporarily resolve the issue and get the vehicle out of the warranty period. Web2006 Subaru: Engine and Cooling Products Search "Catalytic Converter" for 2006 Subaru Catalytic Converter Part Number: 44612AA490 Pipe Center Exhaust. The most common signs of clogged catalytic converter in Subaru Outback are: limited performance above a certain speed or loss of performance, irregular running of the engine, unusual exhaust gas odor, poor fuel economy, engine check light illuminates, and sometimes rattling noises. The 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. WebThe Subaru catalytic converter safety recall impacts over 240,000 vehicles worldwide. Adobe Experience Cloud (Audience Manager) Ad Serving, Ad Targeting, Analytics/Measurement, Content Customization, Cross Device Tracking, Optimization. I called back after finding your site and they told me they could do the cold start test for about $150. At about 157K, I remember hearing a rattle from the bottom of the motor. I have no idea what is causing it. Theyve checked all the obvious thingsbrake rotors & pads, tire noise (a new set of tires did not change the noise), wheel housings and mud flaps contacting the wheel, etc.. From what I understood they are only going by OBD diagnostics. 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