SOA has already declined my warranty on the cat even though my warranty specifically reads PZEV warranty on 150,000 miles that are distributed to NY, and say that its not longer warranted since I am registered in Canada. Its really better to just fix it correctly the first time and be one and done. Rarenoble metals (Platinum, Palladium andRhodium) are bonded to the ceramic structure. From there use the graph as a example of what to look for. pollutants to less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water. Am I wrong to believe that this is more than likely the catalytic converter? This makes the converter more efficientat oxidizing HC into H2O and CO2. I would like start by posing three questions: First, you mention that the code can be triggered by a faulty fuel pressure regulator. You could try using higher octane fuel and some spirited driving for a bit and see if that helps it. I replaced plugs, wires, and eventually the ignition coil Throwing the 420 code as well as P0335. I bought a 98 Subaru Legacy GT station wagon in Nov 2012. Could, over time, a caps plastic threading weaken/degrade allowing it to work itself loose with regular driving?! https://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-faq-3-my-check-engine-light-came-on-and-or-my-cruise-control-light-is-flashing-can-i-drive-my-subaru/, https://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-check-engine-light-part-ii/, https://allwheeldriveauto.com/your-subaru-check-engine-light-explained/. (he determined that it wasnt a o2 sensor problem), I dont know which one it wasbut it workedno P0420 code for the last 3 weeks.I was really stressed out after forking out 1700 for a HG change and some other sensors that were leaking oiland then a potential $1500 Cat change. 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. If I drive it until it gets to full temp and turn it off she wont start back up for 15-30 minutes, almost as if its flooded, turns over fine, just wont fire up. Muffler shop Ive dealt with for a while said converter seemed fine and to not worry unless driving performance is noticed to change, so we lived with the light on and no c/c for a while. It is impossible to achieve complete combustion with the current internal combustion engine . Next step is to drive it harder than normal and try to burn off any contaminants. Thank you for any information on this subject. Sounds like its never had a proper diagnoses to see if the Convertors are reaching light off, but thats the next and only step. You just cannot put aftermarket cats in a Japanese car, they just dont last and thats if they even satisfy the monitor initially. Ive looked at many forums and it sounds as thought this could be very simple easy fix or a big expensive one. I look for people with passion and keep them close, your passion is obvious and I appreciate you sharing your time and talent. For $6.00 its worth a try.. Have a 420 code.Mech says to replace cat.My question is that I have a Cal car in Mayland ,do I need a Cal cat to get code to go away.Thanks. kind regards. My confidence in them is shaky. Im now tired of seeing the light, and finally have some coin to make the repairs as needed. The place to start is the Reflash. Unfortunately this did not work either. WebSubaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. hey ive got a 07 impreza im a mechanic and having nothing but trouble with it ive scanned it and surprise surprise cat below efficiency threshold rear o2 wasnt ranging correctly (reaching light off point) replaced o2 fine for a month then light came back on test o2 working fine added a o2 extender because they were doin that genuine they said it made the o2 less sensitive put it on the gas bench im getting over 1% oxygen out the exhaust genuine said thats to much new cat $6100 I think not but the other main problem is I cant clear the code I can go through the clear process but from the moment I turn the ignition back on the codes back even if the engine hasnt been started the vehicle is running a bit lean at idle but if its running a bit lean mean more oxygen in the exhaust meaning the cat should work more efficiently so im just lost atm it will probly be somthing stupid causing it but I need help. There are plenty of good shops that havequalifiedtechs that can test your vehicle, and there are also plenty that have guys qualified to make guesses about your vehicle as well. Model Year Carline Affected Production Dates 2015-2016 Legacy 12/16/2013 9/30/2015 2016-2016 Outback 12/9/2013 9/30/2015 Another guy from Canada. Tightening the gas cap if its loose may correct the light , but more importantly why would you keep leaving the cap loose? The vehicle is completely safe to drive with a P0420 set, however if anything new was to come up that could damage anything, you would have no way of knowing as the check engine light would already be on. I just purchased a used 2000 forester with 240k miles, the PO said the head gasket was changed as well as other maintenance but they didnt have any paper work. Driving at a high speed. We had the headgasket done a month before the code appeared. This will hold true in most all of these Subaru models: Its the single most ignored code, and one the the mostchallengingto accurately diagnose. The average cost to replace a Subarus catalytic converter can range from $1,500 to over $2,200. The Cat may be in need of replacement, but it could have an issue with a sensor as well, I dont know without testing it whats wrong, or what to replace. Analytics/Measurement. When I drive the car for a week it will throw the code (spirited driving). Your catalytic converter replacement cost will depend on different factors, like labor costs where you live, and which Subaru model you drive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can run into problems over the normal life of the vehicle, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420. You must know what is a normal reading however in order to know if the data shown is acceptable or not. Its got 95,000 mi. Any other thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Im really frustrated with this and Its got to be something else. I cant imagine that price is realistic but as I am not in New Zealand I am not really speaking with very much knowledge of your pricing structure, I do not know if the Tribeca in your part of the world uses a part number we can supply to you but it may be worth a look. My independent Subie guy has access to some used Cats for about $500 installed, but Im concerned thats not the only issue. Although much cheaper, universal converters are not always an option when it comes to a Subaru. Any chance a remaining leak could be the root cause of this code? I understand trying to save money, but there is no solution other than back to factory parts. View details Hide details. There is no change in the performance. Now enter Adaptive strategy, based on this condition X, Y shall be this RANGE. nitrogen. Try to create some Exhaust heat when driving it and that may help it light of. Hello, 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? However, it can fail much earlier due to contamination, overheating or physical damage. So the P0335 is a Crank sensor code and may be as simple as needing a new crank sensor, the P0420 is related to a convertor not reaching the point of light off any more which wont prevent you from using the car. This is my first Subaru. Analytics/Measurement. nitrogen. Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Sorry, that link got broken. I appears that it is a clogged cat converter. At about 157K, I remember hearing a rattle from the bottom of the motor. Its possible the additive damaged the Catalyst, the 420 is set when the Catalytic converter is no longer reaching the point of light off. We also asked they do a 100,000 mile check for issues. It my be time for a new car. At 75,000 mile maintenance, Dealer replaced head gasket under warranty. Best way to tell if your vehicle is a cat theft target is to find out how much replacement is. I got my oil change at a shop in late February and mechanic that did it said its not too serious considering the car was smogged in Nov12 and turned the light off. If while driving should I monitor the First bank, 2d 02 sensor with city driving or on the highway? One year life span for the aftermarket convertors is very typical and very unfortunate which is why we wont use them. 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. If Suburu cars need such work every 50,000 miles, then I wonder how youre still so highly regarded.. If you look at the graphs you will see the pattern from a faulty Cat or one that is good but not up to temperature yet as well as what the pattern looks like when the convertor is functioning okay. I would say yes its uncommon to need a second Catalyst at 50k after the first but I dont know if the front air fuel sensor was ever replaced or if there is something else going on? i have two light on dash vehicle dynamics control warning light and a emissions control unit malfunction engine control system light on dash. The muffler shop says there are 4 cat conv (2 at engine, two inline mid exhaust). Catalytic Converters are recyclable and just like any other recyclable material including engine oil and coolant is only hazardous if not handled properly. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I love the advice you give. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion devicethat has been added to the exhaust to clean upthe remaining unwanted gasses. My wife drives the car now only for short, local trips and not much highway. If it is because I had the battery out for so long what do I do to fix it. Justin has been providing Subaru Owners (regardless of where they live), with tips and advice about their Subaru since 2006. Because you are poor and worried the first thing you need to do is head to a parts store that will scan the car for free. But the code has me puzzled. If you have a Cal emissions car then yes it needs the Cal convertor. With a noticeable loss of performance, high fuel consumption and more harmful emissions at the tailpipe, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. My thinking is that either the cat has fallen apart or faulty rear O2 sensor. Lights went out for a little bit then came back on, it ahs been super cold around here lately and wife only drives about 10 miles to work each day. maybe you can assist me to understand what may be causing this faultany suggestion and i thank you for your time reading my concerns.. 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? What fuel additive would you suggest, if any? The issue at hand is the aftermarket ones may not have enough precious metal to function. They said could come on in 2 days or 2 months, or longer. 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 have a 2001 Subaru Impreza and I got a P0420 code. The only way to cut down on this is to put more precious metal in the Catalyst which would greatly raise the price. Connect the hose of the gauge to where you removed the oxygen sensor. Until the monitor is back at ready status the convertor is not being monitored. The front Y-pipe assemblies can cost twice as much money to replace as the rear converter assembly. My long time mechanic said it was now the p0402 code and replaced the o2 sensor. 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. A clogged catalytic converter essentially "suffocates" the engine, preventing it from "exhaling" the exhaust. Cannot find any reference. Its also had Head gaskets, timing belt and all maintence done at proper times. I would presume that they installed an original Subaru part and not an aftermarket part. Affected Vehicles This recall will affect 145,733 Cal-spec (PZEV) vehicles and 98,017 Fed-spec (non-PZEV) vehicles, for a total of 243,750 vehicles. The 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. 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. BTW, there was no link in your reply. Thanks! Since some OBD codes are manufacturer-specific, the scanner will be able to give you more accurate information if you enter more details about your Outback. No change whats so ever. Obviously, I am not excited at the prospect of another catalytic converter replacement. For this test, all you need is a pressure gauge with its hose fitting. 160K. Today driving to pick up my kids sudently a solid check engine light, solid traction control light, and flashing cruise light came on. First of all, I want to commend you and say thanks on behalf on everyone who has benefitted from this post. 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. Should it get back to where it was once its broken in? My car too has the p0420 code. Most diagnostic devices then ask for some information about the vehicle. The Cruise is disabled with a powertrain code present in the ECM. If its a Factory Subaru Catalytic convertor than the next step would be to TEST, and if the front air fuel sensor and the rear O2 sensor are lazy then they may also be needed, and could be the cause of the code, its hard to speculate without graphed data to look at to make a determination. Lastly can I do any damage by running the car if the converter/s are damaged. russellpat Registered 2022 Outback Touring XT. 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. Start the engine and wait until it gets into operational temperature. -engine is not doing its job. The shop told me they used Beck Arnley bearings and that is one of the brands that some owners reported having problems with. So the information I pasted above from your post. You can read here for more information about how the system works, and its always a good idea to buy your own code scanner. This causes the vehicle to fail an emissions test. 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? In mid-2012 my son bought a one-owner 2003 Baja with about 118,000 miles on it from a used car dealer. Since Subaru Outback is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located. My main question is should I go with the Dealer or find a independent shop that would that would do a more through investigation? 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. Since you may have more familiarity with dealing with my exhaust system, here are the notes from today after a bunch of diagnostics: I can see from your article that diagnosing this code is very tricky and I would like to bring as much knowledge of the situation with me so I speak intelligently with my mechanic. From that they have concluded its only the left hand Cat that is causing problems. Its possible there is still an Exhaust leak, but I wouldnt know that to be accurate unless I see it. Best Regards Hi Justin. 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. Thanks again for the extensive response and advice! 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. Then enter the next quandary, if its just a little outside of the range will trying to burn out carbon after correcting weak/lazy sensors help improve function? Second, we also have a 2007 Outback wagon, and earlier this year, had the head gaskets replaced (under drive train warranty, yay!). 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. Are there any symptoms to watch for h.g. I did manage to speak directly to the technician and he seemed knowledgeable and thought that the front and rear sensors were ok, but that the catalyst needed to be replaced. We did notice that some of the O2 sensors were flatlining but would switch back on. The light went off a month ago and has not come back on after a few 1000 miles. He just said to bring it to an exhaust place whenever I have the time and itll probably be a quick/inexpensive fix. He was able to get a wrench on the hose clamp to tighten it down. the car has 121K on it. - Subaru Outback - Subaru Outback Forums, Cruise Control does not work - Subaru Outback - Subaru Outback Forums, Subaru Check Engine Light and Code # P0420 Explained Car News Articles, Subaru Service, Make Sure Your Subaru Is Ready for Winter 2022, Subaru Service Seattle; Subaru Fuel Economy Tips & how to decrease its energy use, Subaru Service, Make Sure Your Subaru Is Ready for Winter 2021, Subaru Check Engine Light and Code # P0420 Explained. Since Subaru Forester is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located. The car is now on its 5th cat. Thank you. I have a 2005 Outback with the SOHC 2.5. Probable causes The shop told me they used Beck Arnley bearings and that is one of the brands that some owners reported having problems with. Are you also using non OE 02 sensors? Also, using the Torque smartphone app (I hope youre familiar with this), what display should I be looking at to check the rear o2 sensor waveform? What do you think of this?? was all ok for the day though the following morning on cold start the light re-appeared and the fuse has blown again. Or mine might have another common fault, as you detail. Poor acceleration Still getting P0420 after replacing both cats, front cat and rear cat on 2008 subaru legacy. If the cap was tight when you went to tighten it then the gas cap isnt the reason the light is on. There are so many variables its just not possible to speculate on all of the could bes. Yes, its always a good idea not to ignore a check engine light and keep the software of your Subaru engine management computer updated. On to the good news. Really cant speculate on whats the matter, its possible the booster is failing but that would be very uncommon. Anyone heard of this? I find this hard to believe and too much of a coincidance that this occurred following our service. 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. 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. Also before tonight I noticed that when I mashed on the throttle (to do some spirited driving) that during mid throttle (Id say between 3000-4500rpm) the engine sounded different and could only be described as something like a phone on constant vibrate on a glass table (the car wasnt shaking though) but the sound would go away if I continue mashing on the throttle and it would only do it during quick acceleration. 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. Unless something causes the vehicle a few 1000 miles use the graph as a example of what to for. Clogged cat converter exhaling '' the exhaust to clean upthe remaining unwanted gasses regular! They used Beck Arnley bearings and that is causing problems unless I see it on it from a used Dealer! 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