I have not used the Torque app as I have the factory Scan tool but the pictures in the article do show what you need to be looking for when graphing data from the rear 02 sensor when trying to determine if the converter is reaching light off. May that be the problem? I have a Subaru Forester 2009 and experience some performance problems lately. Subaru Head Gasket Problems Explained pt 2. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. You can read about how the system works here. Also, thanks for taking the time to help out fellow Subaru drivers. In my experience an aftermarket Cat may last one year if it works at all. It is a PZEV vehicle sold and driven in Pennsylvania. 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. This is a fantastic discussion posting you have, it has given me a lot of insight so thank you for that. 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. My current Outback is a 2006 Limited with @150,000 miles on it. Kind regards, and thanks again! If you have a Cal emissions car then yes it needs the Cal convertor. The car was purchased in Boston, MA and then driven to CA. P0420 code was detected, and Subaru dealer eventually performed catalytic converter replacement under warranty. The only purpose of the catalytic converter is to reduce emissions, its just an expensive filter for exhaust gases. 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!!!! Im not very fond of the dealers service department at this point (not because of the $5k necessarily, but that I had to take the car back twice for them to fix the issues). I have described some of what can go on the best I can in this and other posts here on the website. 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. Adobe Digital Marketing. Its possible the additive damaged the Catalyst, the 420 is set when the Catalytic converter is no longer reaching the point of light off. This commonly happens due to a bad upstream oxygen sensor, but can also happen due to a bad MAF sensor or worn spark plugs. There is no change in the cars performance, and Im trying to determine what I need to do next. 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. Report a problem with your vehicle, tires, car seats or other equipment. A sulfur or "rotten egg" smell indicates the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a likely sign of catalytic converter contamination. For this test, all you need is a pressure gauge with its hose fitting. 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? Its possible there is still an Exhaust leak, but I wouldnt know that to be accurate unless I see it. What do you think of this?? At 75,000 mile maintenance, Dealer replaced head gasket under warranty. Axles look fine on both sides. I did not get it replace. 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. Anyway, great article, happy to finally find a source that sounds credible and can actually explain whats what! 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. Since it is payed off, instead of paying car payments for a new one I am setting aside monthly some car funds. A partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards. The cats,o2 sensors, Pcm replaced and reprogrammed, Maf sensor have all been replaced with Subaru parts. Thanks for your insight and expertise. Any unburnt fuel in the engine that goes into the exhaust system will ignite in the catalytic converter. Buy an O.E. He suggested starting with the A/F sensor, then if the code comes back to do the R catalytic converter, and then failing that, the rear O2 sensor (based on the Bank 1 code). miles on it. Exhaust. Have a 2008 Outback 2.5i Pzev and got a P0420 code after a HG change (external coolant leak). My dad recommends that I just sell the car, in fear that it may cost us much more than we bargained for. Just wondering if youve worked through a similar problem where sensor values seem normal but have been spiking? Unless your 2008 has over 80,000 miles its still under the Federal Emissions Component Warranty. 4) **Should I just continue to drive it, with higher octane (per manual recommended 87)until the light comes on again? Any more info on why you mentioned this could happen? If you used a cheaper Aftermarket Catalytic convertor than yes its most likely already failed, we generally see the aftermarket Catalytic convertors last a year or so if its under warranty than yes have it replaced if it fails the tests I have outlined in the Article. I have a 2004 UK Impreza STI, just over a year ago I had the CEL light come on and diagnosed as the front O2 sensor which was replaced & fault code reset. Catalytic Converter Thefts Have Skyrocketed Since 2019 According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which tracks crimes reported to insurance companies, the number of reported catalytic converter thefts increased from roughly 1,300 in 2018 to more than 52,000 in 2021, the most recent year for which data is available. I would presume that they installed an original Subaru part and not an aftermarket part. Runs like a champ for the rest of the year. Since you may have more familiarity with dealing with my exhaust system, here are the notes from today after a bunch of diagnostics: Youshouldntpay for a guess and youshouldntexpect to have testing done for free. 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. The front Y-pipe assemblies can cost twice as much money to replace as the rear converter assembly. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these. EXHAUST, Engine, CP - OEM Subaru Part # 44620AA750. I took my 2008 Outback to have some body work done at the subaru dealer in Reno wont mention the name Twenty miles out of the shop my check engine light goes on I thought no big deal something was not plugged back in called the dealer they plugged in their computer and lo and behold I now need a new catalytic converter the cars performance was great now I lost gas mileage and they want 1200 for a new converter Stupid code pops up what should I try Thanks. My biggest confusion is which cat conv is the problem. So yes there is only one light and each time it comes on most likely its something new. He reset and said it was fine to drive back home to my regular mechanic. at Subarus expense) but Im not so sure that its really necessary. Would it be unwise to keep this sensor for a new cat? 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. 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 the Catalyst isrestricted, in the way of carbon deposits, it wont reach temperature and as such wont function, it is possible in some cases to de-carbon theexhaustsystem, but only if that is the diagnoses. Is that accurate and if it is a new ECM should I ask if it has been calibrated? The data generated is only as good as the sensor, so the sensor must be tested first. Data from any sensor is only as good as the sensor it self! nitrogen. 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. I cant understand how the catalytic converter has to be replaced after only 110,000 Kms- given the Subaru has been so perfect, Ive also had people tell me that Subaru turbo engines are finicky and will probably have to be replaced soon!? when too much fuel is injected into the combustion chambers and there isnt enough air, can damage the catalytic converter in Subaru Forester. May I ask something? On the way home from work it had some hesitation that at first I thought was caused by me not shifting correctly however a few miles down the freeway while going 75 the car started losing power and surging. Chemicals and Exhaust Temps can acheive this, you can also remove the Convertor and sensors and try soaking it. Ive tried to elaborate why in the article and subsequent replies. What do you think? 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. The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system in Subaru Outback 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 nitrogen gas. However, my cruise control isnt working. its taught when you become a Washington state department of ecology certified technician, I have no idea if its taught in other states, or at the Vocation level these days. Any ideas? WebSubaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. 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Your Subaru Forester leaves the factory with a catalytic converter. So it doesnt help me determine whats wrong but puts the odds in favor of the convertor being restricted with carbon and not reaching temperature. We were still in contact with the seller and he came and checked it out and code P0420 came up, but he said that it was nothing to be worried about and turned the light off. 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. If your Subaru Outback has racked up over 100,000 miles and you see noticeable loss of performance with high fuel consumption, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. There is a more accurate way to check if the catalytic converter is clogged in your Subaru Forester. Argument was it is winter gas blend and just a coincidence. However, I havent seen anything here (or on other sites) yet with my issue. Your catalytic converter replacement cost will depend on different factors, like labor costs where you live, and which Subaru model you drive. Without a code I have no idea what to try and suggest you check, while its always good to check the car fluids, the check engine light is not generally ever going to come on for low fluids. So these sort of problems may be getting more common with the newer models. WebShop 2022 Subaru Outback Base Catalytic Converter (Front). Or is it better to let a new (expensive) cat converter be installed? Thanks so much! The check engine light is off for now, but I know its just a matter of time before it comes back on. O2 sensors are Ok for now. From there use the graph as a example of what to look for. Always. Larry. Now its permanently on. He examined the car and found a loose hose to (I think) the fuel pressure regulator or at least something that sounds like that. It took me about 5 years post education to be a good enough technician to really be able to accurately diagnose these type of conditions and even then sometimes more experience may generate even better results such as a better understanding of cause and effect which can lead to fault prevention. And if that happened what kind of $ am I then looking at? 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 Catalyst monitor takes a bit to turn back to ready status post being turned to not ready status which is what is done when the codes/memory are cleared. In addition to the vehicle make, model, and engine type, you usually also have to type in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). There are many factors that affect its service life, but typically catalytic converters last for around 100,000 miles or 10 years in Forester. Im a little bit at a loss on how best to help you here. These are Subarus sold in the lower 48 states and Alaska. Second, we also have a 2007 Outback wagon, and earlier this year, had the head gaskets replaced (under drive train warranty, yay!). Lately, the CEL will come for a few days and then go off a few days. Webexhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. It may very well be that the issue is a weak convertor that is being affected by the colder temperatures only. I've heard they can get up to $1000 for the metals in Toyota cats. This one is a 2008 and just over two weeks ago was at a subaru dealer in St. Louis to replace the left or right front axle. Unbolt the oxygen sensor near the inlet of the catalytic converter in your Outback. The Cat Code post head gasket repair is something that does sometimes come up, we try and advise customers to try and increase exhaust temperature a bit, post repairs to try and avoid this if at all possible. Here is the sequence of events: Literally that night filled it up with gas from sams again and the p0420 light comes on and i dont panic cause nothing about the car changes drivability remains exactly as it was. I took the cables off to clean them again and a day later, same thing. While this benefits the performance of the engine, it compromises the structural durability of the shell. My thinking is that either the cat has fallen apart or faulty rear O2 sensor. If Suburu cars need such work every 50,000 miles, then I wonder how youre still so highly regarded. You can try higher octane fuel and harder driving to build up Exhaust Temperature. Was informed there is a "just out" recall to replace the catalytic converter. I only wish you were in New England instead of Seattle. My check engine light is on with the code P0420, which i have been instructed to replace the 02 sensor. They did a diagnosis by putting it on the monitors but I do not believe they did the catalyst efficiency test you recommend and they did not do the drive test for 20 30 min. The car continues to run great. 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. russellpat Registered 2022 Outback Touring XT. Should be done in the next day or so. The dealer said they do not do the efficiency test. Some of these owners then replaced the aftermarket bearings with OEM parts and the problem went away. Also do Tribeca CCs cost that much in the USA i.e. I replaced it when I got home and the CEL went away. 370 people reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester Vehicles With This We promptly took it back to dealer who told us the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. And yet the first couple times I checked it when all this started happening, it DID seem loose! checked the injectors and fuel presure they are fine. At the time of purchase we took it to a Subaru dealership of our own choosing and paid for a multi-point inspection (the same one they do for certified pre-owned cars). I also hear a rattle up front when starting up the car and at high revs. Hi Justin, Well, within 8,000 miles got the bad cat code again and looked at her book of service records and come to find out that her local machanic was putting a new cat in the car every 5-10,000 miles. Cat fooler is not installed from the factory, its a cheat device. The light off will be shown by data from the rear o2 sensor. I have been now reading other posts and beginning to wonder. https://dl.dropbox.com/u/7723638/Diognostic%20Subaru.pdf. Subaru Forester 2009, Catalytic Converter and Pipe Assembly by Davico. Just found your website today, fabulous! FCFE2. 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