after all of this the light did come back today. Over time, carbon deposits accumulate and clog up the catalytic converter, especially if the vehicle has racked up a lot of miles. Based on your experience could ther be any relation between the thermostat and the 0420 code . When I test with an OBD reader, I get the P0420 code. Best Regards Thanks in advance for any advice you care to give. Air bags. What other testing should they do? BTW, in terms of usage, I commute 60 miles round trip daily, mostly highway, and otherwise drive around town a bit. if it doesnt well you need a Cat convertor. Any advice is appreciated. its always on country lanes or motorway, never in the city, always on light gasim out of ideas, please could you through some of them? Helps your vehicle emit harmless gases Direct OEM replacement. Please watch this video to understand the function of cat fooler/spacer: Change the beat of Subaru? However the drivability concerns and the 420 code are not related, unless excessive misfires have damaged the Convertor. My car is still within the Cat warranty at 76K, but I have a rebuilt title and Im not sure they will honor it. Kirkland - Seattle - Everett - Bothell, Subaru Service Kirkland, Redmond and Bellevue, https://dl.dropbox.com/u/7723638/Diognostic%20Subaru.pdf, 2004 PZEV w/420 code will Subaru help w/cost to fix? If you have read this article or any of the other ones I have written about the check engine light you will see that I suggest a code scan in correlation of the light coming on. However, I havent seen anything here (or on other sites) yet with my issue. Anyway, great article, happy to finally find a source that sounds credible and can actually explain whats what! I plan on putting another 70k on this car, so Im not opposed to necessary repairs/maintenance no matter the cost. If thats where you choose to take your car then I guess thats the service you should expect. 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. This direct-fit catalytic converter by Davico will be a great solution to replace your failed or damaged catalytic converter. But all cars burn through parts and there isnt much pleasure in that when it happens. Webexhaust pipe containing the catalytic converter. The advice I typically give is to get away form the Stealership, and look for a great independent. But its not so good for the environment. throttle position, coolant temp, air flow in relation to one or another.). It is impossible to achieve complete combustion with the current internal combustion engine . Hello Justin. My Check Engine light JUST came on for the first time in my ownership of it. 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. The 2000 outback has 107k and is running very well so I hope to keep it for a long time. -O2 Sensors switching in normal ranges on test drive; air fuel sensors are constant as well The gas dropped like crazy and it started smoking exhaust. The front Y-pipe assemblies can cost twice as much money to replace as the rear converter assembly. This commonly happens due to a bad upstream oxygen sensor, but can also happen due to a bad MAF sensor or worn spark plugs. EXHAUST & MUFFLER '04MY-'05MY. Your article is the most helpful that I have found thus far. We also asked they do a 100,000 mile check for issues. Sorry, that link got broken. Ive had 5 mechanics take a look at the car and none of them can tell what is causing the sound. -Does cat affect fuel efficiency? Love your site, and I too wish you were closer to Utah. environment. Subaru vehicles generally run well, and catalytic converters rarely fail unless something causes the damage. It Runs great and doesnt use any fluids at all. Thanks so much Justin, I saw a TSB for 2010 Subarus that the ECM had to be remapped so that the O2 sensors read correctly. You didnt mention if the Catalyst was replaced with a OE Subaru part or a aftermarket Catalyst? I drive about 60 miles round trip to work, mostly highway, and change the oil every 3k by the book. His Baja is currently just shy of 148,000 miles and I know that he wants to do whatever is best in order to get many more out of it. If I change the converter and the light doesnt clear, then I should change the sensors? Hi Justin, So ran beautifully for a week after driving it 4hrs from Atl back to southern Al. Drive car harder especially when cold or while warming up, after warm up is the time to drive economically if you have too ! For one thing, universal converters are simply a shell with an internal catalyst. These are obviously aftermarket and he only charged her for the 1st one, about $600. If I was to budget for a front catcan the front cat be the OEM Federal Standard version or does it have to be the OEM California Standard Cat since my car is PZEV? Full Diagram #44102B EXHAUST. Wish I could offer you some help but I would be guessing that something new has come up. I have described some of what can go on the best I can in this and other posts here on the website. Any thoughts you have would be most appreciated. Always. Good idea? Any unburnt fuel in the engine that goes into the exhaust system will ignite in the catalytic converter. Takata Airbag Inflator Recall. The OBDII connector is usually located under the dashboard. In addition to the vehicle make, model, and engine type, you usually also have to type in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). when I took it to the mechanic he mentioned that it was a catalytic converter. Do places that carry the correct CAT charge the same for it? Closed Public Holidays) or email at feedback@subaru.com.au. 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. Exhaust. Appreciate it! But after reaching a certain speed, the performance of the engine will drop due to blockage of increasing exhaust gases in the system. Really would not want to replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with. He took it in to the Subaru dealer and they say it is a p0240 code and it needs a new catalytic converter at a cost of $1800. Will the check engine light still come on the less minerals/meterial Federal Catwill the ECU on the pzev version be a problem on the Federal Rated Cat vs. the California one? 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. The catalytic converter aids the conversion of these. Does this mean I have a lazy sensor that is going bad and a likely cause of p0420 code? We had the headgasket done a month before the code appeared. Poor acceleration This code was not appearing before. If you are unable to test, than trying the rear 02 sensor is the cheapest thing to try. I have a 2003 Subaru Forester with a P0420 trouble code. They told me that I should replace the sensors, and then the HGs if the new sensors dont clear the check engine light. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion device that has been added to the exhaust to clean up the remaining unwanted gasses. That inspection indicated there were no concerns, other than a suggestion to replace the timing belt, which has been done. Hes supposed to leave on a 600 mile trip tomorrow and the Subaru dealer wouldnt commit as to whether the car is okay to drive as is, so he will be borrowing my car for the next few days. 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. I am in WY where it gets cold. The thermostat being stuck open could affect the catalyst function but not the temperature gauge function, it could cause the gauge to read a lower temperature than normal but not cease to function. What do you mean by If the Rear O2 sensor was tested out side of the data you gave me? 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. Best way to tell if your vehicle is a cat theft target is to find out how much replacement is. After reconnection, the CEL came on with P0420 code. Also do Tribeca CCs cost that much in the USA i.e. The cel appeared a few days ago. A partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards. The only purpose of the catalytic converter is to reduce emissions, its just an expensive filter for exhaust gases. They are an independent mechanic (Friend). In addition to the vehicle make, model, and engine type, you usually also have to type in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Catalytic Converter. 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. What gives? With a noticeable loss of performance, high fuel consumption and more harmful emissions at the tailpipe, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. FCA03. its taken care of and should last a long time. Any other thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much! Poor acceleration Very familiar with that converter and sensor configuration. 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). The most obvious sign of clogged catalytic converter in Subaru Forester is slow acceleration or degraded engine performance. 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. Faulty Catalytic Converter. Should I take it to the dealer or let my guy do it? Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. They are also recommending a reflash of the ECU ($95). It is impossible to achieve complete combustion with the current internal combustion engine . A sulfur or "rotten egg" smell indicates the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a likely sign of catalytic converter contamination. The vehicle identification number tells you if your car is affected. With age and mileage, Im trying to fix this cheaply. Hi Justin, If your Subaru Forester 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. The Cerium acts like a spongeand soaks up the oxygen when the system islean and releases the oxygen when the mixtureis rich. So I am wondering if I use a non CA converter if my code will be cleared. At 60,000 mile maintenance, dealer replaced valve cover gaskets and timing belt. One year life span for the aftermarket convertors is very typical and very unfortunate which is why we wont use them. If ceriumis contaminated or the converter overheats,the converter is damaged. Poor acceleration An infrared thermometer can be used for this test. Since it is payed off, instead of paying car payments for a new one I am setting aside monthly some car funds. Adobe Digital Marketing. https://dl.dropbox.com/u/7723638/Diognostic%20Subaru.pdf. The day after I posted that I came to a sudden stop when a green light turned to red and my Suby violently shook as I came to a stop. Please advise if this is the way to go..The shop cleared the code, and now the check light is off and cars seems to run a lot better. to pump money into my 2005 Outback with 190,000 Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. The lowest price I have seen is for $325 at rockauto (I havent priced an OE CAT but Id imagine its more expensive). WebIf you are a vehicle owner, search for recalls by your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). What I am trying to explain to you is that just because a part was replaced in the past does not mean that its ok today. Maybe just drive it for a bit and see how it goes? I wish we had Turbo Diesel Foresters here, but we just dont however. WebScroll down for a partial list of fixes and recalls on the US spec Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Forester, WRX STI, BRZ, Crosstrek, Tribeca. We at the shop will often do induction services with new sensors followed by driving instructions, Id say it helps 30 percent of the carbon coated convertors if I had to put a number on it. I like to know before I decide whether I have been on the hiway a few times full throttle and my gas mileage seems to be back up a bit. 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. The OBDII connector is usually located under the dashboard. WebCatalytic Converter Part Number: 44102FE040 Exhaust Pipe Center. Someone really needs to look at the Data and figure it out, is really what needs to happen. 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. I had the check light come on. 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