subaru catalytic converter recall

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. The Catalytic Converter is a conversion device that has been added to the exhaust to clean up the remaining unwanted gasses. My 05 Impreza with less than 70k km on it threw the code a few months back without any other error codes. He also checked the sensors and said they were ok. pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of. (Those are the O2 sensors, right?) This will be at op temp only and most likely never at idle. 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. They have checked everything they can as to possible causes and come up with nothing but admit it shouldnt have failed at those kms and the CAT is not rattling nor does it smell bad which is apparently one of the signs of failure. Yep, need to get that code read! 370 people reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester Vehicles With This I am considering to keep my subaru another 100k. Does this help determine if its the cat or something less expensive to fix. 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. 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. 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)? Have a safety problem? May that be the problem? Once its set to ready status before the convertor is monitored it has to be up to op temp and driven at speed for a length of time, its not minutes its frames of time for which conditions are present. It really helps to have a knowledgable Subaru mechanic give advice like your do. The place to start is the Reflash. When the engine cannot breathe properly due to clogged catalytic converter, it causes the engine to burn more fuel. at Subarus expense) but Im not so sure that its really necessary. BTW, in terms of usage, I commute 60 miles round trip daily, mostly highway, and otherwise drive around town a bit. my CAT is good, Ive changed the secondary O2 sensor as well, searched for leaks before O2 sensors, did not find any. It is not complete list and many of the items listed are voluntary fixes, not official recalls. I have just had this code come up on my 2007 Tribeca. Not psyched to pay 950 to replace the convertor. This would be that based on this condition X, Y shall be this voltage. If ceriumis contaminated or the converter overheats,the converter is damaged. All catalytic converters fail eventually since its a wearing part. -Does cat affect fuel efficiency? I look for people with passion and keep them close, your passion is obvious and I appreciate you sharing your time and talent. 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. From there use the graph as a example of what to look for. Unless I am testing it there is no way I can know, there are to may variables. I got home last night and went to emissions (basically a code scan) today and the car passed. 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. -Is it true that everything is sensor controlled and there is nothing dealer can do to improve MPG? 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. A partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards. WebCatalytic Converter Part Number: 44102FE040 Exhaust Pipe Center. The technician must determinewhy the catalytic converter light off is not happening. Best way to tell if your vehicle is a cat theft target is to find out how much replacement is. Here are what average replacement costs can look like for different Subaru models. 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. Ive wondered if the newer ethynol mixtures contribute to the problem, and if so what the car makers are doing to correct the issue. I checked the gas cap and its no tight, tried turning the car on and off 3 time to remove light nothing happened. Is this an indication of an oxygen sensor? All Wheel Drive Auto:Independent Seattle Subaru Service, Drive Auto Sports: Dyno Tuning & Performance. On a modern vehicle you are asking for trouble if you dont use a memory maintainer tool when disconnecting the battery. Ill be checking the oil level and the leak I have as well as any new codes but based on this new info do you have anything to add? 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. About three months ago, while he was at the Subaru dealer for a routine oil change, they told him that head gasket repairs and new cv boots and an axle were needed, which he had them take care of. Replaced a cam sensor and then the ECM under warranty(extended) now the same lights on and told it is the Catalytic converter. Lift the vehicle, allowing easy access to the catalytic converter. My mechanic is telling me that both O2 sensors are operational which leaves him to believe that its the front Cat. Thanks for reading. Since then I get at random times, can be a couple of days to a couple of weeks before getting the P0420 code up (this will reset straight away eveytime) It tends to come on when you just cruise along at a steady speed. I cant offer any savings on Convertor, there is no margin. Ill even give you a good deal. View details Hide details. You are still replying to people and seem like a genuine person. Its a California emission vehicle, but I have tried two different non-California catalytic converters, and both have failed. 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. I replaced my spark plugs because they were due anyways, but that didnt clear the code. In any case, it is advisable for laypersons to visit a workshop. 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). None the less im like ok very odd stranger and stranger now it did this as the air was kicking on. So Id like your advice as a seasoned Subaru mechanic about what is going on with my car and the most logical steps I can take to correct these issues. They told me that I should replace the sensors, and then the HGs if the new sensors dont clear the check engine light. WebShop 2022 Subaru Outback Base Catalytic Converter (Front). 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. I've heard they can get up to $1000 for the metals in Toyota cats. I really appreciate your informed answer and advice! My outback is a 2.5i, not an H6, & rust is not an issue. Am I wrong to believe that this is more than likely the catalytic converter? Closed Public Holidays) or email at feedback@subaru.com.au. 06 Outback manual trans. It isimpossible to achieve complete combustionwith the current internal combustion engine. The cruise began blinking and engine light came on, but it went away after a while. It also started occurring at slow speeds (driving around a parking lot). You can try replacing sensors and go from there, which sounds like the most logical place to start as the market place does not allow for a true scientific prove it type diagnoses. HGs replaced at 140K by Subaru. Hope that helps and best of luck going forward. My question is, considering I dont have much time or money (college student, this is my first car), should I just sell the car and not worry about future problems with it while the CEL is still not lit, or investigate further into the problem, possibly spending a great amount of money to fix it? They probably used non subaru gaskets and its possible they didnt do the whole tighten loosen step. Catalytic convertor and 02 sensors from Subaru and fix the problem, anything else will be more of the same period. Ive got a 2010 Impreza with 60,000km (37,500 miles) that has just started throwing P0420s. With a noticeable loss of performance, high fuel consumption and more harmful emissions at the tailpipe, a defective catalytic converter should definitely be considered. I would presume that they installed an original Subaru part and not an aftermarket part. 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. went oncode po420. the Vin number and emissions sticker will revel if it has Californian emissions equipment or not, if it does you may not install a non Cali component such as a convertor. 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. 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 Forester. maybe you can assist me to understand what may be causing this faultany suggestion and i thank you for your time reading my concerns.. After reading many other posts, Im not convinced that this is the problem and are being raped by the dealerlol. You will need to research that on your own, as the complexity of how to do it, plus what to do with the cleaner when your done is something I cant reasonably comment on. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. In fact, I am not even part of the recent recall Jan 2013. It can run into problems over the normal life of the vehicle, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420. Thank you for the information. 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. Is this a reasonable thing to do? brakes work ok when applied normally. Typically the rear 02 sensor does not create poor performance, without knowing the code I cant comment if your guy is possibly on the right track. Would a HG leak destroy a cat in under one year and approximately 11000 miles? Yes they should (well lets hope) have looked at the Sensors first, but you just never know. Buyer beware when it comes to the potential prospect for a VERY expensive catalytic converter replacement. Thanks again for the extensive response and advice! One year life span for the aftermarket convertors is very typical and very unfortunate which is why we wont use them. Still not sure whats causing the P0420 code though, but Im hoping it goes away after I get those bearings replaced. That was early June of 2016. For about 9 months now, Ive been getting strange noises from the front end. The mechanic told me I needed a new catalytic converter, because a friend suggested I try using a spark plug non fouler on my rear O2 sensor to clear the code Didnt work. pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of. If the Forester still suits your needs over the long run, it will cost less to maintain and make repairs as they come up as the car continues to age. Now enter Adaptive strategy, based on this condition X, Y shall be this RANGE. There is 7166 miles on this allegedly new catalytic converter. the Cat was oem replacment on a wrx, and after 5k kilometres it had a big crash and was direct replacment for me. Do you think I should (1) reflash the ECU and see if that helps, (2) spend the $1k and replace the converter, (3) go somewhere else and see if they will do an efficiency test and throw more money at testing, or (4) do something else. WebTo discover whether your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall, please click here to visit our dedicated Takata Airbag Recall website. 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] The advice I typically give is to get away form the Stealership, and look for a great independent. Fouled plugs, bad oxygen sensor readings, worn valves or pistons and a number of other variables can cause internal catalyst failure. Report a problem with your vehicle, tires, car seats or other equipment. Thanks, Justin. Will this not let to increased fuel consumption? Its also had Head gaskets, timing belt and all maintence done at proper times. Thanks! Given the rattling, gas odor, CC inoperable, and the PO420, is it reasonable to assume the CAT needs replacing? They say its not Subarish! If you notice higher than 3 psi (0.2 bar) back pressure on the gauge, it means the catalytic converter is clogged. I appreciate your input. When my car was new we had engine overheating issues and under warranty the Thermostat, Radiator cap, and cooling fans were all replaced at different times. 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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? Generally speaking an independent is always going to work harder for your dollar than a dealership is. 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. EXHAUST & MUFFLER '02MY-'03MY. Does this mean I have a lazy sensor that is going bad and a likely cause of p0420 code? When you press the gas pedal from a stopped position, the vehicle may accelerate normally initially. The difference in price is $300 more it seems. With so many converters, one of them is bound to need replacement at some point. 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. Always. Was informed there is a "just out" recall to replace the catalytic converter. Really would not want to replace it only to see the same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt with. I just read your article. Unfortunately, I got the feeling from the dealership that I could really screw up the car if I dont replace it. Because my mileage is very close to the 80,000 mile mark SOA told me they would work with me (cost wise) on this without being speific. I have an 01 Sub Legacy. I didnt find out the exact code, but my guess is was p0420 based on what Ive read. It could have a failed Catalyst or a rear 02 sensor, or both. Subaru Motors has employed multiple catalytic converters on its vehicles for many years now. One issue with not repairing it is that if a code pops up for something else you would have now way of knowing as the light is already on, with a code scanner you can re scan it and make sure nothing new has come up. 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. A sulfur or "rotten egg" smell indicates the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a likely sign of catalytic converter contamination. And ever since that repair, from time to time the CEL comes on and the cruise light blinks. If it was one of our customers they would have come right back, Id call the shop that you just had the car at, explain the circumstance, dont accuse and I am sure they will be honest with you if they are a good Shop. Its still under one year since I replaced the cat. Id switch to premium fuel for a few tanks, drive it a little harder especially around town (use one gear lower than normal) and maybe a fuel induction type cleaning. 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. Hi Justin, Actually I do not mind your answer. Subaru makes a Great Safe & Reliable AWD vehicle. My Check Engine light JUST came on for the first time in my ownership of it. The running lean code could be a clue as well. A one time fuse blow can be a spike like the Tech assumed, but when its twice that indicates an issue that needs to be diagnosed. It is a 2010 Forester none turbo. Subaru Forester 2009, Catalytic Converter and Pipe Assembly by Davico. I drove home which is about an hour drive and the car didnt feel or sound any different. They are recommending a new catalytic converter ($1,000 parts and labor genuine Subaru converter), saying the oxygen sensors are fine and there is no exhaust leak. A restricted convertor will negative affect fuel economy. 1) ** Could the abrupt stop/stall (manual) have had anything to do with the CEL P0420 coming on? If it does than its possible something secondary is at fault. Two California emissions cats and two brand new Denso O2 sensors. But so will many other deficiencies in other systems. When I test with an OBD reader, I get the P0420 code. I will take your suggestion & monitor it myselfand try to find somewhere else that can service it. If you dont have any good advice I have a 2000 subaru outback for sale. Some weeks later, in early December, CEL came on. Suffering the same problem with the P0420 code. A sulfur or "rotten egg" smell indicates the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a likely sign of catalytic converter contamination. Rare these days! Thats an indication that the combustion temperature with regular unleaded is not hot enough to let the converter get to the point of light off. So the car is literally is a few thousand away from warranty on the Catalytic. Any thoughts you have would be most appreciated. All I want to do is get through the state of CT emissions test! This is our 2nd subaru outback with CC and 02 sensor issues, but they are safe and usually very reliable. Cat fooler is not installed from the factory, its a cheat device. Noticed MPG drop right after engine work and told dealership twice. Alternatively, you may call our dedicated Recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 994 (Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST. 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 filled the tank up with 93, and added a bottle of chevron techron. I have already had the ECM flash done at the dealership. After the check engine came on we took it to a friend in the small town we were close to mostly because when I called thelocal Subaru they immediately told me over the phone I had to get the entire turbo engine replaced. This direct-fit catalytic converter by Davico will be a great solution to replace your failed or damaged catalytic converter. 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. To the cause of the noise, has anyone evaluated any of the seals in the front rotating masses for dryness and noise? Could really screw up the car is literally is a cat theft target to! Fact, I got home last night and went to emissions ( basically a scan. Still not sure whats causing the P0420 code though, but that didnt clear the code and. The gauge, it is not an H6, & rust is not an H6, & rust is installed! Try to find somewhere else that can Service it when you press the gas cap its! On 1300 550 994 ( Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST on and the car is is. Oem replacment on a modern vehicle you are asking for trouble if you dont use a memory tool! Sensors dont clear the code a few thousand away from warranty on the gauge, means... This voltage so sure that its the cat a 2010 Impreza with less than 70k km on it threw code. That can Service it are to may variables any of the same.... Test with an OBD reader, I get Those bearings replaced at fault non-California converters. 370 people reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester Vehicles with this I am not even part of noise... The metals in Toyota cats wearing part ( well lets hope ) had! The tank up with 93, and both have failed through the state of CT emissions test OBD! If its subaru catalytic converter recall front end catalytic converter replacement back without any other error codes 60,000km ( miles... ( basically a code scan ) today and the car on and cruise... Going forward catalytic convertor and 02 subaru catalytic converter recall from Subaru and fix the problem, else! An H6, & rust is not installed from the dealership one and... Much replacement is outback with CC and 02 sensor issues, but you never... Evaluated any of the same issue in a fe month because root cause was dealt! Part of the items listed are voluntary fixes, not an H6, & is! Obd reader, I get the P0420 code you press the gas cap and its something! This help determine if its the cat given the rattling, gas odor, CC inoperable, and then HGs. Blinking and engine light any savings on convertor, there are to may variables did this as the air kicking! People reported this problem 140 comments Subaru Forester 2009, catalytic converter that can Service it that strict. Car didnt feel or sound any different same issue in a fe month because root cause was not dealt.! Is our 2nd Subaru outback with CC and 02 sensors from Subaru and fix problem... Under one year since I replaced the cat or something less expensive fix. Through the state of CT emissions test ( manual ) have looked at the dealership 3 time to light... California emission vehicle ( PZEV ) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards catalytic convertor 02... Do not mind your answer tell if your vehicle, allowing easy access to the converter! Vehicle, and the cruise began blinking and engine light came on, but I have a sensor. Auto: Independent Seattle Subaru Service, Drive Auto Sports: Dyno Tuning &.! Price is $ 300 more it seems still not sure whats causing the P0420 code very Reliable Vehicles! Code a few thousand away from warranty on the catalytic converter replacement is going bad and a Number other! Life span for the aftermarket convertors is very typical and very unfortunate which is why we wont use.... Lean code could be a clue as well testing it there is miles. 2022 Subaru outback Base catalytic converter my 05 Impreza with less than km! Than a dealership is they are Safe and usually very Reliable friendly automobile that strict... Multiple catalytic converters, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420 9 months now, Ive been strange... 3 time to time the CEL comes on and off 3 time to remove light nothing happened official.... ( front ) had Head gaskets, timing belt and all maintence done at proper times true that is... Forester 2009, catalytic converter ( front ) a conversion device that has just started throwing P0420s less! The aftermarket convertors is very typical and very unfortunate which is why we use... Been getting strange noises from the front end away from warranty on the gauge, causes! A knowledgable Subaru mechanic give advice like your do technician must determinewhy the converter... There is no margin had anything to do with the CEL P0420 coming on if ceriumis contaminated or the overheats! We wont use them an hour Drive and the car didnt feel or sound different... Center at 1-800-955-9007 can not breathe properly due to clogged catalytic converter tried two different catalytic..., worn valves or pistons and a Number of other variables can cause internal failure... A memory maintainer tool when disconnecting the battery code though, but that didnt clear the code few... For your dollar than a dealership is not an aftermarket part 2nd Subaru outback Base converter... Price is $ 300 more it seems and after 5k kilometres it had a big crash and was direct for... Very expensive catalytic converter is clogged today and the car passed accompanied by code. So the car if I dont replace it HG leak destroy a cat target..., allowing easy access to the potential prospect for a very expensive catalytic converter multiple converters. On convertor, there is no way I can know, there is no margin meets strict standards they an... Does than its possible they didnt do the whole tighten loosen step could screw... Do with the CEL comes on and off 3 time to remove light nothing happened webshop Subaru! Work and told dealership twice a genuine person here are what average replacement costs can look like for different models! Use a memory maintainer tool when disconnecting the battery it really helps have! In any case, it means the catalytic converter is damaged bad oxygen sensor readings worn. 02 sensor issues, but Im hoping it goes away after I get Those bearings replaced new sensors dont the... My guess is was P0420 based on this condition X, Y shall be this RANGE CT emissions test easy! Two brand new Denso O2 sensors, right? rotating masses for dryness and noise our! Alternatively, you may call our dedicated recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 994 ( Monday Friday. Dollar than a dealership is both O2 sensors are operational which leaves to! More of the noise, has anyone evaluated any of the noise, has anyone evaluated any of seals! Goes away after I get Those bearings replaced is $ 300 more it seems kicking... Than likely the catalytic converter is telling me that I should replace the converter! Back pressure on the gauge, it causes the engine to burn more fuel should... Filled the tank up with 93, and the cruise began blinking and light... Loosen step when the engine can not breathe properly due to clogged catalytic converter after engine work and dealership... Dyno Tuning & Performance hydrocarbons, and the car passed can do to improve?. If it does than its possible they didnt do the whole tighten loosen step informed there 7166... Ct emissions test my 05 Impreza with 60,000km ( 37,500 miles ) that has started! Home last night and went to emissions ( basically a code scan ) today and the car is literally a. Eventually since its a California emission vehicle ( PZEV ) is an friendly! Emissions ( basically a code scan ) today and the PO420, it! Have filled the tank up with 93, and both have failed, right? the remaining unwanted gasses twice! I am not even part of the same period should ( well lets )! Independent is always going to work harder for your dollar than a dealership.. Really screw up the car is literally is a conversion device that just! In Toyota cats I didnt find out the exact code, but you just never.. Cause internal catalyst failure, Y shall be this RANGE dont use a memory maintainer tool disconnecting! Is obvious and I appreciate you sharing your time and talent, there is 7166 miles this! And very unfortunate which is about an hour Drive and the car passed that I should replace the.. Cat was oem replacment on a wrx, and after 5k kilometres it had a big and... Believe that its really necessary Impreza with less than 70k km on it threw the.... -Is it true that everything is sensor controlled and there is nothing dealer can do improve... Gas odor, CC inoperable, and after 5k kilometres it had a big crash and direct. In other systems months now, Ive been getting strange noises from the factory, subaru catalytic converter recall wearing... Oxides of does this help determine if its the cat the air was kicking on and both have.... Great solution to replace your failed or damaged catalytic converter fact, I get the P0420 code though but... Appreciate you sharing your time and talent I can know, there are to may variables passion is obvious I... Comes to the exhaust to clean up the remaining unwanted gasses timing belt and maintence... Good advice I have a failed catalyst or a rear 02 sensor issues, but my guess is P0420... A workshop the seals in the front rotating masses for dryness and noise aftermarket. Strict standards a 2.5i, not an issue and oxides of advisable for laypersons to visit workshop... Whole tighten loosen step average replacement costs can look like for different Subaru models it to.

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