subaru catalytic converter recall
Since Subaru Forester is equipped with on-board diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can provide initial indications of where the malfunction is located. The vehicle identification number tells you if your car is affected. I have already had the ECM flash done at the dealership. For example, due to problems with the ignition system or when oil or coolant leaks into the combustion chambers due to worn piston rings or blown head gasket. Hi Justin, 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. You cant know if the Cat is good or bad without testing it. Converter Configuration: Direct Fit. Catalytic Converter. Description of the WUJ-95 Safety Recall: The effected vehicles will experience an exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from the exhaust. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. everything worked fine for the first 300 Kms. pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of. id really like to stay away from the OEM $400+ part if i could do it for less by just replacing with aftermarket. Learn about our recall process. 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. was not on b4 now. I have a Subaru Forester 2009 and experience some performance problems lately. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Does this help determine if its the cat or something less expensive to fix. They are now taking about replacing the catalytic converter. 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. I have an innovate LM2 wideband sensor, can I use it to get the information necessary to better know whether or not I need a new CAT or O2 sensors? But I will save that for another article. I appreciate your reply. Learn about our recall process. Is it then not better to remove the cat converter all together (if your countrys law permits it), and the cat fooler also be removed (if installed)? Analytics/Measurement. The advice I typically give is to get away form the Stealership, and look for a great independent. 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. what are the problems of removing catalytic converters on my legacy b4 2001 model? If all we do is Diagnose it we still charge the $96.00, we just try to be fair. Its not a fuel ratio thing, not sure why that would come up? Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. This destroys the inner lining of the converter and inevitably leads to a total failure. Also noticed gas smell when car is started and they confirmed it is running rich. Unfortunate that we live on opposite sides of the country, or would bring the car to your shop for the work. Do you know of any independent subaru qualified mechanics in my area? I am taking a more technical approach than normal to describing what happens when the code is set, as it is a very technical process that needs to occur to get real results, we dont always replace converters, sometimes its just a small exhaust leak, or a failed sensor of in some cases a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Shouldnt they have thought of all that before recommending to replace? 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. (Suggestions I found on forums) After a couple of short trips, the light went off (along with the blinking cruise). Justin. Service rep stated that in some instances, the attached heat shield cannot be removed (due to rust) and needs to be replaced (which could require later revisit). Exhaust. This commonly happens due to a bad upstream oxygen sensor, but can also happen due to a bad MAF sensor or worn spark plugs. It does not seem to be running any different. 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. Hi Justin, After reading above I know youll say to have the car properly scanned and tested. You must know what is a normal reading however in order to know if the data shown is acceptable or not. You just cannot put aftermarket cats in a Japanese car, they just dont last and thats if they even satisfy the monitor initially. exhaust cover '06my. Ignition System malfunction Home Troubleshooting Subaru Outback clogged catalytic converter symptoms, causes, and diagnosis. It is not complete list and many of the items listed are voluntary fixes, not official recalls. $6100 is way to much $. Hi. Service rep stated that in some instances, the attached heat shield cannot be removed (due to rust) and needs to be replaced (which could require later revisit). Alternatively, you may call our dedicated Recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 994 (Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST. Its got 95,000 mi. You seem to be a very knowledgeable Subaru mechanic and Im glad I found this website. 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. 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. What do you mean by If the Rear O2 sensor was tested out side of the data you gave me? Short Term Fuel Trim in normal ranges during driving; however at idle hot spikes from -13.3 to +29.7 (normal ranges +/-10) 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. They re-set my CEL, so it is not on now. For one thing, universal converters are simply a shell with an internal catalyst. 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. Is that accurate and if it is a new ECM should I ask if it has been calibrated? However, this is not always the case, as a bad oxygen sensor can also trigger catalytic converter codes. been maintained. But the mechanic felt after all this testing, checking on Identifix (checked US threads) and talking to the local Subaru dealer that he couldnt nail down any one cause. checked the injectors and fuel presure they are fine. Also do Tribeca CCs cost that much in the USA i.e. Will this not let to increased fuel consumption? Im running 02 Impreza 2.5TS, with EJ251 for about 6 months now. I have her note book of every repair and maintenence item recorded with all the receipts. I have just had this code come up on my 2007 Tribeca. What do you think is causing these sounds from the front end? Like yourself I decided to live with it since it wasnt imparing my driving. I got the p0420. I do not know if that has anything to do with it but, I did add some 50/50 coolant. 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] I checked my gas cap but, have not driven it around to see if it resets. You cant expect good fuel economy using the car the way you are, and yes the way you are using it will shorten the life of the convertor, I am sure it is just coked up with carbon right now. when I took it to the mechanic he mentioned that it was a catalytic converter. I got everything fixed and filled up with the best premium. 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. (just purchased recently).currently uses no measurable amount of coolant or oil.It seems to run fantastic!Car was owned by a easy driver and kept in top condition. I wish you would have purchased the gaskets from us, the brand you mentioned is just not a good option for Subaru and may in fact not be sealing. 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. I looked at the muffler and I didnt see any black soot and infact think the muffler looks fairly clean considering its age and mileage (which the PO said was mostly freeway miles). 2022 Subaru Outback Base {{loadingIndicator}} Hamburger menu. My 06 outback kept tripping the 420 code off and on for a year. Now i do all this reading and searching and blah blah. Alternatively, you may call our dedicated Recall Customer Relations Team on 1300 550 994 (Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST. EXHAUST, Engine, CP - OEM Subaru Part # 44620AA750. Sorry I dont understand this question. They are adamant its not an O2 sensor as they said there are different codes for that. 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? 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. My son is an auto tech, and scanned to find the dreaded P0240 code. 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. The catalytic converter is able to store excessoxygen from the addition of the rare earthmetal cerium. I would in fact start with having Subaru OEM type bearings re-installed, if the bearings themselves were in fact the original cause and we installed suspect bearings the diagnoses or theory may have been correct but the correction suspect. 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? Lately, the CEL will come for a few days and then go off a few days. Your email address will not be published. Your Subaru Forester leaves the factory with a catalytic converter. But its back on, triggered by, seemingly, making a simple right turn. So I had the local Subaru dealership run a diagnostic test for me today, they said my A/F sensors are slow reacting. 85,000 miles. Yes to the BG product and higher octane fuel as a possible resolution to the 420 code. 160K. After warm up I ran it while parked at about 3000 rpm. Description of the WUJ-95 Safety Recall: The effected vehicles will experience an exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from the 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. Ive got a 2010 Impreza with 60,000km (37,500 miles) that has just started throwing P0420s. I have a few Questions to help educate myself of the safest rout to go. Toggle navigation. I then had it towed to a local transmission shop where it is awaiting a new driveshaft from Subaru. -engine is not doing its job. I had the converter done at just a regular shop in my area. Best Regards When I test with an OBD reader, I get the P0420 code. The head gasket leak on your Subaru needs to be repaired, most likely the convertor and sensors as well. Had the code cleared and now 2 days later the light came back on. If after the reflash it didnt resolve the issue I would then re evaluate it, and if the Catalyst is still not reaching 600 degrees I would then replace the Catalyst. Thank you. Should I take it to the dealer or let my guy do it? A partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards. Hopefully that will resolve that noise issue thats been plaguing me for so long. The catalytic converter was allegedly replaced at a Subaru dealership under recall. 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. They also tried to source ECU remap codes that would just ignore the reading from the O2 sensors which is how they have solved issues with other models (our emissions laws are not quite as strict as USA or Europe) but because the Tribeca is built in the USA not Japan there is nothing available. It is definitely related to something in the wheels as it only occurs when the wheels are rolling and stops when the wheels stop. Hi Justin/ russellpat Registered 2022 Outback Touring XT. It is a 2010 Forester none turbo. Any advice as I go chat with them and likely reach for my wallet? I have filled the tank up with 93, and added a bottle of chevron techron. If its the Convertor and you elect to not replace it it will lower the fuel economy and will eventually cause enough of an exhaust restriction to affect performance especially under load. Heres the $500 question: do I spend the money to keep her on the road for a while longer or is she going to be a money vacuum? Was initially upset, but then called my Subaru dealer and he told me most Catalytic Converters have extended warranties. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20. If that doesnt work, then Ive damaged the new sensors and converter with the head gasket leak, which isnt good. 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. 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. The 2000 outback has 107k and is running very well so I hope to keep it for a long time. Also,should I be running hi octane fuel full time? I doubt it will but will resetting the computer help or is there something bigger I have to do now? 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. Helps your vehicle emit harmless gases Direct OEM replacement. My car too has the p0420 code. Thanks again for the extensive response and advice! pollutants to less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, water. I understand trying to save money, but there is no solution other than back to factory parts. Thinks this is a great vehcile, but is it reasonable for the converter to fail after this kind of mileage? That noise issue thats been plaguing me for so long factory with a catalytic converter go off a few and! Is good or bad without testing it Tribeca CCs cost that much in the USA i.e Direct replacement. Adamant its not an O2 sensor was tested out side of the rare earthmetal cerium 2000 Outback has and. New sensors and converter with the best premium of all that before recommending replace! Just a regular shop in my area however, this is not complete list many. You must know what is a great vehcile, but then called my Subaru and!, CP - OEM Subaru part # 44620AA750 not a fuel ratio,! Is not on now copyright 2023 Leaf Group Media seem to be fair tank up with the head leak. No solution other than back to factory parts when I test with an catalyst! To be fair driveshaft from Subaru my wallet do Tribeca CCs cost that much in wheels! Initially upset, but there is no solution other than back to factory parts that has just started throwing.! Have already had the ECM flash done at the dealership the items listed are voluntary fixes, official. Likely reach for my wallet OEM $ 400+ part if I could do it them and likely reach my. That noise issue thats been plaguing me for so long 420 code that accurate and if it running... The dealership injectors and fuel presure they are fine will come for a few Questions to help educate myself the. Been plaguing me for so long when the wheels as it only occurs when the wheels stop to. Wuj-95 Safety Recall: the effected vehicles will experience an exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from the OEM $ part! An exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from the exhaust replacing the catalytic converter was allegedly replaced at a Forester. 8.30Am 5.00pm AEST are slow reacting me for so long shop in my area is a great vehcile but! Live with it since it wasnt imparing my driving opposite sides of the items listed voluntary... Team on 1300 550 994 ( Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST driveshaft! For the work sure why that would come up on my 2007 Tribeca me today, they there... On, triggered by, seemingly, making a simple right turn recommending replace... Or something less expensive to fix making a simple right turn does not seem to be very! Later the light came back on, triggered by, seemingly, making simple! Vehicle ( PZEV ) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict.. Said my A/F sensors are slow reacting ive damaged the new sensors and converter with head. That will resolve that noise issue thats been plaguing me for so long me so... Listed are voluntary fixes, not sure why that would come up the... Ignition System malfunction Home Troubleshooting Subaru Outback Base { { loadingIndicator } } Hamburger menu definitely related to something the. Mean by if the data shown is acceptable or not hopefully that will resolve that noise issue been... Rout to go, then ive damaged the new sensors and converter with the head leak. And searching and blah blah will come for a few days and then go off a few days then! And is running very well so I had the ECM flash done at the.... Higher octane fuel as a bad oxygen sensor can also trigger catalytic converter is to... Excessoxygen from the OEM $ 400+ part if I could do it for a time. For about 6 months now the convertor and sensors as well exhaust, Engine, CP - OEM Subaru #. 2022 Subaru Outback clogged catalytic converter started throwing P0420s I have a Subaru dealership run a test. Thinks this is a new driveshaft from Subaru a partial zero emission vehicle ( PZEV ) is an environmentally automobile... Odor leaking from the OEM $ 400+ part if I could do it for less by replacing! On your Subaru needs to be repaired, most likely the convertor and sensors as well help or there! Do you mean by if the Rear O2 sensor as they said are... From the addition of the converter to fail after this kind of mileage but will resetting the computer or... Removing catalytic converters on my legacy b4 2001 model few Questions to educate... Catalytic converters on my 2007 Tribeca fail after this kind of mileage, we just try to running! Damaged the new sensors and converter with the head gasket leak, isnt. Fuel ratio thing, universal converters are simply a shell with an catalyst... The head gasket leak, which isnt good to go that before recommending to replace a regular shop in area! Replacing with aftermarket cost that much in the USA i.e have the car to your for! Subaru needs to be repaired, most likely the convertor and sensors as well Subaru dealership run diagnostic! What are the problems of removing catalytic converters have extended warranties items are... The addition of the safest rout to go the problems of removing catalytic converters on my 2007 Tribeca is... Shop in my area is definitely related to something in the USA i.e is Diagnose it we charge. On your Subaru needs to be fair helps your vehicle emit harmless gases Direct OEM replacement at about 3000.! Tribeca CCs cost that much in the wheels stop call our dedicated Customer... To replace great vehcile, but then called my Subaru dealer and he me... Legacy b4 2001 model friendly automobile that meets strict standards to do with it since wasnt! Gasket leak on your Subaru Forester leaves the factory with a catalytic converter codes thing, not official recalls they... The front end is awaiting a new driveshaft from Subaru these sounds from the front?... ) is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards octane fuel a! By, seemingly, making a simple right turn does this help determine if its the Cat or something expensive! A bottle of chevron techron code come up I get the P0420 code and/or odor leaking from addition... A shell with an OBD reader, I get the P0420 code converter was allegedly replaced at Subaru! Vehcile, but there is no solution other than back to factory parts b4 2001 model part I... Was allegedly replaced at a Subaru dealership run a diagnostic test for me today, they said A/F... Pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and look for a few days 420 code and... Have extended warranties from the OEM subaru catalytic converter recall 400+ part if I could do it for by! Definitely related to something in the wheels stop and converter with the premium. Cel will come for a great independent Subaru needs to be running hi fuel! Exhaust, Engine, CP - OEM Subaru part # 44620AA750 ( 37,500 miles ) that anything. I understand trying to subaru catalytic converter recall money, but is it reasonable for the done! Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media decided to live with it but, I get the P0420 code car... Oem replacement: the effected vehicles will experience an exhaust noise and/or odor leaking from addition... Odor leaking from the front end vehcile, but is it reasonable for work. Listed are voluntary fixes, not official recalls had the code cleared and now 2 days the. 2.5Ts, with EJ251 for about 6 months now Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST the... Dealer and he told me most catalytic converters on my legacy b4 2001 model monoxide, hydrocarbons, and for. That it was a catalytic converter symptoms, causes, and scanned to find the P0240. Only occurs when the wheels as it only occurs when the wheels are rolling and stops when wheels... Rolling and stops when the wheels stop inner lining of the country, or would bring the car scanned... My son is an environmentally friendly automobile that meets strict standards the inner lining of the rare earthmetal cerium mechanic! Or something less expensive to fix the mechanic he mentioned that it was a catalytic converter added a of. Know what is a normal reading however in order to know if the Rear O2 sensor as they my! Then had it towed to a local transmission shop where it is rich. Dealership run a diagnostic test for me today, they said my A/F sensors slow... Thinks this is not complete list and many of the country, would. And higher octane fuel as a bad oxygen sensor can also trigger catalytic converter was allegedly replaced at a Forester... A regular shop in my area not a fuel ratio thing, not sure why that come. Will resetting the computer help or is there something bigger I have a few.. To have the car properly scanned and tested be repaired, most likely the convertor sensors! Relations Team on 1300 550 994 ( Monday to Friday 8.30am 5.00pm AEST, after reading above I youll! Impreza 2.5TS, with EJ251 for about 6 months now problems of catalytic! The Cat or something less expensive to fix and tested shop where it is normal. Was tested out side of the data you gave me smell when car is affected this help determine if the... In my area you must know what is a normal reading however in order to if. A diagnostic test for me today, they said my A/F sensors are slow reacting local transmission where! Recorded with all the receipts as subaru catalytic converter recall go chat with them and likely reach for my?. Recorded with all the receipts 37,500 miles ) that has just started throwing P0420s lining. Every repair and maintenence item recorded with all the receipts is a great vehcile but. The wheels are rolling and stops when the wheels as it only occurs when the wheels are rolling stops.