P0420 Trouble code and dealer resolution

[Danno]

A week or so ago me check engine light came on. Code was P0420, an
issue with the catalytic converter. I brought it to the local Subaru
expert in town. They advised that the catalytic converter was bad and
needed to be replaced (though at this point I don't know what they did
to diagnose). Took it to the dealer to presumably have the catalytic
converter replaced under warranty.

When I picked up the car, they had not replaced the converter. They
reset the code, road tested, and the light did not come back on. They
advised that this is how Subaru tells them to handle the problem. They
did say that if the light came back on, they would replace the
catalytic converter.

Sooooo... my question is whether or not this is reasonable and/or
standard procedure. If it is, I won't worry too much about it for
now !

Thanks,
Dan

 

[bigjim]

Sounds reasonable to me. I had a code for a low fuel level or
something one time. Dealer reset it and it hasnt been back for three
years. Seems like these codes can get triggered for no reason.
Unless your warranty is near its end I wouldnt worry. If there is a
real problem the code will be triggered again and you'll get new
converter.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

A week or so ago me check engine light came on. Code was P0420, an
issue with the catalytic converter. I brought it to the local Subaru
expert in town. They advised that the catalytic converter was bad and
needed to be replaced (though at this point I don't know what they did
to diagnose). Took it to the dealer to presumably have the catalytic
converter replaced under warranty.

When I picked up the car, they had not replaced the converter. They
reset the code, road tested, and the light did not come back on. They
advised that this is how Subaru tells them to handle the problem. They
did say that if the light came back on, they would replace the
catalytic converter.

Sooooo... my question is whether or not this is reasonable and/or
standard procedure. If it is, I won't worry too much about it for
now !

Thanks,
Dan

I'd say the dealership is being prudent at this point (good for
them!)What is the mileage and condition of the car?

Carl

 

[Danno]

I'd say the dealership is being prudent at this point (good for
them!)What is the mileage and condition of the car?

Carl

Thanks for the replies. The mileage is 74K so I have about 6K left on
the 80K emissions warranty. Condition of the car is pretty good. It is
an 04 Outback that I bought with relatively high miles, but I have
taken care of it and I drive relatively few miles (5k per yr).

I also had a coupon for a free service clinic while there so all was
not lost.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Thanks for the replies. The mileage is 74K so I have about 6K left on
the 80K emissions warranty. Condition of the car is pretty good. It is
an 04 Outback that I bought with relatively high miles, but I have
taken care of it and I drive relatively few miles (5k per yr).

I also had a coupon for a free service clinic while there so all was
not lost.

To me, it seems more likely the front O2 sensor could be 'beginning' to
get 'lazy' than a bad converter. A good tech should be able to scope the
sensors. the front one usually goes first(more heat and untreated
gasses), it's readings are compared to the rear one - after the
converter - and any out of range readings would mean the cat 'system' is
broken. So a )420 code does not really point to JUST the coverter. Just
before the light came on had you had any odd service or use of the car?
Driven to a different altitude, used a gas additive or needed a
jumpstart, etc. ? Could just be a one-off glitch. If the cat. conv.
system IS bad, the light will come back.

Carl

 

[Frank]

Thanks for the replies. The mileage is 74K so I have about 6K left on
the 80K emissions warranty. Condition of the car is pretty good. It is
an 04 Outback that I bought with relatively high miles, but I have
taken care of it and I drive relatively few miles (5k per yr).

I also had a coupon for a free service clinic while there so all was
not lost.

I would want to make sure that car passed your local emissions
inspection. I know of a dealer - non-Subaru - that disconnected a light
because he could not find source of why it came on.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I would want to make sure that car passed your local emissions
inspection. I know of a dealer - non-Subaru - that disconnected a light
because he could not find source of why it came on.

That light should be 'tested' before starting, along with the oil, abs, etc.

Carl