'01 Forester Cat converter question

I think these are illegal. There is some federal law prohibiting tampering with emmissions controls systems and catalytic converters fall under this. Get a new one, there are plenty of inexpensive generics.

M.J.

Recently saw someone else post the same question except he got a dealer quote...$2500. More then likely there is nothing wrong with the convertor. More likely just the fron O2 sensor needs replaced.

Can't legally purchase a used convertor so that option is out. just replace the front sensor.

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Good post/advice. The system has only one way to 'suggest' a bad converter and it is a change in readings between the 'upstream' and 'downstream' O2 sensors. A bad or 'lazy' sensor can (and usually will) trigger a cat. conv. type failure code. The upstream converters also begin getting old between

70K-120K miles or so. less if the car has ever had a problem where it ran 'rich' or leaked coolant. I'd be tempted to clear the code once or twice and monitor how quickly it returns. And find a mechanic who will scope the O2 sensors to see if they are switching in the right range.

Carl

Hi, Wasn't there a bad sensor recall TSB around that year?

Do you have the exact code? I would Google it and see exactly what it means. Codes should not 'point' to something, they are usually specific enough to tell you exactly what is wrong. Also, check your warranty book, emissions equipment warranties are generally longer than the basic warranty. You may be covered.

Dan D '99 Impreza 2.5 RS (son's) Central NJ USA

Dan, Waiting to hear back from my daughter now. She left me a message that she dropped it off at the mechanic but didn't have an update as to what they found yet.

Thanks for the response. Jon

Carl, Great advice but my daughter already put the car in the shop.

Hopefully they'll just find a faulty O2 sensor. Jon

Yikes! Almost swallowed my tongue there.

Must light candles to the bad O2 sensor gods! Jon

Most Warranties run for 8/80K whichever comes 1st

Replace the front O2 sensor first. More then likely that is the problem, not the convertor.

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I was hoping there was an extended warranty on the emission system. I've had

2 Hondas that had their emission systems warranty extended due to early production problems (for all owners that year). My local dealer says it isn't. Hey, It was worth a shot.

Jon

Carl, The mechanic couldn't find anything wrong so he just reset the code. He did a 90k maintenance which included new plugs, filters and fluids. She's put ~150 miles on it since then with no recurrence.

Also, Thanks to everyone for their advice and suggestions. You folks were a big help.

Regards, Jon