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My 1995 Subaru has TWO catalytic converters, so when the ...

Sent to Car Experts May 26 2006 at 5:35 PM
   

My 1995 Subaru has TWO catalytic converters, so when the "check engine" light comes on, neither we nor the shop with the error code reader can tell which one to replace.They are both spendy Subaru parts. Without buying both, what should we do next??

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $20
Info Request
May 26 2006 at 5:46 PM (10 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
What model subaru and engine size and if you have code # would be helpful?
Bill -- mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 98 Car Accepts
mechanic since 1976
Reply
May 26 2006 at 6:28 PM (41 minutes and 42 seconds later)
         
Reply to Bill's Post: 1995 Subaru Legacy Stn. Wgn. 4 Cyl = 135 cu. in.
Code P0420 Cat. Efficiency Bank 1.
Downstream O2 sensor tests good. No exhaust leaks upstream. Recommend remove/inspect both cats. Est Rear Cat. $737, Front $469 Labot $65
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 26 2006 at 7:01 PM (32 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
There are acouple of things to check one is the o2 next is to check cats with a pyrometer rear should be hotter than front, then remove upstream o2 and put in pressure gauge are you running in excess of 1lb of pressure. Is there a drive issue with this or is it just engine light?
Bill -- mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 98 Car Accepts
mechanic since 1976
Answer
May 27 2006 at 1:32 AM (6 hours and 31 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

The code is telling you the problem is with the Bank one converter which is the passenger side. It's not a restriction problem your looking for but an inefficiency problem so the temp of the converters won't be much help.

Don't be too surprised if the other one isn't too far behind though. Both converters have been used the same amount and been subjected to the same conditions.



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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2719 Car Accepts
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May 27 2006 at 11:30 AM (9 hours and 58 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
Reply to Bill's Post: tWO ISSUES FOR MY HUSBAND, the light being on most (but not ALL) of the time, means we won't know when some other error code is there, and for me, it is the drop in mileage of about 3 mpg once is started!! -- Joan and Ed
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 27 2006 at 6:45 PM (7 hours and 14 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
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Bill -- mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 98 Car Accepts
mechanic since 1976
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May 28 2006 at 2:30 AM (7 hours and 45 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         
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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2719 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
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