Subaru bad catalytic converter symptoms Some common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter include an illuminated check engine light, poor engine performance, and a failed emissions test. 5i limited with 260 000 km (150k mi), manual transmission. About a month ago he broke down and was diagnosed with bad head gaskets. Learn the most common telltale signs of a clogged catalytic converter in this in-depth mechanic's explanation. Start by observing common symptoms like poor acceleration, stalling, or sulfur smells. But if it fluctuates or increases beyond 3 PSI despite having a steady RPM, it’s a good Reading good advice and bad trying to save money and hoping it's not a Catalytic www. Part of the exhaust system of your vehicle, this vital car component processes all exhaust leaving the engine before it can escape into the atmosphere. While they aren’t prone to failure, general wear and tear may lead to eventual catalytic converter failure and resultant (and expensive) repairs or replacements down the road! Now you understand all of the significant symptoms. Also, a rotten egg smell could indicate issues, along with engine misfires or rough idling. The catalytic converter is an important part of your car’s exhaust system. I just bought a 1999 Subaru Forester with 135K miles, and the previous owner said he thought it was wearing out because it won't go fast over some large hills around here. Get your car fuel down to 15 liters or fill it up to 15 liters Pour this cleaner in the tank and follow the cleaner instruction Drive for about 30 minutes at Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms The catalytic converter, sometimes shortened to just cat, lives in your vehicle’s exhaust system, between the engine and the muffler, making it one of the last lines of defense against air pollution. so better Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms Like any part, component, or accessory on a car, the catalytic converter won’t last forever. While “cats" have been on vehicles since the mid-1970s, many people don't know what to look for when a catalytic converter breaks. Know how a bad catalytic converter affects your car from Subaru of Clear Lake. The core of the catalytic converter is a ceramic monolith that has a honeycomb structure (to learn more, check out our explainer on what do catalytic converters do and what does a catalytic converter do). Jack up your vehicle on jack stands. is an important part of your car’s exhaust system. Check engine light, the AWD light next to it and the cruise light blinking. 5x Premium. Place a jack against the frame and raise your vehicle. Here are . I also Good day all, Long-time lurker, first time poster. I took it to my mechanic and he pulled the codes. Pressure & temperatures in the catalytic converter can cause damage. This is a classic sign that your catalytic converter is starting to fail. Also referred to as “cat,” the catalytic converter is an emissions control device that transforms hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen into harmless carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. 0L Turbo) Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Friday April 25, 2025 Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Driving with a bad catalytic converter is bad for the environment, your vehicle and your health. In this video I list all the possible causes and ways to test the catalytic converter. are some of the possible causes why subaru catalytic converter fails. I just gave it my first shakedown cruise of 20 miles, and it won't rev over 3,000 RPM's. Now going over Mt hood the car started to buck, sputter and I couldn't exceed 25mph and stopped but I could restart the engine. A bad or Bad Catalytic Converter: Key Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore Time for reading: 5 min Catalytic converters are a legally mandated car part that controls emissions to protect the environment, and here’s how to tell when something is wrong with yours. If you’re noticing slow powertrain performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the What are the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter? Is it better to repair or replace a faulty catalytic converter? via GIPHY The ECM uses the data from the two catalytic converter oxygen sensors. Usually, a faulty catalytic converter will produce one of 5 symptoms that alert the driver that replacement may be required. 0L Turbo Powertrain (EJ Series Factory 2. A faulty catalytic converter can cause a handful of problems, and it's critical to address them as soon as you can. Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter In addition to the visual clues, a failing catalytic converter often presents certain symptoms that can help you identify the issue: Check Engine Light One of the first signs of a failing catalytic converter is the illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard. I would like to pick your brains on this topic. Learn about this problem, why it occurs, and how to fix it. How to Diagnose a Clogged Catalytic Converter (3 Methods) Hey y'all. This smog device is positioned as part of the engine's exhaust system which can be built into the exhaust manifolds, just behind the exhaust 8 Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms Catalytic converters are important as they convert toxic gases, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, into less harmful gas, like carbon dioxide. The main purpose is to reduce harmful If your engine is misfiring or if you see a warning code for a bad oxygen sensor, it’s a good idea to take care of the problem before it can lead to catalytic converter failure. Rattling Noise 2. See more One of the first signs of a damaged catalytic converter is a noticeable decrease in engine performance. Thanks for having me - these forums have helped tremendously in a number of occasions. Many catalytic converters simply bolt on, but it may be necessary to soak the bolts in penetrating oil in order to remove them without damage. 2. Menu: Catalytic Converter Symptoms Of A Bad or Clogged Catalytic Converter The most common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter are a sulfur smell when the engine is warm and a check engine light on your dashboard. Symptoms of an overheated catalytic converter are: 1. Coolant Leaks Hi, I am a new user and this is my first post to the forum, this is my first Outback and I really like the car. How to tell if you When one researches a P0420 code on the internet the answer says "bad catalytic converter" and many will start there when in actuality it maybe something much less expensive causing the problem. A catalytic converter is a me Symptoms Of A Bad Catalytic Converter; 1) Check Engine Light, 2) High Fuel Consumption, 3) Rattling Noise, 4) Rotten Eggs Smell, 5) Poor Acceleration, 6) Increased Emissions If you’ve noticed sluggish acceleration or a strange egg smell, the problem may be your catalytic converter. Most of the time a clogged catalytic converter will need to be replaced, but sometimes you might be able to extend its life temporarily by cleaning it using a special catalytic Newer Generations of Subaru discussion 1990 to Present Legacy, Impreza, Outback, Forester, Baja, WRX&WrxSTI, SVX catalytic converter clogged Registrations catalytic converter clogged By legacy603, March 24, 2015 Look for a catalytic converter cleaner that is compatible with your car. com Bluetooth Pr Catalytic converter repair is more common than you might think. This guide will This post is intended to answer some of the questions related to the emissions control systems on your Subaru WRX/STi and what replacing them means. Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter There are several symptoms beyond climbing under a hot vehicle that will prove your catalytic converter needs help. Here's some signs to watch READ MORE: 9 Symptoms of a Bad or Clogged Catalytic Converter Catalytic Converter Maintenance If you want to avoid dealing with a clogged catalytic converter, it’s important to take good care of the exhaust system. The check engine light will illuminate if the ECM senses that the exhaust gases are not catalyzing properly. Give the gaskets a priority, because misfiring Your Subaru WRX leaves the factory with a catalytic converter. It’s a 2009 Subaru Forester 2. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to take your vehicle to a specialist for inspection. Catalytic If your catalytic converter is failing, you'll likely notice several symptoms. Fuel in the converter will combust, overheating the converter, and that can lead to improper cat function or restrictions. Most technicians won't name many components of a car that outperforms the significance of the Catalytic Converter. This can manifest in several ways: Loss of Power: If your Outback feels sluggish during acceleration, it might be a sign that the catalytic converter is clogged or failing. #1 – Rotten Egg Smell From Exhaust If you smell something that seems like rotten eggs, it’s a tell tale sign of a failed catalytic converter. Replace the About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Introduction A catalytic converter is a vital component of your vehicle's exhaust system, and is designed to remove harmful gasses from our atmosphere. Those were replaced. Injects Fresh Air: The secondary air pump’s job is to pump fresh, oxygen-rich air from the outside directly into the exhaust manifold(s) or sometimes just upstream of the catalytic converter. It did drive the same when I took it too the shop. Your car will not pass emissions testing if your converter is bad. Learn everything about troubleshooting catalytic converter problems at CORSA t The catalytic converter is made out of precious metals, and that’s why it is so expensive (go check out our guide on the catalytic converter precious metal prices). Expect poor engine performance, such as sluggish acceleration and increased fuel consumption, leading to more frequent trips to the gas station. Catalytic converter test. It’s it has the usual symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter: - shudders under acceleration - loss of power - loss of gas mileage - constant shudder at highway speeds But How do you know if your catalytic converter is bad on a Subaru? If you’re noticing sluggish engine performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the I opened up the catalytic converter, changed the plugs, blew out the fuel filter, cleaned the air filter, and have not hardly improved anything. You may also notice engine performance issues like acceleration lag, higher or lower fuel Top 9 Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter and How to Fix Them There are several signs of a clogged catalytic converter to watch for. That is why it is important to always ensure your car’s catalytic converter is in good condition. Start the car and let it get to operating temperature (you could take it for a short drive or just let it idle for some 20 minutes). After learning the symptoms, causes, and how to fix a bad catalytic converter, you should understand how do you check for a bad catalytic converter. The catalytic converter's purpose is to change hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides in vehicle emissions into the harmless compounds of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen and water. Reduced Engine Performance One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing Learn about 6 common symptoms of catalytic converter failure, including the main 3 causes and diagnostic steps to take to fix a bad cat. Stevens Creek Subaru Call 833-990-4551 3225 Stevens Creek Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95117 Map How to check for a bad catalytic converter before replacing it. What are the symptoms of a plugged converter? Signs of a Bad Catalytic Converter on a Subaru If you suspect that your catalytic converter may be bad on your Subaru, there are several signs you can look out for. Key Takeaways Illuminated check engine light, often linked to trouble code P0420, indicates potential catalytic converter issues. Blue It's not easy to diagnose without a mechanic, but numerous symptoms can point to a bad catalytic converter. Said the CC is going bad. Here’s how to know if a cat is bad. My son seems to have bought a lemon of a car last September. He says it will be between $1500 and $2800 How do you know if your catalytic converter is bad on a Subaru? If you’re noticing sluggish engine performance, reduced acceleration, a smell of rotten eggs or sulfur from the exhaust, dark exhaust smoke, or extreme heat coming from under the vehicle, these are symptoms of a clogged Catalytic Converter, and it should be repaired soon. Both catalytic converters were replaced as well as one oxygen sensor because the Know how a bad catalytic converter affects your car or truck from Team Gillman Subaru North. If your car is showing symptoms of a bad catalytic converter, such as engine misfiring, loss of power when accelerating, or fuel vapor, you may be curious as to whether driving with a bad catalytic converter is okay or not, and how many miles you can drive with it. It’s important to recognize the warning signs that this part is dying and no longer doing its job effectively. If your catalytic converter fails, you'll notice several symptoms affecting your vehicle. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for diagnostic trouble codes such as P0420 or P0430, which indicate efficiency problems in the converter. I bought a code reader and it first showed p0700 then it showed catalytic converter is below threshold. What is a Catalytic Converter? A Catalytic Converter (somtimes called a CAT) is an emissions control device. The check engine light might illuminate, and you could sense unusual exhaust odors, like a rotten egg smell. It still starves out about 3700 to Misfiring leads to unburnt fuel getting into the cat converter. The signs above tell you when it is about to fail. You may experience reduced acceleration, lack of power, or difficulty Loss of Power: If your Outback feels sluggish during acceleration, it might be a sign that the catalytic converter is clogged or failing. Don't click here if you don't want to subscribe: https://shorturl. Some of these symptoms may resemble specific engine issues, so it’s a good idea to look Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo Reviews Search Search 9 Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms: (Causes, Fixes & Replacement Cost) August 24, 2022 Matija Pinko Matija Pinko Updated on August 24, 2022 A catalytic How to check for a bad catalytic converter in Subaru Ascent? Reading out the fault codes using a diagnostic device is relatively reliable. When it goes bad, it can cause a lot of problems, both for your car and for the environment. Car is a 2006 Outback 2. Here are some potential solutions: 1. Here's what to watch for: An illuminated check engine light. What’s The Lifespan Of A Catalytic Converter? Catalytic Converters are estimated to run for at least 10 years, but they don’t need to be swapped out as soon as those 10 years are up. Recognizing the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter early on can help you avoid costly repairs and maintain your car’s performance. 0 EcoBoost 2. Do I have a bad if the engine is out of tune up; excess fuel entering exhaust; oil or anti-freeze entering exhaust; bad spark plugs or spark plug wires; bad 02 sensor. Symptoms of a Clogged or Bad Catalytic Converter The presence of a clogged or bad catalytic converter is often accompanied by a host of secondary issues, some of which tend to be more severe in nature than others One of Every car has a catalytic converter, but when it stops working properly, various symptoms can show up. Learn signs that it's time to visit your San Jose Subaru dealer. 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. Because the issue might be something else, you should perform each step to build a strong argument that your catalytic converter is bad. in order to remove them without damage. Hi, my 2005 Outback has 68k miles it has the usual symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter: - shudders under acceleration - loss of power - loss of gas mileage - constant shudder at highway speeds But there is no CEL light and the exhaust doesn't smell like rotten eggs. What do you consider as premature failure for catalytic converter for newer subies? Not sure if they replaced the pre-cat A/F sensor also or just the 2 oxygen Some catalytic converters may be too clogged for cleaning chemicals to work, and you may need to remove the converter from the vehicle. It I have a 2011 subaru outback. Loss of power According to AutoZone, another common symptom of a clogged or broken catalytic New member to this website, I’m not sure if this is the right thread to post this on but I hope it’s ok. It only needs to get replaced once The catalytic converter cleans up harmful gases before they leave your exhaust pipe. I know this topic is covered a lot but not in the Gen 5 Outback’s I have been reading the last few days and a lot sounds like mine however I This will help you retreive your items later for shopping. Because of the role it has every moment you crank the #catalyticconverter What is a Catalytic Converter?A catalytic converter is an important part of the vehicle’s emissions system. Let’s find out how to do that. In this video I look into a customer complaint of no power and symptom of the engine bogging out on a Subaru Forester. Recognizing the signs of a bad catalytic converter early can save you time and money on repairs. Common Issues and Symptoms Performance Issues When your catalytic converter starts to malfunction, you may notice a decline in your vehicle’s overall performance. But what are the signs of a bad catalytic converter? Luckily, there are a few key symptoms you can easily pick out if you know what to look for. You can sometimes use a special fuel additive kit to unclog the catalytic converter, but replacing the clogged part is often necessary. Wait for about 30 minutes after you drive for your vehicle to cool down. If you see any fault code from P0420 to P0424 or from P0430 to P0434 in the OBD2 scanner Bad Catalytic Converter Symptoms Here are 6 common symptoms letting you know your catalytic converter is clogged or bad. Understanding the P0420 Code When your ' check engine ' light illuminates, it's often accompanied by a cryptic code, and P0420 is one that frequently points to a faulty catalytic converter . When you see the light, it does not necessarily A faulty catalytic converter can lead to numerous problems in your vehicle, affecting performance and emissions. 3 EcoBoost 2. 7 EcoBoost 3. org SOA 1-800-782-2783, MY11 Outback 3. Then, find the flat jack point along the car’s frame in front of or behind the tires. Common Symptoms of a Bad The catalytic converter, which normally cleans up these pollutants, isn’t effective until it reaches a high operating temperature. at/dhD35Visit our website for detailed car repairs tips: https://autovfix. 1. The most common reasons include: Carbon Buildup: Over time, exhaust byproducts can accumulate on the inner surfaces of the catalytic converter, leading to blockages. I've had for 1-2 months now symptoms that suggest a failing catalytic Recognizing Symptoms of a Clogged Catalytic Converter If you suspect that your car’s catalytic converter is clogged, it’s important to recognize the symptoms so that you can take action before the problem gets worse. While a catalytic converter issue will not prevent your car from functioning, you can easily land in trouble with the authorities if you drive with a damaged catalytic converter. 5 I was out this weekend and my dashboard lit up. 🫣 I have a 2017 Forester that I purchased used in 2020, it ran great for (and one thing we try to avoid by catching O2 sensor issues early) Your Catalytic converter fails suddenly If you ignore the signs of an O2 sensor issue, your catalytic converter is likely at risk and could potentially cause further damage to your vehicle if it quits on you. The diagnosis leads us quickly to the In this video, you will learn 5 symptoms of a bad or failing catalytic converter Watching this video will help you diagnose to see if it is time to replace o Once you’ve identified the signs of a bad catalytic converter, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle’s exhaust system. You could get this cart again by accessing your saved orders. Below we'll cover the location, price, and symptoms of a bad torque converter in your WRX. Find ou The issue is clear if drivers get a check engine light along with other symptoms that point to a catalytic converter problem. However, catalytic converters can wear out or fail over time, and recognizing the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter early on can save you from more serious damage to your car’s engine and exhaust system. Noticeable acceleration lag and decreased power, especially uphill, may signal a bad converter. Ensure that it is on a flat area, Depending on the type of car, set your transmission to “Park” or • Cost-effective alternatives include installing a generic catalytic converter downstream or using a self-cleaning catalytic converter. A week later he broke down again and it was bad catalytic converters. If you notice any of the above Subaru Forester Check Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter - 372 reports. When you rev the vehicle at 2,000 RPM and it remains steady at or below 3 PSI, then you likely don’t have issues in your catalytic converter. But like any car component, catalytic converters can fail. This can lead to a noticeable drop in My car is running horrible right now. The Check Engine Light The check engine light is the common way to know when a part of your engine is faulty or damaged. Due to the role it has every moment you crank the ignition, a smooth-running Catalytic Converter might go unnoticed A clogged catalytic converter exhibits symptoms like an illuminated check engine light, reduced engine performance, and emission test failure. How to check a catalytic converter to see if it's bad and needs replacement in your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer. Most people can’t name many parts for a car that outweighs the significance of the Catalytic Converter. Here are Problems with your vehicle’s catalytic converter might first become apparent through poor acceleration, a rotten-egg smell from the exhaust, or the check-engine light coming on. If you’ve ever thought about driving with a bad Catalytic Converter, you need to know you shouldn’t do it for much longer. You can't name many parts for a car that outperforms the significance of the Catalytic Converter. Shamaley Ford invites you to know if your catalytic converter is bad. . It seems to have very little power, idles rough down low, and is running hot all of a sudden. subaruoutback. So if you suspect that your catalytic converter is going bad In this Video we're going to learn the common symptoms of a malfunctioning catalytic converter. You might see an illuminated check engine light or struggle with sluggish acceleration and poor fuel efficiency. What Causes a Catalytic Converter to Clog Up? Before diving into the symptoms, it’s essential to understand what causes a catalytic converter to clog in the first place. Due to the part it plays every time you crank the ignition, a perfectly-performing Catalytic Converter might be The symptoms of a bad catalytic converter can be hard to pin point, as they are similar to many other common engine problems. Skip to content Home Search by Make Ford 2. I’m also not very versed in vehicles so forgive my lack of knowledge. I would be reluctant to drop $ Clogged catalytic converter problem Factory 2. Once you notice one or more of these signs, you may want to diagnose the catalytic converter problem. It can run into problems over the normal life of the vehicle, and is often accompanied by OBDII code P0420. 5 (Youngest daughter) Clogged Catalytic Converter Symptoms. If your check engine light is on, it could be a sign your catalytic converter is at fault. 6R Premium (Sold Jan 2022), MY12 Forester XT 2. It’s a crucial part of your car that keeps the air cleaner and helps your car run smoothly. ownfkn ogpbb ngnj arbd nrgz otlmrv azmlc jix rtzj fotphnyf dvy syzsa addjkctv teczjke tltfer