08SubieLegacy Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Hello, So I was driving to work the other day and my CEL light came on. Code P0420. Car is a 2008 Legacy, has the 2.5 N/A motor, 86,000 miles, 4 speed auto, so I know it's likely an oxygen sensor. Is there any particular brand oxygen sensor that seem to work better in our cars? Any brands to avoid? My other vehicle, a 1997 Dodge Ram, is picky about what brand sensors go in and just didn't know if Subaru was the same way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Buy Denso found here: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1607136&cc=1440455&jnid=393&jpid=3 They are great OEM replacements dont require any wire cutting like a universal O2 sensor. If you continue to get the P0420 your catalytic convert might be going bad. on our cars this used to be a VERY expensive replacement luckily Walker and Bosal stepped up and started making cost effective replacements Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted August 13, 2015 Author Share Posted August 13, 2015 Thanks for the links for the sensor! Yeah, I hope it's not the cat and the sensor take care of it. Guess I'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEE-OTTO Posted August 13, 2015 Share Posted August 13, 2015 Thanks for the links for the sensor! Yeah, I hope it's not the cat and the sensor take care of it. Guess I'll see. no problem and while youre at it replace both up and downstream sensors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted August 14, 2015 Author Share Posted August 14, 2015 Thanks! Replacing both is the plan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted December 9, 2015 Author Share Posted December 9, 2015 Well guys, I did end up replacing both the 02 sensors, the light continues to be on and off since then. I've checked the code, same code, guess I'm looking at a catalytic converter. Is either Walker or Bosal better than the other? Are either of these bolt in solutions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quick4dr Posted December 9, 2015 Share Posted December 9, 2015 Just delete it and have an opensource tune done to delete cat codes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Jones Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 I'm in the same boat and considering options related to cat replace. I'd appreciate any info. I just replaced both O2 sensors and am still p0420. Tuning is all new to me?!? What is a fair price for a cat? I also heard a rumor that 05 legacy 2.5 might be part of a cat recall. Does that mean I should hit up the dealer as next step? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted December 16, 2015 Author Share Posted December 16, 2015 The walker cat is $324 on Amazon, it's a direct fit, shouldn't be too hard to replace. I'm thinking about replacing mine, I'm not going to tune it and delete any codes, I'd rather stay compliant with the law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfatdaddy Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 I am asking about an 07 Legacy wagon with about 150K miles and 5speed. We have the P0420 coming on regularly, we clear it and it comes on again. I am curious if you have excessive oil consumption and if you have taken a look at the inside of the tailpipes. If you dab a finger in there, does it come out powdery black? Thanks George in Lion's Head, Ontario Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quick4dr Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 if the cat is dead its dead, the code will keep coming back. depending on your location, just delete it and tune the code out. or replace it with your most affordable option, likely having a cat welded in by a professional shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Jones Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 My learning experience continues...and has been less than pleasant. My 2.5 is apparently the H4 super low emissions vehicle, having 3 cats. Since I'm pushing 155k on the odometer, I'm suspecting that all 3 cats could be in need of replacement. Bought this car in the lane at auction (which I never do w/o a more careful inspection) to be my winter get-around. Had no CEL on at the time (dealer probably cleared code prior to running through the lane). Ive already replaced 2 driveshafts, both O2 sensors, rims/tires, OEM floormats, and all swaybar links. Nice car...but is quickly becoming a $$$ pit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted December 17, 2015 Author Share Posted December 17, 2015 I am asking about an 07 Legacy wagon with about 150K miles and 5speed. We have the P0420 coming on regularly, we clear it and it comes on again. I am curious if you have excessive oil consumption and if you have taken a look at the inside of the tailpipes. If you dab a finger in there, does it come out powdery black? Thanks George in Lion's Head, Ontario Actually, my engine doesn't excessively burn oil (knock on wood), but it is common with these engines to have oil consumption issues. If you are consuming oil, then yeah, your cat is probably getting clogged up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDII Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Some states require dealers to warranty Cats outside of the manufacturer and federally mandated replacement timeframe. I know a few states in my area require 10 years 80k and others are 10 years 100k If you're nice to the dealer they might replace them with 86k. Subaru is usually pretty good about this stuff. The key is being nice to the dealer and any SOA rep you speak with. I've seen SOA replace cats at 6 years 100k for several customers. Need forum help? Private Message legGTLT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Jones Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 My local dealer stated over the phone that the "emissions system" (whatever that means) is covered up to 157k on my car... Sounds like a random number to me, but I made an appointment with them for next week anyhow. Worth investigating prior to reaching into my pocket for replacement. I'll keep you posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BDII Posted December 19, 2015 Share Posted December 19, 2015 Talk about cutting it close Need forum help? Private Message legGTLT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r.lee89 Posted December 19, 2015 Share Posted December 19, 2015 Same prob with my 08 legacy i just installed a 10$ o2 spacer and fix the problem for now. But dont change your o2 and dont get and get an aftermarket cat either. Best solution is either get a good used OE cat or new OE cat. Cause aftermarket cats sucks they usually fail in 2yrs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Jones Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 So here is an update... My local dealership ordered my OE cats today. They will be replacing them FREE OF CHARGE as part of recall/warranty program. Of course they are attempting to sell me into some additional exhaust work at an estimated $1000. However, I'm politely declining the additional work (my exhaust guy can replace pipe and make some welds at flanges for a few hundred bucks). They are also replacing airbag as part of an earlier recall. Also inspected brakelines (which were good to go). I have to say that I am shocked that the dealership has provided such a generous offer on a car that just turned 155k. I keep thinking there's got to be a catch! Car goes back into the dealership in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Jones Posted December 24, 2015 Share Posted December 24, 2015 BTW...the OE cats were quoted to me at $1000 EACH!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted December 24, 2015 Author Share Posted December 24, 2015 Captian, Sounds like I need to call the dealership to see what they tell me. I've got 92,000 miles, mines a 2008. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Jones Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 Got the car back from the dealership this week... Yes it is official! Atlantic Subaru (Cape Cod) will replace your failing cats for FREE! Also, replaced passenger airbag inflator...washed and vacuumed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08SubieLegacy Posted January 11, 2016 Author Share Posted January 11, 2016 Nice! I ended up cleaning my throttle body and cleared my code. It hasn't come back in 2 weeks now (knock on wood, probably be back soon). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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