vwbuge1

didn't know I was arguing........

I am glad someone else spoke up. I was beginning to think I read all the wrong posts. I am not debating fact but just asking this question. The ECU knows there is a problem with the efficiency of the cat by taking data from pre and post cat O2 sensors. What if there is nothing wrong with your cat but something wrong with the post cat O2 sensor?

Excuse my ignorance as someone who doesn't work on cars for a living. My original comment was just stating fact, I am sorry you took it the wrong way. From all the posts I have read I assumed it could be either the O2 sensors or the cat going bad. Taking the least expensive route, I thought I'd try to replace the o2 sensors first. I am guessing that the rear sensor could be bad? How does the ECU know that the cat is going bad? From the data received from the rear O2 sensor? Last resort for me is to spend several hundred dollars replacing a cat on a car that I just bought.

I have read quite a few posts about the P0420 code. Half say it is the o2 sensor, half say it is the cats. I guess you fall into the latter half. I just don't see how the cat can be ruined in just over 100k miles.

I was assuming that the 02 sensor was a two wire. I am now told the one on the car is a three wire. I have spliced connectors on my wife's Expedition with success.

Was it the knock sensor that tripped the light?

Extra $20? Where are you buying your 02 sensors? OEM is well over $100. I can get a generic for $30. I put one on my dad's Outback last year and it is holding up. I also put a generic on my wife's Expedition 2 years ago and it is still holding up.

Why would you put $2k into a car that is not even worth that? Any sentimental value?

2000 Outback Limited. Car has 113k and a fairly new exhaust. I have only owned it 4 days now. I had luck using a universal o2 sensor on my dad's '97 Outback. I figured for the money I'd give it a shot on mine. I was going to replace both front and back.

I came up with a P0420 code today. I did some reading and it looks like I am going to replace the o2 sensors. I have had luck buying the universal ones off ebay. So is the stock one a 1 wire or 2 wire?

Honestly, I just picked the car up today and haven't had a chance to play with anything. The front sunroof tilts up with the switch above my head. When I push that switch I can hear something running on the rear sunroof. I am not sure if it is opening. I'll check it out tomorrow.

So I picked up my Outback Limited today. I can't get the inside sliding cover to move. Any tricks to this or is it broke?

2000 Outback Limited. 112k miles. new clutch. Body is clean. decent tires. $5500. I'm excited.

I am definitely not afraid of getting my hands dirty. I have been maintaining my '91 legacy since I bought her. Timing belts, water pumps, brake work. I am still a little shy of the Auto trans. I definitely need a manual but of course they are hard to find. I'd like to get the H6 with a manual but I am not even sure they made them. I know what I want, I just have to spend some time looking for it.

Did a search for the H6 thread. Came up with nothing. Did any of them come with a manual trans?

I have been out of the newer generation of Subarus for a while. I know they had an issue with the head gaskets failing prematurely on the 2.5L. Has this been cleared up and what year car should I look for?

I see quite a few for sale with just over 100k for cheap. Any known issues?

My '91 has a trans from a '95. I didn't replace myself but I don't think there are any major mods to make it fit.

That is what I was thinking on the plug thing. No real "tricks" just a management of tools. As far as the trans, it is indeed a '97 with a 2.5. Why do I need to remove the washer fluid tank and battery? I just assumed I would drop the pan, replace the filter and if I was feeling up to it drain the torque convertor. BTW, thanks for the quick reply.

I went to change the plugs on my dad's Outback. Holy Crap!! I worked for 20 minutes on one plug and didn't even get it changed. Is there some kind of trick to getting them out? I finally found the correct length socket but I couldn't find a ratchet that would fit. That is some tight clearance. I thought about lifting the motor slightly just to clear the frame rails. How do you guys do it? Also, I want to change the transmission fluid and filter. Is that process straightforward? Are there any tricks to that? Should I just drain and lower the pan and drain the torque convetor? Thanks, Paul

Where do I find it on a '97 Outback?