cleeoutback

Hi all, I'm a new user AND know close to zip about car maintenance. My CEL finally went off this past week. It's been on for about 3 months. I got a $1200 estimate from an Oakland Subaru dealer. Instead, I purchased the parts from that same dealer for $900 (20% off on Wed nights) and paid a local mechanic $80 to install it. After installation, I had to drive for a few days before the light went off. I tried to buy a universal CC but it wasn't available for my 97 outback.

The CEL turned off after 3 days of driving after the new catalytic converters were installed. Thanks for the replies.

My question: Should the "check engine" light go off by itself after replacing the catalytic converters? If so, how soon? Background: My 1997 Outback Check Engine light has been on for a few months. The local Subaru dealer diagnosed the problem as "the catalytic converters need replacing". Instead of letting the dealer replace them for $1200, I purchased the parts from the dealer and let a mechanic friend do the labor. Thanks in advance