Mangaflow Catalytic Converter

[2112]

Hello,

I have a 2005 Legacy 2.5i wagon and the CEL comes on intermittently with the catalytic converter code. According to my mechanic, the converter will need to be replaced to the tune of $800-$900. Would a universal fit (like a Magnaflow) without throwing a code? They seem to be a lot cheaper. Also, will this adversely effect low-end torque at all?

Thanks!

2112

[Dj7291993]

I don't have much experience with them, but my boss said they haven't had good luck with aftermarket cats on Subarus, he said the always end up throwing codes. Like I said, I haven't tried them, but he was advising me against using and aftermarket one when I was telling him about my swap.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Hello,

I have a 2005 Legacy 2.5i wagon and the CEL comes on intermittently with the catalytic converter code. According to my mechanic, the converter will need to be replaced to the tune of $800-$900. Would a universal fit (like a Magnaflow) without throwing a code? They seem to be a lot cheaper. Also, will this adversely effect low-end torque at all?

Thanks!

2112

 

 

ask him if he is willing to refund at least the labor if the same code comes back twice in 3 months. And save your old cat.

 

anybody can throw parts at a car. Converters DO go bad, but MANY people have solved p0420 (is that the code?) with much cheaper fixes than a new cat.

 

For that kinda money, probably worth having a second opinion. maybe someone here can suggest a shop near Westford.

Edited September 15, 2012 by 1 Lucky Texan

[2112]

p0420 is indeed the code. I was told either Subaru upper engine cleaner or Seafoam might cure the code by cleaning everything out. Might be worth a shot.

[davebugs]

Often discusssed - search for it P0420.

 

On the older SUbaru's (up through 99 atleast) Seafoam through a vacuum line and/or spark plug non-foulers usually worked.

 

Someone posted that late 2000's this no longer worked. Don't know about yours in the middle.

 

I will say that most aftermarket cats seem to last about a year - basically one inspection. They aren't even worth anything as scrap.

[AEIOU]

Probably will never work for anyone else, but when I had that same code it finally went away when I had to replace my ac belt idler pulley. It had been humming for quite some time and apparently dragging the engine down. Brought the gas mileage back up too.

[TOONGA]

read this thread about your CEL p0420

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=135049&highlight=p0420

 

TOONGA

[AppleJuz]

Hi TS

 

I'm sorry that I do not have any in-depth knowledge with catalytic converters but according to my little talk with our mechanic, a general fit like the ones that magnaflow make would be alright to use just not sure about it throwing a code. Also, I do doubt that they reach 800-900.

 

Just sharing some info.

[2112]

Thanks for all the input. I lost the heat shied last winter and I do notice the exhaust (inside) seems louder than usual, but strangely, can't find any leaks anywhere. Been out of work awhile so fixing this has gone to the back burner, but at some point I'm going to need to fix it.

[idosubaru]

***your converter does not need to be replaced***

 

yours being a 2005 you need to look into the RECALL for what i think is those year vehicles. some folks get their ECU reprogrammed and new converters installed FREE. for instance:

 

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/23818-update-ecm-recall-p0420.html

 

Been out of work awhile so fixing this has gone to the back burner, but at some point I'm going to need to fix it.

 

if the above doesn't work out for some reason, do the $5 easy fix for this code, one extension installed and you're done.

 

clean up any leaks and be smart about it of course but don't waste your time, this code is a debacle for most Subarus...though the 2005's or whatever the recalls apply to are a bit different animal due to that recall.

 

Free....or $5....this thing could be fixed. Pretty simple.

 

I would never in a million years replace those converters, Subaru converter failure is UNBELIEVABLY rare, folks replacing the converters are plain stupid. If you actually ran them through an emissions test they would pass.