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Catitytic Converters??

9 messages,  Last post on Apr 06, 2012 at 11:46 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester

Messages Page 2 of 2

#2 of 9 Re: Catitytic Converters?? [tjbohnert] by xwesx

Mar 01, 2012 (10:46 am)

Replying to: tjbohnert (Feb 29, 2012 9:48 pm)
I would be, too! First thing, contact Subaru directly (1800SUBARU3) and discuss it with the customer service rep. Open a case number.
 
On the side, I would disconnect the battery for 30 minutes or so in order to lose the computer's memory. Yes, you will also lose your radio presets, etc., but what this does is reset the "learned behavior" of the car. When you have replaced major parts, sometimes it impacts the car's performance due to the system's memory. If this doesn't help your fuel economy, I would then take it back to the service station with that case number in hand, and let them know you will be following up with Subaru.
 
This situation is obviously not coincidence, so they should make the effort to set it right. Personally, I'm very surprised that you had a cat issue already....

#3 of 9 Re: Catitytic Converters?? [tjbohnert] by aatherton

Mar 17, 2012 (4:57 pm)

Replying to: tjbohnert (Feb 29, 2012 9:48 pm)
We had a failed converter one of our cars that is a Buick. There was a CEL light on and a code was read, the mileage dropped by 1/3, but the car ran fine. We eventually had the converter replaced under emissions warranty. The mileage returned.
 
Buick owners and dealers do not know about the popular Forester remedy of resetting the computer. Forester dealers are unaware, too. Buick computers are incapable of learning or forgetting or relearning like the Forester computers. They just run the engine from the sensor inputs. The ECU reset seems to be a private myth among Forester owners. Some Forester owners say to do it whenever changing air filters or octane, or whenever you want to feel better.
 
If you are reporting the mileage from the Forester computer, before continuing the complaint, go a few tankfuls and divide the miles by the gallons.
 

#4 of 9 Re: Catitytic Converters?? [xwesx] by tjbohnert

Mar 19, 2012 (5:34 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Mar 01, 2012 10:46 am)
I had my Forester in the shop for another week and when I picked up on Wed. of last week drove 407 miles work related and everything was fine. Calclulated as I had before manually MPG and found that I was getting approx. 26 MPG and no problems. Today traveled 255 miles for work and got 25-26 MPG and I am not sure, but I think they may have adjusted O2 emissions in re: catalytic converter. But good idea about the battery unplug. I am happy with my vehicle once again and hope that continues!!

#5 of 9 Re: Catitytic Converters?? [tjbohnert] by tjbohnert

Mar 19, 2012 (5:37 pm)

Replying to: tjbohnert (Mar 19, 2012 5:34 pm)
OOPS, I had forgotten to say that I had contacted Subaru in NJ from the beginning and had a wonderful rep., Jennifer. She stood beside mem all the way and both Romain and Jen are still contacting me after a week to ensure my confidence in the vehicle!

#6 of 9 Once Again! by tjbohnert

Mar 28, 2012 (6:59 pm)

Last Friday night returning from dinner Subaru 2010 Forester powered down again (after getting it back three weeks earlier) check engine light on again. Took to Romain on Sat. morning again. (we told them check engine light the night before was flashing and they said that was worse than steady "check engine" light, possilby fatal error). They gave me another Outback loaner. Call from dealer today said the catalytic converter was blown again and the dealer said they are going to replace and find out why. Jennifer from corporate left me a msg. that it was a warranty issue and they would replace and I could drive for a few weeks to see if the problem replicates??? Really??? I am going to talk with an atty. soon!!! I have been fighting this since early Jan. I have driven their vehicles more than I have driven mine in the last three months!

#7 of 9 Re: Once Again! [tjbohnert] by xwesx

Mar 29, 2012 (12:17 pm)

Replying to: tjbohnert (Mar 28, 2012 6:59 pm)
That's amazing (and not in a good way)! I have to wonder if there is an internal coolant leak going on. Otherwise, I cannot imagine burning up a catalytic converter in that short period of time. Even then, I would think it would foul the oxygen sensors (resulting in a code and light) before it decimated the cat, but perhaps not.

#8 of 9 Re: Once Again! [tjbohnert] by aatherton

Mar 31, 2012 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: tjbohnert (Mar 28, 2012 6:59 pm)
Corporate is going to replace this converter, and evidently any future converters that fail. Dealer is loaning a car. What do you want the attorney to do?

#9 of 9 Re: Once Again! [tjbohnert] by ateixeira

Apr 06, 2012 (11:46 am)

Replying to: tjbohnert (Mar 28, 2012 6:59 pm)
At least they gave you a more expensive Subaru model, and not some cheap rental.
 
Hope they sort this out for you, and for good.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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