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15 Posts
02 OB pulling the '0420'
'Sup peeps. My wife and I now have 'his and hers' Outbacks - hers is an '01 with 206k, mine a just-bought '02 with 156k. Dig 'em both :29:
The new 02 had the CE light from day one. During the test drive we took it to AutoZone, pulled codes, discovered the 0420. Took it to our local dealership, they racked it, confirmed the 0420 code, and gave us the usual story of 'bad cats', as well as a 'running rich' condition, and needs a new air filter.
We have noticed that under the same general driving conditions (around town) the fuel economy of the '02 is about 2-3 mpg less than our '01. That would jibe with the running rich. It runs fine - no stalling or misfiring that we can detect, but mileage does seem to be a bit 'low'.
Reading the threads (good info in here btw), looks like the 0420 code indicates 'catalytic converters' but does not necessarily mean they're bad - could likely be the O2 sensor(s)...but no distinct insight as to which one - front or rear...and maybe there isn't any real way to discover if either are bad, and if so which one(s)?
I have also read about replacing the PCV and clearing fault codes, but have not got smart on how to clear codes (yet). Did I read right that disconnecting the neg batt cable clears the code(s)?
Will likely replace air filter, plugs, and wires asaply (pulled misfire codes on the 01 recently).
Would appreciate clear insight as to what order of sequence to troubleshoot? PCV?, O2 sensor(s)?, then cats?, then...?
Yer thoughts are much appreciated
- Sam
'Sup peeps. My wife and I now have 'his and hers' Outbacks - hers is an '01 with 206k, mine a just-bought '02 with 156k. Dig 'em both :29:
The new 02 had the CE light from day one. During the test drive we took it to AutoZone, pulled codes, discovered the 0420. Took it to our local dealership, they racked it, confirmed the 0420 code, and gave us the usual story of 'bad cats', as well as a 'running rich' condition, and needs a new air filter.
We have noticed that under the same general driving conditions (around town) the fuel economy of the '02 is about 2-3 mpg less than our '01. That would jibe with the running rich. It runs fine - no stalling or misfiring that we can detect, but mileage does seem to be a bit 'low'.
Reading the threads (good info in here btw), looks like the 0420 code indicates 'catalytic converters' but does not necessarily mean they're bad - could likely be the O2 sensor(s)...but no distinct insight as to which one - front or rear...and maybe there isn't any real way to discover if either are bad, and if so which one(s)?
I have also read about replacing the PCV and clearing fault codes, but have not got smart on how to clear codes (yet). Did I read right that disconnecting the neg batt cable clears the code(s)?
Will likely replace air filter, plugs, and wires asaply (pulled misfire codes on the 01 recently).
Would appreciate clear insight as to what order of sequence to troubleshoot? PCV?, O2 sensor(s)?, then cats?, then...?
Yer thoughts are much appreciated
- Sam