[OK007]

Hi,

• I bought a 2nd hand Forester XS 2009 12 days ago.
• Yesterdays (after 11 days) the Engine light and Sliding control light witched on and the Cruise control start flashing.
• Went to Subaru dealer who told me I have a problem with the catalytic converter problem - P0420.
• Few hours after these lights went on,the fuel consumption drop by 35%. Was 10.4 KM per Liter and now 7.0 KM per Liter. That is not just a presentation problem, the car actually burn 10 Liters over 70 KM drive! (re-fueled again after that drive)

Please assist urgently, as I have two days left to take the car back to the dealer and get my money back (14 days money back)

Thanks,
OK

 

[The Sub]

Did you have a noticeable drop in power? Can you describe more of the problem/symptoms?

One thought: A clogged catalytic converter can severely increase fuel consumption but would also hurt performance. I would expect fixing them would be expensive say over $500.

 

[OK007]

No Drop in power during my 12 days of driving, nor after the lights whet on.

I have notices that Fuel dial dropping too fast the morning after the lights whet on.
The Fuel consumption calculator start dropping the same night. It dropped from 10.4 KM/L to 7.0 during 5 minutes drive. 0.2 every few seconds...

 

[Loscaldazar]

Something is causing the car to run rich (too much fuel for the amount of air in the cylinder). A rich condition causes catalytic converters to fail.

Bad o2 sensor (oxygen sensor) or a bad MAF (mass airflow sensor) would be my suspects. Both are relatively cheap repairs in the US, but I would expect them to cost more in Israel. The catalytic converters are expensive to replace in the US. I would expect a $600-$800 cost in the US.

 

[slowhatch]

P0420 is for catalyst efficiency below threshold. The catalyst or the o2 sensor are the most likely problems. It's not a big deal. Have a shop diagnose it and make the necessary repairs. Or return it now.

 

[tonyford]

Don't even play around with this vehicle. Take it back and get your money back and look for something else.

The possibility of having future problems is very probable.

 

[OK007]

Thansk you all.
Is that the reason for the drop in fuel consumption or is it the car computer going crazy or is it another issue?

 

[20forester13]

I agree with Tonyford; take this car back while you can!

 

[Kanufixit2]

what aftermarket o2 sensors is everyone going with??? there are a couple different bosch P/N's on Amazon(yes I am an amazon shopper)....