Subaru Repair: 2005 Subaru Outback 3.0R AWD Sedan Catalytic Converter, rotten egg odor, catalytic convertors

Question
I just purchased a used 2005 Subaru Outback 3.0R Sedan with 24,000 miles. After driving it one day I experienced a horrible rotten egg odor & brought it back to the dealership. They found nothing wrong. On my seventh day of owning it the check engine light came on as well as the cruise control light flashing. The dealership told me both catalytic converters need to be replaced. What's going on?

Answer
Laurie,

The Catalytic convertors are under warranty up to 80k.  There are so many possibilities as to why the Convertors have failed and there is no way I can suggest the cause without seeing it.

I wouldn't suspect foul play or buying a lemon it's an Emissions related problem you can thank uncle Sam for a "check engine light" to alert you when a Emissions related issue has come up.  With newer vehicle ownership you will probably deal with a check engine light at least a dozen times, sometimes it's related to the Emissions systems(including the gas cap) and sometimes it is more serious.

There really is now way of knowing about an issue that may set a check engine light until it has ben set by the vehicles computer.  

You can read here how the system works

http://allwheeldriveauto.com/your-subaru-check-engine-light-explained/


Justin