QuestionMy check engine light came on recently and I didn't do anything immediately, but I took it into the shop today because yesterday when I was driving I smelled a very strong burning oil kind of smell that was very alarming. I have a 99 Impreza Outback with 82K miles on it.
The Subaru shop told me that I need new catalytic converters, and they didn't have time to check the pricing on it yet but they estimated it would be about $1700.
What infuriates me is that I have taken my car in for regular maintenance check ups since I bought it brand new in 1999. And the shop was telling me that this wouldn't have happened if I kept it maintained.
They also told me that I could continue to drive it and it won't hurt the car; however it is bad for the environment and bad fuel efficiency as well. I live in a state with no emissions inspections. They said that eventually it probably will cause a problem and clog the engine, though.
I suppose I should at least get a second opinion on this, and especially see if I can get a better price or some kind of rebuilt or used one?
I've had many major issues with this car over the years including a new (rebuilt) transmission, 3 new clutches, all new ignition wires and burt out spark plugs and electrical problems with the alarm (which I no longer use).
These issues are obviously more than just maintenance that I have done.
Any advice would be appreciated.
AnswerHello Andrea,
I will try to help answer all of your questions but you may not like all that I have to say.
The catalyst failure is related to the spark plugs and ignition wires that were replaced. Any time a vehicle is allowed to misfire there is a good chance that the catalytic convertor will become damaged even if it doesn't show up immediately, one of the reasons for this is that the vehicle's engine control module(ECM) has to see a specific condition met in order to set a check engine light and a PO440 catalyst efficiency below threshold code. Sometimes this can be months as a specific driving event and must be met before the ECM even monitors the catalyst function and depending on where you live and how you drive the car this may take a while. The catalytic convertor is there to help reduce emissions and if let go your car may pollute the environment more so than if it was repaired. Also you are cheating yourself at the gas pump as part of how fuel management is factored in is from the O2 (oxygen sensors) and a faulty catalyst can affect the 02 sensor readings. The ECM will always try to compensate for faulty parts by design, and this is where fuel economy can suffer. There is no rebuilt Catalyst and in most states installing a used catalyst is illegal. I do understand your frustration as to the expense and the price is higher than what we normally charge but I am at a disadvantage as the car is not here and I may not have all the facts in front of me.
Here is what is bothering me about you description, you never mentioned a check engine light being on only a smell? So either the light has been on and ignored or something else is going on. If the diagnoses from the shop is that the catalyst is overheating there is usually another cause for this such as a lean misfire. Based on this I would seek a second opinion or if the check engine light IS on than perhaps they are correct.
As far as three clutches and a transmission that is not the norm. The three clutches has me scratching my head, as unless poor quality aftermarket parts were used there is just no reason to have gone through even one clutch at this mileage and Most Impreza's will go well over 100k on the original clutch put in the vehicle at the factory. What could have possibly happened to the 5speed transmission in your Subaru? The only time we ever replace them here is if it is power shifted, ran out of lubricant or its a WRX and 5th gear has a problem.
Lastly the Catalyst is coved under warranty by federal law for 8 years or 80k miles and if all of your services are up to date and you have documentation of the 30 and 60k service being done than I would call Subaru and request some warranty assistance, if nothing else you should get a price reduction. Be firm but nice when talking to Subaru Of America (the phone number in your owners manual) not the Subaru Dealer.
I hope that helps
Justin
