Head gasket and check engine light in 2001 Subaru Forester on 2001 Subaru Forester

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Head gasket and check engine light in 2001 Subaru Forester on 2001 Subaru Forester

The check engine light came on unexpectedly with a code of P0420. The system was reset and the light has not come back on.

A month later the car needs a new head gasket. How long can I continue to drive the car without doing any major damage?

Are the two problems related or could these be two separate expensive repairs?

Asked by Visitor for the 2001 Subaru Forester

in Springfield, NJ on June 04, 2011

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user91328 · Answer 1

first of all, resetting the light fixes nothing. the problem is still there. the 420 is a cat code and yes, it is expensive. the converter assembly is about 950 and the labor is 1 hour.

the overheating and head gasket need immediate attention as you will damage the internals of the motor by continuing driving. it is expensive as well. i would plan on 1500 and up.

Roy