Catalytic Converter - 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege

[mazda_yl]

Hi !

I am a proud owner of MSP and I love this car. Lately its giving me issues which is financially draining me. I would like to give one last try before making any decisions of trading it.

The check engine light was flashing while I was driving and there's a lack of power and the car doesn't move as it supposed to. Took to the mechanic and he showed a leak around the second cat the one that connects to the exhaust.
Went to the dealer to get it covered based on emission warranty since my car mileage is about 62K and eventually gave up as they are making something or the other excuse like clamps not covered, due to rust blah blah.

I am trying to find a cat that fits, found this walker Exhaust 16220
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)
and want to take suggestion before buying it or if there's any place where I can buy the cat for my MSP.

 

[mazda_yl]

Update Check Engine Light

Just got the message from my mechanic the Check Engine light is due to Random misfire. It was on and going off on its own, so he wants to cool the car and will check again. I have had this issue earlier after the exhaust cat leak, like when I started the car the Check Engine light was on and after a while it turned off on its own.

Mechanic was saying CEL might be becoz of coil but he's not sure. Now I am looking at replacing the cat but have to get a clear idea whether the one I perviously mentioned will fit ?

Really appreciate for suggestions.

Thank you

 

[powderider87]

well that picture is nowhere near what the msp's looks like. But i think that is just a general picture becasue they do list a cat for the msp. However 270 something isnt worth spending seeing as how you could probably get one for around 120 shipped from the forums... And the msp has 2 cats on that pipe. I have one sitting in my garage that i would let go for 120 shipped. Look around and let me know if you wanna go that route. otherwise there are catless midpipes or catted midpipes on protegegarage.com for around $180.00.

 

[mazda_yl]

Thanks very much for the information. Car was at the shop and mechanic had time figuring out what the problem is as sometimes the check engine light was on and later its shutting off by itself. When it was on the codes are for Random misfire. He now diagonsed and mentioned that the Coils are gone bad, not sure what they are. He mentioned that it would have spoiled the cat even if we have replaced the new one.

Mechanic going to replace the coil and later suggested to replace the cat.
From the Protegegarage.com "SLS Midpipes - 01 to 03 Protege and Mazdaspeed Protege, High Flow Catalytic -Mazdaspeed only (+$30.00) version Mazdaspeed protege (+$90.00)
total came to $269.95"

 

[mazda_yl]

I guess this might be some use for anyone who run into similar sort of issues.

Here's my update. Got the ignition coils replaced and drove the car for about 15 miles again check engine light popped up and car rattling. Took to the mechanic and he spent some more time and diagnosed with some wiring and other stuff, replaced it with a price tag of $210 and assured me this time we won't get the problem again. Only thing now left to do is buy the Cat converter and replace it.

So here's a small total of my expenses ....
First time replaced the break rotors, diagnostic, labor, some gasket he replaced for a total of $660
took to the dealer for a diagnostic who never returned my call after $135.
then too to the mechanic for a quick fix of applying glue where its leaking $30
check engine light again ignition coil replace, labor, diagnostic $275
again check engine light this time Cylinder 1 misfire $210

Don't want to add up the total I spent, plz do the math yourself.

Now gotta buy a new Cat converter to replace and it will be in very good shape. Now its driving very well, reminding me of its good old days.

Thought to find some suggestions from what seems like a good forum, but only one person responsed, thanks to him for guiding me to the proper website.

 

[powderider87]

i would assume they changed the spark plugs as well? i also know that when the vcis and vtcs come loose and fall into the cylinder that can casue a cel for a cylinder misfire...

http://www.mzspd6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123619801

 

[rally2003]

You could have easily changed the spark plugs yourself. $200 back in your pocket. "If you can throw a wrench you can throw a ball" or change your sprk plugs.