Check Engine code says Catalic Converter bad!

[microman777]

Check Engine code says Catalic Converter bad! Dealer wants $1500 to fix and replace it.

Where can I get one that is legal in California, and or is there something else I can do to extend its life?

 

[Tzar177]

Are you talking about the 1st cat(pre cat)? If so, you can possibly go this route and do it yourself, tho im not sure if its cali legal http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazd...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories or you can just get an aftermarket header and eliminate the cat all together like I did

 

[Wagonbacker9]

if its the main cat (on the midpipe) you can pick up an upgraded one, or a stock one. theres usually selling one on here...

 

[Scott]

Are you talking about the 1st cat(pre cat)? If so, you can possibly go this route and do it yourself, tho im not sure if its cali legal http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda-Protege-Manifold-Catalytic-Converter-99-03_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cebd82bcfQQitemZ330374327247QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories or you can just get an aftermarket header and eliminate the cat all together like I did

Can't eliminate it. California restrictions are pretty tight and I imagine it would blow foul.

To the OP, The majority of the cost is in labor. They are charging ridiculous fees to swap the thing out. RockAuto sells the Walker unit (part #16220) for $262. However, it says it is not CARB compliant. You may want to give them a call and see if they can get you one that is. Your other option is to call around various junkyards and try to find a wrecked 2.0L Protege.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

junkyards here aren't allowed to sell used cats... is that different elsewhere?

 

[NCZ13]

Most the cost is in the cat. not the labor. the precat runs about 800-900 dollars

and it has to be an OEM spec cat in cali

 

[Scott]

junkyards here aren't allowed to sell used cats... is that different elsewhere?

Hmm, I've never had a problem here in Florida. I've pulled entire OEM exhaust systems and never ran into an issue.

I guess the important question here at the moment is if it's the main cat or pre-cat (or both) needing replacement.

 

[microman777]

All I know is Mazda dealer said I need a new cat, or it won't pass smog. They recommended O2 sensors also, for like $300 more!

At this point, if I can't find an alternative, I'm selling my MP3. I've had it too long anyways, since 2001. I think my smog comes up in July.

 

[Tzar177]

junkyards here aren't allowed to sell used cats... is that different elsewhere?

They will sell it to you but they will tell you that you have to get it inspected/certified before using it

 

[MaxPower]

The best value is purchasing it used on this website. Post in the WTB section. You should easily be able to get either catalytic converter for <$100.

 

[microman777]

Well went to the dealer today and tried to trade in my MP3 after the code was reset.

 

[microman777]

Been driving my car a few days now ecu was reset and check engine light hasn't come on again. Hmmm.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

give it a few days... lol my bet is it comes back. how'd the trade attempt go? they offered you $3000?

 

[microman777]

give it a few days... lol my bet is it comes back. how'd the trade attempt go? they offered you $3000?

Lets just say it went very bad! I'll just fix my MP3 now.

 

[microman777]

give it a few days...

Looks like it came on again today! Took it to a non-dealer mechanic who confirmed its the catalytic converter. He said I should just wait till I need my smog check next year before fixing it.

 

[Tzar177]

You can always do the non fouler trick until you replace the cat to keep the check engine light off

 

[microman777]

You can always do the non fouler trick until you replace the cat to keep the check engine light off

How do I do that??????

 

[Tzar177]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123634664

 

[microman777]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123634664

Seems that works only with headers. Is there any other remedy?

 

[Tzar177]

should work for u. you have a header, its just stock