Check engine light question

[trea's 5]

First time to post on the forum. I have looked as some of the site forums/blogs and this looks like the place to come to for assistance. I have a problem and figured someone out there might have some sound ideas...

2002 Mazda Protege5 (midnight roller) 2.0

CEL - after several codes showing up I broke down and paid the extra money for diagnostic. I was told it was catalyic converter (rear). I wasn't up to 8 plus bills to fix it ($600 plus for parts and almost $200 for labor). I ordered it on-line for $225 (OEM exact fit - Walker brand) and put it on (along with two gaskets). I was anticipating this was the fix.

Engine light came back on. I had the autozone check and it showed code 0241 as follows:

1. Exhaust leak
2. Check other service codes first
3. Faulty catalytic converter

Obviously I don't want, or expect, it to be the new converter. Chances are it's good. I figured I'd take it off again and put it back on once again - just to make sure it seated good. I'm about to take it for a spin.

I was told if the CEL is on and the problem it fixed, it will reset again. My question are as follows:

1. If it will reset on it's own -
How many miles should it reset in (i.e. 50-100 miles)?
Can I go for a 90 mile drive - some highway/some stop and go
or
Will I have to drive the car, park, wait a while and go out a few times more?


2. If this doesn't resolve the CEL, what are some options (inspection is now over a week due).

I have seen some say they reset the CEL (disconnect the neg. terminal for a few minutes and pump the brakes?) and it passed inspection and some came back and said it wouldn't pass inspection by doing that. I want to get it resolved but I do need to pass inspection

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks one and all.



I know I am asking in advance but time is an issue and I want to have a back up plan ready.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tzar177]

It would prolly be the first cat and not the 2nd. There is no o2 sensor after the 2nd cat to tell you its bad. If you have a bad cat, its gonna be the first one. Also, where are you located? If someone was to see this thread and be local to you, maybe they can help

 

[CheeseHelmet]

I agree with Tzar177, the ECU has no way of monitoring the second catalytic converter. You say the code is "0241" but the service manual doesn't list such a code, I'm guessing you meant P0421 which means that the first cat (also known as the "Warm-up catalyst") is shot.

If you want a quick fix, you can try using the non-fouler method to trick the ECU into thinking your first cat is working properly. Since you have a brand new cat after it, I doubt you'll have any problems passing any emissions tests. See this page for more info: http://mazdas247.com/vbb222/showthr...ure-Cel-Mil-from-removing-cat-with-Non-Fouler