Carol,
Probably what happened based on your description was the failed coil pack
cause the damage to the cat. When an engine misfires it dumps large amounts
of unburned fuel into the exhaust system. This will causes the cat to
overheat , even glow cherry red sometimes (this was the burning smell). If
this goes on for too long the inside of the cat melts down. You now have an
inefficient cat. The code that set should have been P0420 for cat
efficiency. You may have also damaged the downstream O2 sensor. In most
cases the dealer will replace the cat under the 8/80 warranty, but not the
O2 sensor. Good luck.
Alan
"Carol" > wrote in message
...
> Looking for advice on a recent problem ---
>
> I have a 2000 Miate which started running horrible all of a sudden --
> check engine light on steady and then flashing and then on steady
> again. Spoke to my mechanic's assistance and was told to drive it to
> his place but watch for oil pressure guage and water temp guage and
> not to "push" it.
>
> Started driving it (even though I really didn't want to). Drove maybe
> 10 km and then I was sure I smelled something "burning" so I pulled
> over and had it towed.
>
> Turned out to be my ignition coil. Had it replaced. The next day my
> check engine light came on again. Took it back, he checked it out and
> checked the settings for the Catalytic Converter (which showed OK).
> Figured it was maybe just running through stuff that had been in the
> gas tank when I had the original problem), and cleared the codes.
>
> To make a long story short, I have had the check engine light cleared
> a couple of times now but it has come back on. The code says
> something about the O2 sensor (or something like that). He is now
> saying that I need to replace the Catalytic Converter (its around
> $1200) !!
>
> Is there some way I can be sure that it's the Catalytic Converter?
> Can it be tested someway BEFORE I spend that kind of money? Could it
> be just a sensor of some sort or a loose wire?
>
> I live in Ontario where we have E-tests -- could having an E-test
> check it out? (I JUST had an e-test in mid October and everything was
> fine).
>
> Not sure what to do but it's getting colder and I need to put the car
> away for the winter but want to get the problem solved before I do.
>
> Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions?
>
> MUCH appreciated.
>
>
> Carol