If you suspect the cataylic convertor you should take it to a Mazda
dealership and have them check it out. The catalytic convertor is
warranted for 80,000 miles under the emmission control warranty (at
least here in the States). I had mine replaced for free and I'm the
fifth owner of the car. You shouldn't spend any money on a catalytic
convertor unless you have very high mileage.



Carol wrote:
> 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