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Catalytic Converter Help!

9 messages,  Last post on Sep 10, 2007 at 11:16 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda Tribute, Exhaust, Transmission, SUV

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#1 of 9 Catalytic Converter Help! by alanna Feb 19, 2007 (2:30 pm)
I am the not-so-proud owner of a 2002 Tribute V6 with a history of mechanical issues, namely throttle body clogging and a transmission that had to be replaced at 7,000 miles. Currently, the problem is likely the catalytic converters. Of which, there are 3 apparently. One on either side of the engine and one in the back.   Here are the symptoms: Engine revving at higher speeds (60 MPH+) Delayed shifting at higher speeds Labored acceleration, esp. at higher speeds Generally runs rough.   Here's the problem: According to the dealership, there are no error codes coming up for the catalytic converters. They said there wouldn't be if they were completely cloggod. There are error codes for the oxygen sensors. BUT before they recommend replacing both front catalytic converters ($$$) they are concerned there may be a transmission problem as well. They say there is no way to know if there is a transmission problem until they fix the probably catalytic converter problems. They want to run a few more tests.   My concern here is that I'm going to spend a load of cash replacing the catalytic converters only to find out I need a new transmission. Any advice - beyond a For Sale sticker??? Since it's still not paid off. UGH!   FYI: We just had an engine tune up and 3 coil packs replaced 1,500 miles ago.   Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. I'm no mechanic and a lot of this is confusing to me.   Thanks, Alanna Replies to this message: zoom_ute (Mar 28, 2007 4:55 am) zoom_ute (Apr 03, 2007 5:40 am) taa (Sep 10, 2007 7:36 am) alanna (Sep 10, 2007 7:46 am) steve_ (Sep 10, 2007 11:11 am) and 1 more...
#2 of 9 My cat by shoughun Mar 01, 2007 (11:21 pm)
When my dealer fix my VW catalytic converter, he first made some tests before he found out what was the problem. Though I forgot to ask him what was his findings after the tests...
#3 of 9 Catalytic Converter Install 89 Jeep Cherokee by 89jeepowner Mar 26, 2007 (11:41 am)
We just installed a new catalytic Converter in my 89 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer, followed the book, which didnt make any mention of welding the part on. Now my Dad is having a heart attack, he says if I didnt take my vehicle into a shop where they specialize in this part instalation, I might be in trouble. More so he states that the Jeep engine may catch fire, and fry the engine...Do I have anything to worry about? Is there any reason I should not have installed the part myself? The part we took off was not welded on, it was just a tight fit...Any idea if I should be worried?
#4 of 9 Re: Catalytic Converter Help! [alanna] by zoom_ute Mar 28, 2007 (4:55 am)
Replying to: alanna (Feb 19, 2007 2:30 pm) How did you make out?   There **are** actually codes for bad catalytic converters.   Are you saying you *do* have stored codes for O2 sensors?   How many miles on this vehicle? They could also look at the MAF output and the fuel trims...both will give clues if there is a reduction in airflow through the motor. A simple tailpipe sniffer test can also prove out the converters...if they have failed the emissions will be terrible. O2 sensors response can be verified as well.   IMO your symptoms seem to point more to a transmission issue.   Dirty throttle bodies are common on the duratec V6, because of where the crankcase breather feeds in to the air inlet. Replies to this message: zoom_ute (Apr 03, 2007 5:40 am)
#5 of 9 Re: Catalytic Converter Help! [zoom_ute] by zoom_ute Apr 03, 2007 (5:40 am)
Replying to: zoom_ute (Mar 28, 2007 4:55 am) try this link:   It has the complete MY2002 OBD2 diagnostics and theory of operation.   http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/diagnostics/pdf/obdsm206.pdf
#6 of 9 Re: Catalytic Converter Help! [alanna] by taa Sep 10, 2007 (7:36 am)
Replying to: alanna (Feb 19, 2007 2:30 pm) WOW, your symptoms match exactly what I experienced with my 2001 Mazda Tribute V-6 this past winter! It definitely was the catalytic converters and nothing else. Apparently, the Tribute has had alot of problems with the catalytic converter and they seem to fall apart (literally) at around 70K miles. My Mazda dealership was great about replacing them, and it was all under the generally Mazda warranty! They even paid for a rental car!   Here is the problem, while Mazda pays for the parts & service, my catalytic converters keep falling apart! I now am on my second set and am going into the shop on Thursday to have them replaced yet again! It is a major hassle.   After this last attempt I am going to sell the car. The dealership cannot explain why it keeps happening, just that it is!   Please check it out with the dealership! I thought it would cost an arm and a leg, but it is covered under the normal warranty (I did not get an extended one)!   I hope this helps!   Has anyone else out there had to replace the catalytic converters more than once on their Tribute?   Thanks,   Todd Replies to this message: alanna (Sep 10, 2007 7:46 am) steve_ (Sep 10, 2007 11:11 am) alanna (Sep 10, 2007 11:16 am)
#7 of 9 Re: Catalytic Converter Help! [taa] by alanna Sep 10, 2007 (7:46 am)
Replying to: taa (Sep 10, 2007 7:36 am) You must have a really great dealer. Mine offered to pay for NOTHING. I ended up having to order 2 rebuilt converters online and pay my brother to install them. They were totally melted and destroyed. And of course there were more problems after that. In fact, I had to get YET ANOTHER transmission. I thougth it would be no big deal since I had purchased an extended warranty. Then I found out the warranty company, API, just recently filed for bankruptcy. So, once again, I had to foot the bill. $800 for a rebuilt transmission and $400 for my brother to put it in. Hope you have better luck. Replies to this message: steve_ (Sep 10, 2007 11:11 am) alanna (Sep 10, 2007 11:16 am)
#8 of 9 Re: Catalytic Converter Help! [alanna] by steve_ HOST Sep 10, 2007 (11:11 am)
Replying to: alanna (Sep 10, 2007 7:46 am) There's an 80,000 mile/8 year federal emissions warranty that covers catalytic converters:   link Replies to this message: alanna (Sep 10, 2007 11:16 am)
#9 of 9 Re: Catalytic Converter Help! [steve_] by alanna Sep 10, 2007 (11:16 am)
Replying to: steve_ (Sep 10, 2007 11:11 am) I remember checking into that. I think I had just over 90,000 miles that the time. I can't believe my luck!

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