Catalytic Converter Compatability
 

Hello All:

Anyone know the answer to this question?

Car - 1999 Mazda Protege SE - 195k (very well maintained)

My engine light needs to go off because I am getting ready to sell my Protege.

The error codes suggest either the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter needed to be replace.

Mazda reported 2 issues with the vehicle;

1. Catalytic Converter: Mazda tested the oxygen sensors and reported that the front and back oxygen sensors were reading at the same levels, suggesting that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced.

2. MAF: The MAF is not functioning properly. This can be delt with as a seperate issue.

Are the catalytic converters for this particular submodel only available from Mazda?

Mazda dealerships throughout Alberta price the converter at $1005 dollars, plus about $30-50 for gaskets and 1.6 hrs of shop time.

I have done an extensive internet search and have not been able to locate an aftermarket version for my particular sub-model (1999 Mazda Protege SE).

I have been able to find aftermarket converters for other sub-models and years.

Are converters compatable for other years and sub-models compatable, e.g. other 1.6L models?

Any ideas?

Thanks.

ANGEL1

Check www.car-part.com, you might be able to find one cheaper. Also contact Ken@Protegegarage and see what he can do for you. I'm not aware of any other car model that you could interchange the cat with, but I don't think $1000 is right ...

$1000? Even in Canadian dollars is crazy. Do you have one cat or two? I assume only one, in the exhaust mani.
I'd check around salvage yards too. You should be able to find a working mani/cat for cheap, and if you can't do the exchange yourself, just take it to a mechanic. Same with the MAF.

Definately check out the wreckers. Most have satellite systems that can locate a part anywhere in Canada for you and then have it sent to the wrecker that you're talking with. If you're in Calgary try Pick a Part on Barlow Tr or Yoko's on 38th Ave. Yoko's specializes in imports. I have a friend that works the parts counter at Kramer Mazda in the south. I'll talk to him and see if I can get you a better deal from the dealer. Is it a 1.8?

Thanks all.

The car is a 1.6L. I found a shop called Exhaust Direct out of London, Ontario that sells a direct-fit replacement (same product number for the 1.6L as the 1.8L) that is supposed to be up to OEM specifications. They list the part as a manifold catalytic converter ($200 USD, but they are giving me a little bit better price).

So, at this point I am assuming the protege only has 1 cat and it is located between the exhaust manifold and the front pipe.

I am in Edmonton and do not have the tools or expertise, so this repair will most likely be done at a local garage, shouldn't take anymore than an hour or so to replace.

The MAF hasn't given me any noticeable driving issues -- so, I am a little hesitant about doing the "fix" myself, although this might keep the engine light on.

So, I guess the answer to my question is that the 1.6L and the 1.8L 1999-2002 models have interchangeable catalytic converters.

The short answer to your question is yes. But I think the 2nd 02 sensors are on opposite sides.
Also, if you are thinking of buying the exhaust manifold already bolted to the cat (such as a used unit) the 1.6L and 1.8/2.0 are NOT compatible. The bolt pattern on the flange is different and also, you may not have an EGR fitting. Although it can be capped if you have the 1.6L piece.