ATP Customs Ltd

Hey just wanted to do a post regarding the infamous code P0113 problem I have been chasing on a 2005 Mazda 3 with a 2.3L. Everything I have read online says it’s either a MAF sensor or faulty wiring. Turns out it was a plugged catalytic converter (the main one that’s part of the header) and it was so plugged that the exhaust couldn’t exit so it was circulating hot exhaust through the engine. I removed the throttle body and the inside of it was covered in black sought like the tailpipe usually was. It got so hot that it burnt a hole in the plastic intake (front side of the motor) and it was sucking air causing the car to surge and run like crap. If I held a piece of cardboard up against the hole the car ran fine. You could put a flashlight inside the intake and see daylight shining through. Been chasing this problem for years. The car would surge at times and sometimes it’s fine. Eventually it just died and wouldn’t run anymore. Installed a new header, catalytic converter, maf sensor, both 02 sensors and still nothing. $1300 into this nightmare and thought it would never get fixed. Car runs absolutely amazing now. Had to do a temporary fix until I’m ready to tackle the intake manifold. Used a piece of sheet metal and some stuff called “The Right Stuff” and sealed up the hole from the outside as it sucks inwards all the time. Problem solved. I couldn’t find this information anywhere online so thought it might help someone

GerryB

Welcome aboard.

Failed pre-cats are a common 2.3L issue.