Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | ||||||||||||||||
| 00V134000 | MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS | from 08/22/1997 to 08/28/1998 | V (Vehicle) | 31000 | 09/28/2000 | MFR | MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS | 05/09/2000 | 05/10/2000 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. an external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | The broken spring may get caught in the timing belt, resulting possible engine stalling. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will check the tensioner installed and replace it if the vehicle is equipped with the affected tensioner. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification began september 28, 2000. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mazda at 1-000-222-5500.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 01600 | 11/20/2000 | 615641 | Subject regarding inspection procedure - water pump leak. *tt | 01/26/2001 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 01599 | 05/21/1999 | 606033 | Information regarding piston standardization for vehicles within certain vin ranges. *tt | 08/05/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL | |||||
| 01199 | 06/04/1999 | 605847 | Vehicles with fs 4-cylinder engines may experience coolant leak at accessory block heater. *tt | 07/29/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||||
| 00204 | 10/26/2004 | 00204 | 10010540 | Evaporative emmissions and reciver adapters. *eh | 11/30/2004 |
| 00400 | 03/09/2000 | 621306 | Some vehicles may exhibit a tapping noise which can be heard coming from the rear of the vehicle within the first 10 minutes after a cold start. this concern may be caused by the operation of the cdcv (canister drain cut valve) solenoid d | 09/17/2001 | |
| 00400 | 03/09/2000 | 621302 | Some vehicles may exhibit a tapping noise which can be heard coming from the rear of the vehicle within the first 10 minutes after a cold start. this concern may be caused by the operation of the cdcv (canister drain cut valve) solenoid | 09/17/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 11/01/2009 | 85000 | 1 | |
| 1998 mazda 626, while driving the highway going 60 mph the engine stalled and we coasted to the break down lane of the highway. car would not start back up. had it tow. car diagnostics pending. *tr | |||
| 07/16/2003 | 80000 | 2 | 11/26/1998 |
| Transmission failure/engine failure. *nm | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| Since i purchased my car used from corporate motors in sacramento, calif. i always thought the transmission was slipping at 18k, this was my first one so i just figured that's how automatics drove, wrong? air conditioning went out around 30k. i've spent well over $2500 repairing the vehicle transmission wise, and now the pump is going out. i have been told the pump just can't be replaced, i will have to get another transmission, either rebuilt or a new one. i am letting it get to the point that it will drive in a dealership and never come home with me again. | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 103000 | ||
| Since approximately june, 2002, the immobilizer has been turning off the engine immediately after i start the car, even though the alarm is deactivated. i usually have to wait 24 hours or so for the alarm to reset itself. this occurs every 2 months or so, but when it happens, it continues to occur for several days. it has happened even when the car wasn't locked. june, 2002, replaced battery; dec. 2002, installed new fuel pump; jan. 2003, installed fuel pump again; april, 2003, bought new key and clicker; sept. 2003, dealer wants to replace immobilizer @ nearly $800. all of these repairs are at dealer's request, and are interspersed with many tows and alarm resets. | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 88000 | ||
| External spring in the timing belt tensioner broke and caused the timing belt to break. 1998 mazda 626 cars were recalled for this problem, but only the cars manufactured from aug 1997 to august 1998. this did not cover my car. the recall should be extended past august 1998. | |||
| 03/06/2004 | 110000 | 1 | |
| While driving 20 mph vehicle stalled. consumer managed to pull over, an dhad vehicle towed. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| 09/15/1998 | 2 | 07/10/1998 | |
| Transmission locked up while driving at 45 mph , vehicle came to a dead stop with engine running. front wheels locked up, and would not move due to torque converter failure. *ak engine would stall during right turns, dealer reset computer, then engine light illuminated, dealer stated the torque converter clutch was slipping, transmission locked up on the way to a dealership for replacement of torque converter clutch, a new transmission was installed and 20 miles later the od off light illuminated, vehicle started smoking and losing power, this time dealer stated the cooling system in the radiator was not large enough to cool the transmission, an external cooling system was installed, now transmission needs replaced again, consumer requests that vehicle be replaced or repurchased by the dealer. *slc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 11/21/2009 | 149000 | 1 | |
| Transmission failed in 98 mazda 626 with 149k miles. *tr | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 1 | 08/28/1998 | |
| Radiator was clogged and was causing the overdrive light to come on. *slc | |||
| Vehicle would stall out while driving. engine would overheat & start smoking. towed to mazda dealership & mechanic indicated no oil in crankshaft & no anti-freeze in radiator. there were no lights on dashboard. this was a leased vehicle.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 01/25/2007 | 80000 | 1 | 02/21/2001 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mazda 626. while driving approximately 55 mph, the engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed and the contact was informed that the tension spring on the timing belt failed, causing the vehicle to stall. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v134000 (engine and engine cooling:engine) and would not reimburse him for the repair. the contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage is 87,000. | |||
| 05/05/2007 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Tl- caller owns a 1998 mazda. current mileage 140000. caller does not know failure mileage. while driving down street at 3mph the car shut off. warning lights came on afterwards. car would not start back up. he pushed car back to his home. mechanic came over next day and noticed spring tensioner was broken ;this was replaced in 2000 under recall 00v134000 . weather was warm approximatley 82 degrees. ktf | |||
| 10/30/2006 | 85724 | 1 | 05/21/2001 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle stalled without warning. it was towed to the contact's residence. an independent mechanic determined the timing spring fractured. there was a nhtsa recall, #00v134000, regarding the engine. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. | |||
| 12/15/2005 | 85000 | 1 | |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle is making noises in the engine. there is a nhtsa recall, # 00v134000, regarding the engine and engine cooling: engine. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. | |||
| 01/24/2005 | 0 | 09/01/2001 | |
| The car cut off while i was driving. the repairman said the problem was due to oil slug build. i had all my oil changes done at the dealership. the brown said they will not pay for the repair, the extended warranty company will not pay for the repair of $5,000 for rebuilt or $7,000 for a new engine. my friend was told the person who had the car before did not have the oil changed regularly. i guess i am lucky i was not on the highway because the car cut off with no warning. (shouldn't the car dealship make sure everything is ok before selling the cars? | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 75000 | 1 | |
| Mazda 626 1998, transmission leaked and check engine light came on. *bf *jb | |||
| 12/13/2004 | 120059 | 1 | 09/08/2003 |
| Nhtsa recall 00v134000 concerning the timing belt . this vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced a similar problem. the consumer notified the manufacturer. *ak the vehicle would start but not accelerate. *sc *jb | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| A spring became caught in the timing belt which caused it to break. *nm while researching the consumer discovered that there was a safety recall issued for the consumer's vehicle. based on the vin the consumer vehicle should have been included but the consumer never received any notification. *nm | |||
| 09/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle is not working due to a broken spring in the tensioner for the timing belt. refer to recall# 00v134000. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| 1998 mazda 626 failure of the timing chain. *mr this incident occurred while traveling on an extremely busy highway. the engine stopped running. it was determined that the timing chain tension mechanism failed. recall# 00v134000. the consumers vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. the consumer requested reimbursement for the repairs and parts. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/16/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving, the vehicle stalled. the consumer tried to restart the vehicle but was unsuccessful. the consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the timing belt needed replacement. please fill in additional information. *jb | |||
| 10/13/2002 | 80515 | 1 | 08/01/1998 |
| While driving vehicle lost power. vehicle was towed to a repair shop. mechanic stated that the timing belt needed to be replaced. *ak timing belt and tensioner didn't correct the problem. a used engine was installed. even though there was a recall for this make, model,year and manufacturing date, the consumer's vin wasn't in the recall scope. *ph | |||
| 10/27/2003 | 90097 | 1 | 09/25/2000 |
| Re: technical service bulletin# nhtsa 00v134000/recall 00v134000: timing belt tensioner spring defect. i have a 1998 mazda 626 vin#1yvgf22c1w5732207. on 10-27-03 i had to take my car in for service because the timing belt tensioner spring broke causing damage to the timing belt. the technician informed me that there was a recall on this. i call mazda and gave them all the information and they said that there was nothing they could do. i think that mazda should have to pay for this! it was a recall. *la *scc *jb | |||
| 10/27/2003 | 90097 | 1 | 09/25/2000 |
| Without warning the vehicle will stall at any speed. the consumer contacted the dealer on two separate occasions, but the problem still persists. *ak consumer feels that mazda should pay for the repairs because of the recall. *cb *jb | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 2 | 09/01/1998 | |
| While driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled.*ak the consumer thought hit the cruise control because the vehicle decelerated and lost steering. the second incident, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 mph and finally stalled. the first incident, the consumer had the vehicle towed and the mechanic found a tensioner broken. when the incident happened the second time, the consumer was told there was recall, however his vehicle identification number was not included. the consumer requested reimbursement for both tensioner spring failures. *jb *nm | |||
| 08/01/2003 | 35000 | 2 | |
| Oil is leaking into the transmission and is leaking out of the top of oil dip stick reservoir.*ak | |||
| 05/23/2003 | 87000 | 1 | |
| When vehicle idles it begins to have a stalling sensation. dealer stated a recall has been issued; but, this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak | |||
| 05/02/2003 | 1 | 08/02/2000 | |
| The vehicle experienced the same problem as the recall on the timing belt trencher. the dealer would not repair the vehicle because the vin was not included in the recall. *nlm the consumer requested a refund for the repair. *scc | |||
| 06/18/2001 | 78000 | ||
| The vehicle experienced the same defect with the engine stalling as stated in recall 97 v 228 000. the consumer vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *nlm | |||
| 02/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| The check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. which caused the engine to lock up.*jb | |||
| 05/01/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2000 | |
| My 1998 mazda 626 did not qualify for recall #92007, engine timing belt tensioner, due to vehicle identification number provided does not qualify for the recall 92007. due to the circumstances, we are closing the file (file #764436). the spring on the timing belt tensioner broke causing the car to keep stalling. this is exactly the problem stated on recall #92007. i do not understand why mazda has refused to compensate repairs for this car.*ak | |||
| 05/22/2002 | 1 | 09/01/2098 | |
| Mazda corp states that my vin is not 'on the list' but dealer stated that it is unusual for spring to fail. my vehicle falls in the year, make, model, and engine size in recall, but manufacturer denies repair on recall basis even if tensioner spring was defective since it is not on the list of vin's considered eligible. i am original owner, age 50, conservative driver. i would like an exception case to be filed. i have had all recommended maintenance on this vehicle. the dealer that diagnosed and charged me for the repair is tom naso mazda, 11185 alpharetta highway, roswell, ga 30076 770-993-6999.*ak | |||
| 03/26/2002 | |||
| Vehicle stalled at 5 mph. dealer replaced a broken timing belt tensioner.*ak | |||
| 02/08/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2001 | |
| Consumer stated the vehicle stalled at 40-50 mph, the vehicle was towed to dealer. dealer determined that timing belt tensioner had broken and had to be replaced.*ak consumer searched recalls in nhtsa database and found a safety recall bulletin on the very same problem. *yd | |||
| 01/09/2002 | |||
| Timing belt was not working properly. belt wore out and tensioner has popped off. contacted dealer ,and dealer noted that vehicle was not part of recall 00-v-134-000. *ak | |||
| 01/17/2002 | 03/01/1999 | ||
| The problem that i am experiencing with my car is an external spring in the timing belt tensioner broke.this is a problem that has led to a recall of some 1998 &1999 mazda 626's . i took my car to a mechanic today because i was hearind a knocking/rattling noise under the hood.upon inspection the mechanic found the problem and knew almost immediately that this was not a common occurrence and that possibly this would be a recall problem,he then checked and found out that there was infact a recall and advised me that i should contact mjazda which i did. i found out that my car is not one of those included in the recall,which leads me to my complaint.this is such a serious mechanical problem,my mechanic told me that the engine could stoll while drving!! i hope that this complaint is taken seriously,and i hope that mazda will extend the recall to include all affected vehicles. *ak | |||
| 01/01/2002 | |||
| Timing belt tensioner has broken. a recall has been issued on vehicle make and model; however, this vehicle was not included due to vin. please provide further details.*ak | |||
| 09/27/2001 | 5 | 06/01/2001 | |
| While driving, at speed slightly above 25 mph, the vehicle stalled while engine was running. when vehicle was attempted to restart, all lights would work properly , car would not crank or reignite to start engine. technical help attempted to jump start vehicle but was asked to stop attempt due to sound being broken timing belt. vehicle is currently in summit automotive for the repairs, which must be paid for by the dealership who did not mention this recall to a buyer. with the power door locks, the locks engages to unlock itself whether the vehicle is on park or drive and at times locks itself not allowing driver or passenger to unlock door manually. with the door locks, the passengers and drivers can fatally die if needed to exit the vehicle in case of an emergency. please contact me asap with regards to what i need to do, as a consumer and owner.*ak | |||
| 10/10/2001 | 1 | 12/30/1999 | |
| The external spring for the timing belt tensioner broke. also, engine was not running. this vehicle was not covered under recall 00v134000 for timing belt tensioner failure due to vin. *ak *tt | |||
| 08/25/2001 | |||
| While the vehicle is idling engine will race at a very high rpms. dealership has examined vehicle, and determined that timing case was causing this problem. vehicle was not included in recall 00v134000. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak | |||
| 07/13/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Car ran hot , woulldn't fixx, broke both camshafts in the heads. *ak | |||
| Vehicle would stall out while driving. engine would overheat & start smoking. towed to mazda dealership & mechanic indicated no oil in crankshaft & no anti-freeze in radiator. there were no lights on dashboard. this was a leased vehicle.*ak | |||
| 10/10/2000 | |||
| After vehicle was repaired by dealer under recall 00v134000 vehicle became inoperable. dealer was not able to correct the problem. manufacturer has been notified.*ak | |||
| 09/22/1998 | 2 | 05/01/1998 | |
| 626 taken to mazda to have transmission checked for rough shifting and clunking noise. mazda said the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. once replaced, new transmission acted in the same manner. mazda then decided to replace all 4 motor mounts. that did not correct the problem either. the service department then told me that rough shifting and clunking sounds are normal for the 98'626. i found that explaination very hard to believe to say the least, so i am meeting with the regional sales rep for mazda in an effort to have the problem rectified. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 30 | 11/01/2097 | |
| Stalls and will not accelerate from complete stop, car also stalls without warning in intersections while making turns. check engine light flashes but does not remain on, then car suddenly jolts forward. also shifts hard and jolts during driving. mazda service dept. can't find anything wrong, since there is no computer code to indicate what is causing this problem. all required maintanence has been performed, gas tank is full. car has been serviced regularly as required by manufacturer. help! mr | |||
| 06/29/2002 | |||
| At 30mph and with no warning vehicle shut off. this could have caused an accident. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 02/26/2002 | |||
| Ongoing problem with engine stalling at any speed vehicle been to dealer on one occasion ,and the problem stilloccurring. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 05/19/2001 | |||
| While traveling on highway vehicle hesitated without prior warning, and wouldn't move. dealership was aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 20 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Loss of power during acceleration fron stop or at slow speed, engine light comes on durring failure.*ak | |||
| Vehicle would stall out while driving. engine would overheat & start smoking. towed to mazda dealership & mechanic indicated no oil in crankshaft & no anti-freeze in radiator. there were no lights on dashboard. this was a leased vehicle.*ak | |||
| While traveling consumer noticed overdrive indicator light flashing. then, engine would idle without any indication. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 12/21/1999 | 0 | ||
| When consumer drives and attempts to accelerate, vehicle loses speed and bucks. *ak | |||
| 1 | 11/10/1997 | ||
| Consumer experienced engine failures prior to recall notice. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 02/19/2005 | 77359 | 1 | 10/01/1998 |
| My daughter was driving the car in heavy traffic when it stalled and lost all power. it would not start and it was towed to a shop where it was found that the timing belt had broken and caused much damage. we had to have the following replaced: cylinder head gasket, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, idler, spark plugs, thermostat, 2 drive belts, and the water pump. it cost us almost $1,700 to get it repaired. i have owned this car since it was new and have lived at the same address and was never notified of any recall before this happened. i have heard that there have been many other people that have had the same problems but their cars were not included in the recall... only ones with certain vin numbers. i believe it is a problem with all 1998 626 models. *nm | |||
| 12/01/2003 | 1 | 05/01/2001 | |
| Dt: the contact had the spring for the timing belt replaced. later, she found nhtsa recall campaign 00v134000 concerning timing belt. when contacting the manufacturer she was told to take the vehicle to a dealership for inspection. the vehicle was inspected, and she was reimbursed for recall repair work completed previously. the vehicle currently was not working, and the mechanic found that the recall repair work had not actually been done. he stated a kit should have been installed. the manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was told that because she was already reimbursed there was nothing they could do for her. *ak | |||
| 09/22/2005 | 92000 | 1 | |
| Dt: on september 22, 2005, consumer's vehicle was cut off and it lost power, the vehicle was hard to steer it and lost the brakes. recall 00v134ooo was issued . it states the external spring in the timing belt tensioner could break and be caught in the timing belt, resulting in stalling; however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. . the vehicle is at the dealer, and they are saying this is what happened to vehicle. there was no forewarning and no noise. it was running so rough that the vehicle shut off within a few seconds. *ak | |||
| 01/24/2005 | 0 | 09/01/2001 | |
| The car cut off while i was driving. the repairman said the problem was due to oil slug build. i had all my oil changes done at the dealership. the brown said they will not pay for the repair, the extended warranty company will not pay for the repair of $5,000 for rebuilt or $7,000 for a new engine. my friend was told the person who had the car before did not have the oil changed regularly. i guess i am lucky i was not on the highway because the car cut off with no warning. (shouldn't the car dealship make sure everything is ok before selling the cars? | |||
| 09/07/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 25 mph check engine indicator light illuminated, and engine stalled. vehicle was towed to independent shop, and mechanic determined that time belt broke. *ak | |||
| 07/10/2004 | 97500 | 1 | 07/29/1998 |
| Timing belt tensioner failed resulting in the vehicle stalling in the middle of the road. manufacturer stated that vehicle was not included in the previous recall due to vin. *ak *nm | |||
| 04/12/2004 | 127000 | 1 | 05/28/1999 |
| While traveling 35 mph serpentine belt broke and became lodged in the engine, causing engine to stall. *ak | |||
| 01/31/2004 | 81000 | 1 | |
| While driving at 35 mph vehicle stalled timing belt t tensioner malfunctioned, causing the timing belt to break. there's a timing recall 00v134000 was issued, however, this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak | |||
| 10/13/2002 | 80515 | 1 | 08/01/1998 |
| While driving vehicle lost power. vehicle was towed to a repair shop. mechanic stated that the timing belt needed to be replaced. *ak timing belt and tensioner didn't correct the problem. a used engine was installed. even though there was a recall for this make, model,year and manufacturing date, the consumer's vin wasn't in the recall scope. *ph | |||
| 88000 | 1 | ||
| While traveling at 30 mph tensioner belt fell off inside the engine and broke the timing belt. vehicle stalled, and had to be towed to an independent repair shop. | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 35000 | 1 | 05/27/2002 |
| The vehicle stalled while driving and would not restart. the vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. a recall was issued for the timing belt and the symptoms of that failure were similar to the problem the consumers vehicle experienced. the consumer had to pay for repairs. . *ak *cb *nlm | |||
| 07/25/2002 | 1 | ||
| While traveling on the highway the tensioner belt fell off from inside of the vehicle. the vehicle shut down and the vehicle had to be towed to the dealership.*jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - OTHER FUEL TYPES - TURBO-CHARGER | |||
| 01/24/2005 | 0 | 09/01/2001 | |
| The car cut off while i was driving. the repairman said the problem was due to oil slug build. i had all my oil changes done at the dealership. the brown said they will not pay for the repair, the extended warranty company will not pay for the repair of $5,000 for rebuilt or $7,000 for a new engine. my friend was told the person who had the car before did not have the oil changed regularly. i guess i am lucky i was not on the highway because the car cut off with no warning. (shouldn't the car dealship make sure everything is ok before selling the cars? | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 04/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Consumer was traveling on highway and engine check light came on dashboard. mechanic told consumer that oxygen sensor malfunctioned. dealership was aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 1 | 02/11/1999 | ||
| Check the engine light comes on and goes off repeatedly due to oil spilling into air flow sensor and due to intake manifold gasket leaking. yh | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 04/30/2001 | 2 | 04/01/2001 | |
| The catalytic converter has been on back-order to millenium mazda dealer number 23836since 5-14-01. i have contacted mazda customer assitance by letter and phone and there has been no response. i have been without a car for nearly 2 months. no one seems willing to offer any assistance and since the catalytic converter is a saftey and emission item i cannot drive the vehilce without a new one. any assitance or guidence would be greatly appreciated. *ak | |||