Is it probably a bad CAT?
 

As previously posted, my 8 got flooded a few weeks ago by someone moving it that didn't know any better while I was away on vacation. It took a few hours and a lot of persuasion to get it restarted. Ran rough for several miles of driving afterwards but smoothed out. Then got a CEL code for a random cylinder misfire. Cleared the code and it didn't come back. But over the last couple of weeks or so, the CEL has been coming on and going back off and I finally caught it on the other day and had it scanned and the code was for "system too lean" and the motor has been idling a little rough, especially in gear, for the past week or so as well.

Limped it over to a dealer this morning, about an hour away, and the car bogged down and cut off on me as I was about to make the left turn into the dealership. Did the same thing as I pulled into the service department. Described the above to the service manage and his response was "could be the CAT going bad", which is what I've heard and read on this forum as well.

He said if it's the CAT, it will take up to 2 weeks to get the parts and get it fixed so the car will have to stay there until it's done. He also said it's a 2000 dollar fix but should be covered under warranty since the car has 51k on it.

So, based on the above, what's the consensus here? Is it most likely the CAT and we'll be without our 8 for a couple of weeks?

Your cat is covered for 8 years, 100k miles or something like that. Don't let them tell you otherwise, there are plenty of posts on the forums about this.

Actually it's covered under warranty by an EPA mandate for 80,000 miles.

Tell them to confirm it's the cat, order the parts and you'll be back for the install. No way they should keep the car unless they give you a loaner. Borrow a straight pipe or cat from a friend for now.
Too lean could mean the front O2 sensor, yes?
Also, change your coils and plugs if you haven't cus they'll charge you a bundle and force you to do it. Misfires are almost always bad coils. Bad coils = dead cat

Yep, I know the Cat is covered under warranty and the dealer confirmed it. However, he also just called to let me know the cat is fine but the plugs, coils, and wires do need changing and it's probably past time to do it based on what I've read here.

I don't know how much new wires cost but I believe the plugs and coils would cost me about $320 plus tax and then the cost of the wires, whatever that might be. So, I think it's safe to assume new plugs, wires, and coils would cost me between $350 and $400 (I think I read a set of wires is $60 plus tax?). Anyway, dealer is going to change all this out for me for $500 and change. I realize I could do it myself pretty easily and save a few bucks but this seams like a good dealer and I'd like to create a relationship there for this car going forward and they did spend a couple of hours diagnosing the car for me today.

So, I'm sure I'll get flamed for paying the dealer to do the light work for me but I'm looking at it as an investment. I want it documented that I questioned the CAT going out at 51k as well. However, next time I will be doing the tuneup work myself based on the DIY's here, which I have read and am totally confident I could do.

Your call. I can't really fault your logic.

We had one good dealer in the area but the GM moved on to a new company...

I do my own work or go to local shops...

$485 would get you BHR ignition
$560 with plugs

You can get a package of wires, plugs and coils for $300

Just saying

Thanks - this is a daily driver AT and is still under the 8 year warranty extension. So, I feel better staying with OEM stuff for now, rather than performance or other aftermarket stuff. And if the dealer installs it, even better.

What up with your avitar?

Show'n your stuff?

:naughty:

Should have known better. Can't remember the last dealer experience I had, for every vehicle I own including a Dodge, a Jeep, a Harley, an ATV, and a golf cart, that was a really good one. Service advisor called today to let me know car was ready. The normal guy was off today so the person that called was just sub'ing for him. I asked for the total and he said "$928.04". My jaw dropped as I was quoted over the phone $578 for the job, not once but twice. I would have NEVER agreed to $900+ for a tuneup. Guy said no other work was done and that was the price for plugs, coils, wires, and labor. So, as nice as I could, I called BS and then called Mazda Customer Assistance. I think they are going to help me out here but have to wait for the full time guy to come back on Monday. OMFG! Are there really people out there that will pay almost a grand for a tuneup on a 5 year old car? Guy told me the parts by themself were more than what I said I was quoted. Had to call BS again. Told him I know for a fact I can buy them retail for less than $400. Will see Monday where this ends up. I know I didn't mis-hear or misunderstand what I was told - he said $578 when he first called me and I asked him to repeat it before I hung up because I didn't write it down the first time.

Maybe we can convert you to the dark side now? :)

Dude, I was already a convert. AT $578, I got lazy and also thought it would be good will between me and the service department since it was the 8's first visit and they had spent some time troubleshooting my CAT, etc. But for $928, I would have told him to stick the quote where the sun don't shine and I would have gone and got the car and done the work myself. I'm hoping this will all result in a friendly resolution but I'm prepared to complain to Mazda (actually already did) and to the BBB and state Attorney General's office if necessary, if this doesn't turn out in my favor. I know I heard what I heard and I know I wouldn't have okayed it for any more than what I heard.

I hope it works out for you!
Just trying to lighten the moment... ;)