Please Help

[99 ProLX]

Hey protege owners, I'm sorry if this sounds ignorant to some of the users here but I've searched around the forums and haven't been able to find too much helpful information.

I have a 1999 1.6L ZM motor and can't seem to pass inspection which is due this month due to my CEL which has been on ever since I got my header installed this past summer.


My only performance mods are as follows:

OBX 4-1 header
Simota SR intake
Mazdaspeed muffler


I no longer have my stock exhaust manifold.

I will post pictures soon.


(help)(help)(help)(help)

I'm sure many of the users here have experienced the same problem and I appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[99 ProLX]

some pics..

[IukekiniProtege]

did u ever do the spark plug non-fouler on the O2 sensors when you installed the header? If not theres your problem most likely. Also, if you could get the CEL code its putting out that would be helpful for us. Just go to advance auto or AutoZone, they can scan it for free.

[99 ProLX]

i don't think the guy who installed my header bothered to do the non-fouler on the O2...

ill get the CEL code shortly

[AzteCypher]

This might help:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123634664

[Azaizai]

was the simota CAI of the correct diameter? Remember our MAF needs to be the correct size for proper sampling or it'll throw a code and act retarded.

[00protegeracer]

they say the maf sensor for a 2000 toyota celica gts will fit and work if the intake piping is 2.5".

[red95_240sx]

THe simota is the right diameter. To test which one it is, u wud have to try them seperately, which would be alot of work. Its most likely the header W/o the non-fouler.

Highly modified=CEL
Even though ur not highly modified, in case of the 1.6L, you are if u no what i mean ;-)

[00protegeracer]

so if i was to put my headers on the check engine light would come on and stay on?? i only have a injen cai and a exhaust

[99 ProLX]

yeah I had the intake on for a few months with no CEL before the header was installed so i'm pretty sure it's the header

[99 ProLX]

This might help:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123634664



thanks a lot for the link... i'll try this within the next few days and let everyone know how it goes

[red95_240sx]

so if i was to put my headers on the check engine light would come on and stay on?? i only have a injen cai and a exhaust

Until u get a non fouler. It tricks the o2 sensor that the cat is still there.

[IukekiniProtege]

the cel code might still be helpful, as you can assume its the header, and most likely is, there might be another under lying issue that might need to be taken care of.

[99 ProLX]

i bought the non-foulers... drilling through one of them with a hand drill is a fucking bitch.

[AzteCypher]

Put it in a vice so it doesn't move and get a carbide tip to help you out. Put the drill at max speed/power and push down hard.

[Sk8ter05]

i did the non-fouler for my obx header 2 weeks ago and my cel went away without me having to disconnect the negative battery cable. the car drives much better now and i am getting better mileage too.

[99 ProLX]

i did the non-fouler for my obx header 2 weeks ago and my cel went away without me having to disconnect the negative battery cable. the car drives much better now and i am getting better mileage too.

how did you drill through the non-fouler?

[Sk8ter05]

i just used a clap to hold it down and used an 1/2" drill

[99 ProLX]

okay everythings good.. now if i can just get the O2 sensor off without stripping it then I should be good...

[99 ProLX]

allright brought it to my friend's dealership and put it on the lift... everything seems to be good i'll let you guys know if the CEL comes back on... thanks for your help

[Sk8ter05]

dang it, my cel just came back on yesterday. i don't know why. i drove about 1,000 miles on it before it came back.

[99 ProLX]

drove 75 miles no CEL ...

*crossing fingers*

[red95_240sx]

its prolly gone

[99 ProLX]

CEL came back on after about 100 miles after installing the non-fouler....

Ran the code came as the P0421 "Warm up Catalyst Below Threshold"


...pissed

[00protegeracer]

what could be the problem if my cel doesnt go out. its been cleared like 5 times already and it always comes back on. cant remember the code but it says that the voltage is low, but i just got a new battery, spark plugs, spark pllug wires, and coils.

[IukekiniProtege]

find out the code again, voltage too low, could be on many things, the exact code would help more.

99ProLX, I think it's weird it came back, Did you drill out both of the non-foulers? if so then thats the problem. If you only did one, then It is really puzzling.

[red95_240sx]

fuck the protege's CEL...

[99 ProLX]

find out the code again, voltage too low, could be on many things, the exact code would help more.

99ProLX, I think it's weird it came back, Did you drill out both of the non-foulers? if so then thats the problem. If you only did one, then It is really puzzling.


No I drilled out only one and did everything else correct... I don't know.

[Sk8ter05]

I haven't scan my car for any codes yet but the CEL just turned off last night. i know for sure it'd come back. and dam i just got a letter that i have to get my car smog check. does anyone know if my car will pass with my headers on, and my intake or do i have to swap all of it out back to stock?

[99 ProLX]

i just got my car inspected today, passed with a header and cat-back exhaust and intake

[Sk8ter05]

really, dam, i think i should just go ahead and try to see if it passes the first time. and if not then i'll just have to take it all off or something.

[red95_240sx]

00 ProLX what intake did u get?

[99 ProLX]

the Simota