Catalytic Converter Replacement
Removed the existing catalytic converter and installed a replacement as part of the vehicle's exhaust-system maintenance.
SL
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Automotive Maintenance
Miata Maintenance & Electrical Repair
A short hands-on automotive project completed with a friend, focused on repairing and inspecting several systems on a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Work included catalytic converter replacement, headlight wiring repair, and suspension inspection.
Role
Automotive Maintenance & Repair
Timeline
Summer 2026
Vehicle
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Focus
Mechanical repair, electrical troubleshooting, and inspection
Project Overview
Hands-on vehicle troubleshooting and repair
The goal of the project was to address several mechanical and electrical issues while gaining more hands-on experience working with automotive systems. Over several days, we worked through exhaust, lighting, and suspension-related tasks using basic diagnostic, mechanical, and electrical troubleshooting techniques.
Rather than replacing components without inspection, the work required identifying how each system was assembled, safely accessing components, tracing electrical connections, and checking the vehicle after repairs were completed.
Work Completed
Repair & Inspection
Headlight Wiring Repair
Troubleshot and replaced portions of the headlight wiring while installing and verifying the operation of the headlight assemblies.
Suspension Inspection
Raised and supported the vehicle to inspect suspension components and check for visible wear, looseness, or other potential issues.
Mechanical Work
Exhaust System Repair
The catalytic converter replacement required working underneath the vehicle, identifying the exhaust connections, removing the existing component, and installing the replacement while maintaining proper alignment with the surrounding exhaust system.
This portion of the project provided practical experience working around limited access, aged automotive hardware, and components exposed to repeated heat cycles.
Electrical Work
Headlight Wiring & Installation
The headlight system required electrical troubleshooting in addition to mechanical installation. Wiring was inspected and repaired before the headlights were reassembled and tested.
Working through the lighting system reinforced the importance of tracing connections methodically instead of treating an electrical problem as a purely component-level failure.
Project Gallery
The project provided practical experience working across mechanical and electrical vehicle systems while reinforcing systematic troubleshooting, inspection, and collaborative problem solving.
Takeaways
Practical troubleshooting experience
Although this was a relatively short project, it provided useful experience working directly with interconnected mechanical and electrical systems. The work reinforced systematic troubleshooting, safe vehicle access, component inspection, and collaborative problem solving.