2002 Volkswagen Golf Catalytic converter or sparks?

2002 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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WOLFWAGEN
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Engine Performance problem
2002 Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl Manual

My car's "check engine" light came on flashing the other day. My VW manual lists a flashing engine light as being possible catalytic converter damage. The car still starts, but with less power, and does not accelerate well. It is a little noisier than usual, and a lot more sluggish. If I drive up a slight hill, with my foot pressing the gas pedal all the way down, I can barely get past 15 mph; I can't drive it as normal. Only drove it once since the engine light came on. The mechanic I took it to tested the car & said it's only working on two cylinders (it's a 4-cyl. car). He did not mention catalytic converter; just said it's possible spark plugs and/or coil damage.
At what point do I get my catalytic converter looked at/tested?
Dec 11, 2009 at 1:19 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter
Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
Dec 11, 2009 at 5:00 AM
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