I have a 2000 Mazda Protege 1.6 liter. The problem is the car has been galloping in first gear very bad. As you can probably can tell I'm not a mechanic, but Im handy and can fix it if i know what the problem is. I took the car to a mechanic who put it on a computer. He told me the ignition coil was bad and also i needed a cat converter. He told me it would cost 1300 dollars to fix. Well I replaced both coils ( 100 dollars a piece)and the car runs the same. I bought a new cat converter (264 dollars). But I don't think this will help either. I didn't install it yet. Any suggestions. Thanks Mike.

 

explain the galloping like is it hesitating? are the rpm's jumping up and down, is the car jumping up and down in first gear like the clutch was let out to fast? we just need more info on what the car is doing to help diagnose the problem.

 

I found the problem, while looking at the MAF sensor I noticed that the fresh air intake hose had a small tear in it. As a temp fix I glued it and duct taped it. The car runs like new now. I will order a new intake hose from Autozone for 36.00 dollars. (part number 696-604). I would have spent 1,300 dollars if I would have listen to the mechanic and not checkout this site, all you guys are GREAT!!!! thanks again Mike.