Yeap, still in need of your help!http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/images/smilies/engel-big.gif
X has been at the mechanic all last weekend (timing belt, water pump, tighten gasket covers -$500), then back this Saturday (stalling randomly, new solenoid -$200). Now it is again showing an old code that had gone away, 4201 "catalyst system efficiency below treshold due to: 1. large vacuum leak, 2. rich af ratio fuel system faulty, 3. ignition system malfunction, 4. faulty catalytic converter"
Mechanic had said after last work done that battery had dead cell and or shortcircuit, and needed to be changed because it will damage newly installed solenoid. Had it checked at carzone, looks perfect, not even rust or dust. DO I DUMP THE MECHANIC? I am tired of spending $$$ with no results. How do I find out which of the code possibilities is the one, without leaving another $500 at the shop?

Which solenoid is he talking about? Sounds like you should dump him.

(OMG! your X is out of this world! super job!)
He said it was the starter/solenoid (didn't know there were others). I had it replaced last Wednesday -had family over and needed my X running. It starts fine now, kinda slow though. But he said the battery was bad, had a dead cell/short circuit and would ruin the new starter. Thing is, I went to carzone and had it checked -nothing showed there, fully charged... battery is 1 year old. Yeah, I will not be back at that mechanic. It was kinda convenient, since the X is my only ride and he is within 2 miles, I could drop her off in the morning and have her ready by the afternoon. Where have all the honest mechanics gone?
I wish I were so car-gifted as some of you, guys!!!!