'95 A6 - Catalytic converter

[Tihol Tiholov]

>It would be difficult for a shop as messing with the cat is a federal
offense with a big fine. But if you take it home, remove the cat, I think
poking it with a big long screw driver something will help free it up.

Agreed with above except I'd replace "poking" with ramming and "big long
screw driver" with a min. 3' long, 1" diameter re-bar.  VAG product was a
bit newer - '99 MY, maybe a tougher kitty.

Having said that I'm also:
> ... a bit skeptical about their diagnosis...
> Even with one cat totally plugged I'd expect you'd notice more than just a
check engine light.

The car will loose a lot of power, won't rev beyond 3-4K RPM, you might
smell the heat form underneath.  My operation, mentioned above, was
unnecessary - cat. converter was in perfect shape.   Without pulling codes,
hard to say.
Not a recommendation, just BTDT - If the check engine light's on and the car
runs well, I'd postpone intervention until your situation allows it.  I've
driven cars with CEL on for 10' of 1000's of kms with no ill effects and
still do 1.  Sensors, and cars, too, nowadays might as well be made by the
movie companies - what with all the hypersensitive personalities.  Can never
keep them perfectly happy.