Bad Maf Sensor?????

[ICEMAN007]

Hey guys, I ran into a big performance loss at WOT about a month ago. You guys reccommended pulling the MAF Sensor out and spraying it clean with some MAF Sensor Cleaner. When I pulled it out the 2 little sensors were pitch black and full of carbon so when I sprayed them off and re-installed the MAF, I noticed instant improvement. But after driving a few weeks later, I noticed the same problem at WOT. I again pulled out the MAF Sensor and to my surprise the little sensors were shiny silver and clean as a whistle. Today I pulled off the plug to the MAF and drove it around the block to see what would happen. Obviously the check engine light is on but to my amazement, as I manually shifted through all 5 gears, I have regained all lossed power and responds the way SHO's should at WOT. What the **** is going on? Any help or advice would be great. Thanks!

 

['94SHO]

sort of?

I had the exact opposite symptoms, but it sounds like maf to me... Ever die at a light or unstable idle? My maf problems showed a range of symptoms.. I plugged in someone else's, and she ran great.. only $89.95 at vato-zone.. Great investment to make (lean is BAD o.k.?) I am going hunting as soon as it's dark.

 

[whiteman_01]

I would say the same. If it runs good with the maf unplugged, its probably bad.

 

[ICEMAN007]

I have had no problems with a low idle or engine stall. It's just at low rpm, when I step on it it bogs out and hesitates for a second or two before the engine really opens up. Curious to know what is going on. And why when I unplug the wire Harness for MAF Sensor, it accelerates perfectly at WOT. I don't get it. Is it ok to drive the car around with the MAF Sensor unplugged? I know the Engine Light is on but the car runs perfectly with the MAF Sensor not plugged in. I am just afraid that it could create some major problems and engine damaging effects if I don't keep the MAF plugged in. Obviously someone could be quick to say it is the MAF Sensor but to the ***** eye the two little sensors look perfect. If some of you agree that it is the MAF Sensor, then I won't hesitate to buy a new one. Just wanted to throw this out there before wasting my money. Thanks for all your help and opinions! -Cory

 

[hawkeye18]

OK dude, you're nuking it! You'd be amazed at how critical the MAF is to the engine control strategy. When the MAF is unplugged, the computer goes into emergency mode and uses inputs from the TPS and CMP to guesstimate how much air is going into the engine, and uses that to calculate fuel delivery, with a significant rich bias thrown in to be safe.

If the engine runs better with the MAF unplugged, that means that the computer is receiving incorrect values from the MAF, which it trusts, and is putting the wrong amount of fuel in. You would also be amazed at the number of different ways a MAF can fail!

Change the MAF. I see them on Ebay all the time.

Don't run a lot with the MAF unplugged; you will **** your cats quickly.

 

[hawkeye18]

Actually, I have a spare stock MAF that worked when pulled that I can send to you for $30 plus shipping, if you'd like. PM me with your address if you're interested.