IAC and MAF questions...

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Racer X

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So, just for ***** and giggles, I disconnected my MAF and IAC (not simutaneously) in an attempt to track down the rest of my drivability issues (power surging in and out at random times, missing power surge at 3950RPM, but the secondaries are open, and so on...). When I disconnected the IAC valve, the RPM's fell, but the car never stalled. I then reconnected it. When I disconnected the MAF, the idle didn't really change any, but it threw a CEL.

Thoughts on this? :shrug:
 

jaded93atx

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With the MAF unplugged and idling with a CE light you would be running in closed loop, the other sensors (o2s,tps...) are compensating for loss of input from the MAF and running in default. If you were to rev the motor and let off abrubtly the idle would most likely surge and stall. Also if you unhooked those sensors when the motor was not at running temp you would be running in closed loop (default) anyways. Theres more to it but since your just asking for "***** and giggles" its not worth going into. Theres plenty of info on the web if you feel like researching into it.
 

SASHO91

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an off idle surge or miss, would be caused from a dirty MAF, correct?
I believe racerx is running a K&N....
 

Racer X

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Ok so if the MAF disconnected forces closed loop with a CEL, that makes sense. However, with the IAC disconnected, should the engine still run, or should is stall out, since that would effectively close the idle valve? Or is there more to is than that?
 

Rockledge

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I believe there is still a trace of air than can get in even when the IAC valve is not being activated by the PCM. In any case, the engine should be choking for air when the IAC connector is pulled. If it's not, then you might have an air leak somewhere.

Pulling the connector on the MAF shouldn't really affect idle all that much, it's driving around where you should feel the difference. In that sense, I agree with Josh, a dirty MAF could cause surging and other driveability concerns. It's at least worth a look.
 

NotSoSlowSHO

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The engine should ****, or come VERY close to it when the IAC valve is unplugged.

If not, you probably have a decent sized Vac. leak. Which would also explain a few of your other problems.
 

Axianator

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While we're here, let's clear up a few misconceptions ... ;)

Closed loop operation on EEC-IV vehicles is only acheived after the EEC has run through the startup fueling logic and, on the applicable strategies, the coolant temperature (as indicated by the ECT sensor) has reached a certain preset point (also referred to as the "stabilized ECT temperature"). That said, simply disconnecting the MAF will not "force" closed loop operation on any EEC-IV vehicle.

Disconnecting a properly-functioning MAF will, however, trigger a portion of what is commonly known as the "limp home" mode logic and should cause the engine to run rough at all throttle modes, as Rockledge has noted. Moreover, while the EEC is operating in this "limp home" mode (also known as Limited Output Strategy in EEC circles), it will stop looking at certain sensor inputs for it's calculations (sensors that would normally have feedback during closed loop operation) and default to open loop operation for engine fueling, relying heavily on certain pre-programmed parameters and tables for it's calculations. Once the proper sensor inputs have been re-established and the EEC is satisfied that these signals are within the proper range, it will discontinue "limp home" mode and resume normal operation.

As for your IAB, Hamal, I would recommend that you pull your voltmeter out and subject that sucker to some diagnostic testing. In my experience, I have found that any IAB that doesn't **** a running engine once you pull it's connector either has a stuck (open) valve or air leak somewhere else in the upper intake (as Kenny and Rockledge have both suggested).
 

jaded93atx

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Uh.. yeh what axianator said...I apparently got my open and closed loops confused. :bonk:
 
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