It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:58 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:56 pm 
Offline
Posts like an LG3
Posts like an LG3

Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:53 am
Posts: 368
Location: Margate, England.
Year and Trim: 1998 Buick Park Avenue
My '89 LeSabre has started running real rough and the Service Engine Soon light has come on. :sad:
A PO has hacked about with the wiring [-X , and the diagnostic plug is nowhere to be found. :roll:
However by trial and error I found if I disconnect the MAF sensor it smooths our again, though the light stays on.
I'm guessing the MAF sensor is bad, but it will cost me the equivalent of around $130 to get one over here so I don't want to throw money at the car based on guesswork.
Have I got it right, and what test can do with a multimeter to check out other components?.
Btw it has good compression on all six cylinders and new spark plugs (which had no effect on its bad running).

Thanks in anticipation;
Roger.


Last edited by rustyroger on Tue Feb 21, 2017 3:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:19 pm 
Offline
Posts like an L67
Posts like an L67

Joined: Thu May 01, 2014 9:37 pm
Posts: 1301
Year and Trim: 1993 SLE
1998 SE
2001 SSEI
2002 SSEI
You can use a multimeter to test the MAF and confirm the diagnosis.
http://easyautodiagnostics.com/gm/3.8L/ ... f-sensor-2

You might consider using some MAF sensor cleaner and seeing if that restores its functionality.
If you have a steady hand, you can try cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, instead .
(It is isopropyl alcohol, ethanol or ethyl alcohol, aka surgical spirit in the UK, I believe.)
powertrain-ignition-sensors-etc/topic1661.html


Last edited by MKMike on Tue Feb 21, 2017 6:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 3:29 pm 
Offline
Posts like an LG3
Posts like an LG3

Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:53 am
Posts: 368
Location: Margate, England.
Year and Trim: 1998 Buick Park Avenue
Thanks Mike, I'll run through your suggestions and let you know how I got on.

Roger.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 7:58 pm 
Offline
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
User avatar

Joined: Tue May 27, 2008 8:53 am
Posts: 5403
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Year and Trim: 1993 Buick Park Avenue
1994 Buick Regal Custom
You can also tap the MAF sensor with the handle of a screwdriver, and if it is broken, it will kill the car.

I am also wondering if it's possible that the engine is getting fed unmetered air, and the unplugging of the MAF kills the metering, so it has to guess based on other factors.

_________________
~Randall~
ImageImage

1993 Buick Park Avenue - 197k - Some odds and ends done - Simply won't die
1994 Buick Regal - 78k - Bone stock - Always ready for a good kicking
1990 Oldsmobile 88 - Gone to a better place


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2017 4:47 pm 
Offline
Posts like an LG3
Posts like an LG3

Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:53 am
Posts: 368
Location: Margate, England.
Year and Trim: 1998 Buick Park Avenue
Tonight I checked the MAF sensor as Mike suggested:

Steady battery voltage to the red wire (C) with the ignition on.
Good ground through the black wire (B).
Idling with the MAF plugged in showed a steady 48 Hz, which did not alter at all as I increased the engine speed.
So I think I have a bad sensor.

I don't think I have an air leak, no hissing, spraying carb cleaner all over the intake side has no effect on the way it runs.

So time to check out the UK American parts suppliers.

Thanks for your input,
Roger.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Related topics
 Topics   Author   Replies   Views   Last post 
There are no new unread posts for this topic. Code 41 Diagnosis on Vin C LN3 3800

Alibi

2

8687

Sun May 25, 2008 3:10 am

Alibi View the latest post

 


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group


phpBB SEO