QuestionHi Van, I have a 1994 Buick Century Wagon, V6, 3.1 with 212,000+ miles.
A few weeks ago, I started to experience some bucking/hesitation at start-up and when idle; bucking/vibration when accelarating; then leveling off and running fairly smooth, but with poor accelaration. The fuel pump and sending unit was replaced this past July, so I doubt that is the problem. My dad was a backyard mechanic, and some where in my head it seemed like an airflow isue. I changed the air filter with no change. I had planned on attempting to clean the MAF sensor (feeling that I should do my dad proud and at least attempt this) this weekend and giving it a basic tune-up.
This morning, however, my car would not start. The battery is ok, and the electrical system works fine. When I turn the key, there is the faintest click, and again when the key is turned off. But nothing else happens. There have been no issues with it starting prior to today, no noises that signaled any problems developing. A quick inspection revealed no lose wires, etc that I could see before my second cup of coffee.
I plan on looking at it more this evening, figuring it now has an ignition/stater issue. Then I started to wonder if the 2 could be related? Is it possible for an issue with the MAF (i.e. dirt) to prevent the engine from starting? Should I clean the sensors first to see if the engine will then start prior to having the starter system checked?
Thank you, Van.
AnswerHello Mary-Ellen,
If there is no cranking, just a mild click, then the air flow sensor is not the problem.
It only measures the air after the engine is running, and actually warmed up. its signal has nothing to do with cranking or starting.
I would check the battery voltage, and cable ends for corrosion.
Don't just look at them and clean the outside....remove them from the battery, and clean the area where contact is made.
Baking soda solution is fine, but just running water and a wire brush works great.
Van
