Questionmake: Pontiac
model: Firebird
year: '89
mileage: 102k
engine size: 2.8L V6
For approximately 2 - 3 weeks, the "service engine soon light" has been on. After determining the troubleshooting code is 34, the repair manual says that the MAF sensor needs to be replaced...
Unfortunately, when he ordered the new part, the inner hole was thicker than the original and produced it to crack. However, my dad who is an electronic whiz determined that the electronic reading on both the new and old MAF seems to be about the same...
In the past, the car would start without a problem, but lately it would take two to three starts to finally ignite the engine. Now, holding down on the gas pedal is sometimes necessary to get the engine started...
My dad is hesitant to replace because he feels it's not the MAF sensor and could be something else. Sometimes the car starts fine on the first try. Other times, it would take two or three starts. But on the last resort where I would hold down on the pedal, it would start most of the time.
The other things we've tried were adding a STP gas treatment and using premium gas since i mainly was using regular.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated!
AnswerHi
First I would clean the old sensor wire. Then recheck.
Make sure 12v on the orange/black wire.
make sure good ground on the black wire.
If no 12v on o/b wire check the relay.
If not good ground, reground black wire and recheck.
Check the relay anyway, check the resistance THROUGH the relay, these relays are known for being intermintantly faulty.
If all circuits check out, you MAY need to take it to a repair shop and get them to hook it to a scan tool and check the MAF readings.
If no good, check the brown white wire from sensor to ECM.
If good suspect the ECM.
You may want to check other items, fuel pressure, check injector pulse references, dist cap, dist rotor, plugs, wires, ignition control module.
THIS is JUST ADVICE from Experience.
I Hope this helps
Good Luck
Pawl
