jaredh621

First off my car is a 1989 firebird formula 305, 5.0 Liter. I just got a new MAF sensor, (the other new one I had was bad) but my car wont idle very well, it sounds like it is hiccuping from improper fuel ratio. But when I drive the car a 50 miles an hour the car is fine at any rpm/speed. A mechanic told my to try to reset the ECM or Distributor. I know where the Distributor is so I will start with that first. Anyone know how to reset it. said something about unplugging a wire.

bigal55

iTrader: (1)

There is no "reset" for the distributor. He probably meant to check or reset the timing. To do this, you need a timing light and you need to un-plug the timing connector so the ECM does not control the timing. To "reset" the ECM, all you do is dis-connect the positive battery cable for a few minutes. This will clear all codes and the ECMs memory. It will have to re-learn all your sensors and driving style. Not so sure this will take care of your problem though. Why did you replace the MAF sensor in the first place? Same problem?

jaredh621

Well yes, I replaced the maf because it was bad when I bought the car. Then the new maf I bought was also bad. So I have been driving the car for 3 and a half years with out it plugged in. Got tired of seeing the check engine light a replaced the maf I bought with another one. The check engine light is no longer on with the new new maf plugged in. I wil reply back once I have tried your advice. Thanks

jaredh621

I disconnected the battery waited a bit then reconnected it, umm it made the issue worse. Now my car hiccups so much it sometimes dies when driving it and dies every time I stop. I just don't understand, no warning lights are on. I mentioned in the previous post that I had been driving it without a MAF, to me that makes no sense at all. How could my car work without one but not with one.