I pulled the codes from my 87 Trans Am and got trouble code 36. I'm planning to clean the MAF but if that doesnt work im not sure where to go.

 

Get your hands on a good manual, such as a Helms, or a Howell Developments. It can be a number of things from a power, or burn off relay, to a bad ECM connection. This way you can troubleshoot the problem. These books are a "must have" for our cars.

 

From my limited understanding of the stock '165 ECM and firmware, a 36 is generated when a MAF burnoff cycle fails three times.

As I understand it, the burn off cycle is initiated when the engine has been running, is shut off, the distributor reference pulses cease, the fuel pump voltage goes to "0", and an internal timer elapses. The MAF power relay is dropped, and MAF burn off relay is energized. Power is routed to the MAF and the ECM monitors the heating current signal generated by the MAF (same as the analog flow signal) and the signal must achieve some value within a specified time. I believe that is 20 seconds, but am not certain.

The cycle can be interrupted by any of those previously listed inputs becoming active while the burn off cycle is in progress. I specifically remember at least one instance where the oil pressure switch for the fuel pump was intermittent on a TPI, and dropped voltage, then applied voltage again before it finally shut off. The ECM would detect fuel pump voltage and cease the cycle. After replacing everyting in the system, the problem was isolated when the oil pressure switch was disconnected. Application of a distributor reference pulse or ignition power during the cycle will do the same thing. Do this three times, and the code will set.

Another consideration is how the burn off cycle is monitored by the ECM. Once the system is satisfied and a cycle is initiated, the MAF burn off relay is close, and the ECM monitors the MAF analog signal for a high reading. I'm not certain what the threshold is, but I suspect the ECM needs to see at least a 4.0V MAF signal to consider the burn off cycle successful. Again, this must occur withn a time interval after the cycle has begun.

This power for the MAF burn off is routed to the MAF through the N.O. contacts of the MAF burn off relay. Simultaneously, power is routed to the MAF electronics through both the MAF burn off relay and also the N.C. contacts of the MAF power relay. It is imperative that both of these relays are fully functional, and the wiring to and from both is intact. If you reset/clear the ECM, connect a breakout, and monitor the burnoff and analog output terminals of the MAF after shut down, you should be able to see the action.



There is a very good chance that the MAF itself is working properly, and the signal is getting lost or power is being interrupted before the MAF.