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MAF 1989 TPI Formula 350

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Old May 11, 2026 | 03:56 PM
  #1  
Don Fetherolf's Avatar
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From: Eastern PA
Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
MAF 1989 TPI Formula 350

Hi,
Question for the group: On my 1989 Formula 350 TPI with key on engine off my MAF shows 5 gms with my scan tool (OTC 4000e) and my laptop using TunerPro RT.
Is this normal? I search the internet, my factory service manual & on here and cannot find anything stating on what it should read with engine off.

My car at idle (engine at 170 deg f) was showing MAF of 10-12 gms at idle (675 rpm) and running rich. MAF was 10.31, BLM was at 108 and INT at 81 so ecm was trying to lean it out.
So I started checking my MAF circuit and found I had 15 ohms resistance on the black wire (MAF pin B to ecm pin A11). So checking I found some hack probed through
the wire insulation at the connector on all the MAF wires. I ended up installing a new connector with terminals and 12" wires and retested and now at an idle of 675 my MAF is 5 to 6 gms. So my repair fixed the rich idle condition.

But with key on engine off MAF still shows 5 gms! So does the ecm automatically have the MAF 5 gms for start up?

Last edited by Don Fetherolf; May 11, 2026 at 03:58 PM. Reason: correction
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Old Yesterday | 09:06 AM
  #2  
72buickgs's Avatar
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Joined: Oct 2021
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From: Windsor, On
Car: 1984 Trans AM
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700-4r
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: MAF 1989 TPI Formula 350

Well diagnosed.
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