my service engien asoon light popped on the other day so i hit it with the scanner and got a 34. looked it up and says that its the MAp sensor but one problem. i don't know what it does or what it looks like or where it is. any help on this? thanks

 

Lil87,

That error code can mean either a MAP sensor (on a TBI engine) or MAF sensor (on a TPI engine). Simce ThirdGens didn't have a base TBI engine until 1988, and your user name suggests you have an '87. Carbureted engines during that time used a BARO sensor, which has a similar funtion to the MAP. TPI engines used a MAss Air Flow (MAF) sensor instead of a MAP. I'm a little confused over the type of engine you are talking about.

If you have a TPI, the '34' is due to a MAF that is reporting intake air flow that is too low at a given engine RPM and throttle position. This can occur from a TPS that is incorrectly adjusted, vacuum leaks, leaks around the intake ductwork, or a failing MAF sensor. I'd suggest checking for leaks, including the PCV valve, crancase breather tube, and brake booster, as well as the intake ductwork. You should also check the TPS output voltage at the closed throttle position to make sure it is within 0.47-0.61 VDC.