Hello all, I have a problem...I tried to search for it, but apparently it turns out that "33" is too short of a term to search for, and it wouldn't let me do it. Since when did this go into effect? Anyway, today when I was driving my car started to run crappy, and stalled out on me 2x in a 3 mile drive around town. My car always has a somewhat stumbly idle, but it got really bad before it started stalling and threw a code. I got a code 33, which, according to the tech section of this site, translates into:

33. High voltage (low vacuum) at mass air flow sensor

When I got back in the car 2 hours later, the code was off and didn't reappear, however my car didn't seem to be running right (not as bad as when it threw the code, though) and did stall once on the way home.

What are some possible causes for this? I know I do have a small vacuum leak at the EGR valve, but I've had this leak for months now, and it hasn't seemed to cause any problems. I can't get in there with a wrench to tighten it up. I don't have the time right now to rip everything down either. Any ideas? Or, does anyone know how I can get to the bolts on the EGR valve without taking all the TPI crap off of it? Thanks in advance...

 

88GTA,

The "33" is for a higher than expected flow from the MAF. This is generally caused by either an incorrect sense by an altered MAF, a TPS sensor that is adjusted too low at the idle position, or missing distributor reference pulses.

Start by verifying that the TPS voltage is 0.54VDC in the closed-throttle position.

 

Vader, thanks for the reply...I'm sorry if this is a retarded question, but how do I check the voltage of the TPS sensor?? I looked at the tech article on it and it says to make test leads and jump it w/a voltmeter. However, there's 3 terminals in the sensor! Which ones do I jump the test leads to? Oh yeah, and my MAF is untouched. Still has the screens and everything, so that's probably not the cause....unless it's bad (I hope not).

 

mine is doing the same thing but I descreened it awhile ago but I think it might be going bad because my radiator is leaking onto it, could that be why its shot?

 

I sometimes stall out and get the 33 code. I think mine has something to do with the brake booster going bad.


What do you guys think?