I've got an '89 IROC (350 TPI) that won't restart hot unless I unplug the MAF sensor. With the sensor unplugged, it will usually restart but idle like crap until I plug the sensor back, at which point the idle smoothes out. I am not getting an SES light. Is it a bad sensor, relay, or what? I don't have an OBD1 scanner and am very unfamiliar with this MAF setup. Any help is very much appreciated!

 

Forgot to mention-the car will restart fine if I let it sit for 5-10 minutes after shutting it off.

 

Anybody have any ideas? So far I've replaced the ignition module and IAC with no change in the problem. The car is getting plenty of fuel and spark. I pulled codes 13, 15, and 33 from it today. 13 is O2 sensor circuit, 15 is coolant temp low, and 33 is MAF sensor high voltage. Would any of these keep it from firing immediately after shutting it off? Again, if I let it sit for 5-10 minutes, it starts every time. Help!

 

I believe the MAF will do that. They are the most tempermental of sensors on our cars! I had a code on my 6000 STE decoded as Sensor too low. However mine would start alright but run like a dog, like a manual trans in the wrong gear & wanted to die out at stops.

 

Usual MAF problems happen just AFTER the engine fires. The ECM doesn't reference the MAF until the engine is over about 200 RPMs, if memory serves- above the speed the starter flips the engine over.