I've got an 89 GTA and the car gives me trouble when starting sometime, especially when it's warm after running a few minutes ago. The longer it sits, the less problems it gives.

So basically the car will crank over but will sometimes it will sputter, start running rough, and then cut off. Other times the RPM's will dip real low, the check engine light will come on, the RPM's will shoot up to like 1200, the check engine light will go off, and it will begin to idle normally and the car will be fine. All of this only occurs immediatley after startup.

I am pretty sure my fuel pump is not the culprit because once my car is running it never gives me any trouble.

Any ideas? I was thinking ignition coil, knock sensor, O2 or MAF sensor. Any input would be great! Thanks.

 

Might try ignition module inside the distributor.

 

Any chance of bad plugs or wires? I'm thinking I'd notice bad plugs when I was driving as well, not only at startup. But thanks, I'll check out the ignition.

 

Used an OBDI scanner and was lucky enough to grab the code. Bad MAF sensor. Now I've got another question. Hawks sells some high performance MAF sensor for $300. Is something like that even worth that much money? Will there be a noticable performance increase whatsoever?

 

Have you tried cleaning it yet? They make MAF sensor cleaner. I know in the later GM cars the 2 heated wires sometimes get some dirt on them and that causes an issue. Anymore with MAF sensors I just buy them from the parts store with lifetime warranty if I can find it.

 

I have not tried cleaning it yet. I'll have to give that a shot. I was told you just spray it with compresses air because you're not suppossed to touch it. Is that incorrect?

 

local auto part stores should sell an aerosol mass air flow cleaner, around 4-6$

 

Thanks! I'll be sure to try it.

 

Cleaned the MAF. Still giving me trouble starting, just not as often. Time to buy a new sensor...

 

On a scan tool, MAF should read about 5.5-6 grams per second at idle. Look for MAF to be low and Block Learn to be high.