Driving home tonight the check engine light came on. I drove for 30 minutes and the temp never went above 160.. which seemed kinda low. It was very humid and cold outside if that help. Don't know how to check for codes

 

does that sound like a bad 02 sensor? It has a very rich gas smell all the time.

 

Find the ALDL connector under the driverside dash. Put a paper clip in the top two farthest right holes. then, turn key on, but dont start the engine. you will hear the fans kick on, and the IAC sensor open. CE light will blink a code 12 three times ( one blink, pause two blinks pause,) then after the 12 code, your trouble codes will come up in the same way. Take a pen and jot the codes down, you might have more than one. when code 12 comes back, you are done. Then get a manual, (Haynes, Helm, etc.) and see what they are. If you dont have a manual, fire them off to me, and I'll give you some help.

Could be a temp sensor, or anything for that matter.

 

Edit:Read Below

 

Edit: Read Below

 

I went ouside, found the ALDL and did the paper clip thing and watched for codes. I had the code 12 come up like said, then after it had another one, how do I take the number of times it blinks and turn it into a number code. The light was like this:

Blink, blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, blink, pause, then the code 12 came back up.

How do i turn the 'blink blink blink' into a code number, like the blink, pause, blink blink is a code 12?

Does this mean I add my 3 blinks that i got to 12 and get a code 15? Because code 15 is a coolant temp sensor, which relates to my problem somewhat.

 

No, no addition is required. If it blinks 3 times first, then followed by 2 blinks, then your error code is a 32. Seeing three blinks three times doesn't make any sense unless it's trying to say a code 30. Check the numbers/blinks one more time please.

 

Ok, i went back outside and checked them again. I think I was doing it wrong before. Now i got a blink blink blink, short pause, blink blink blink, long pause, which would be a code 33 correct?

Code 33 would be Maf related problem.

Could this be just a 'situation related' problem? I.E., driving it at night with super high humidity and very cold?

 

That would be a code 33, yes. Does it repeat it or give you another code as well?

As for temp and humidity related, that shouldn't really matter, the cars are designed for wide ranges in both.

 

well its a code 12, then 33, then code 12 so I assume thats the only one. Ill drive it again tonight and see if it comes on.

 

You need to unplug the negative battery cable for a few minutes to clear the code before driving it again. That way you'll know it's a new/repeat code.

 

Ok, will do. What could cause a MAF to go bad? Just because its a code 33, does that mean its only the MAF?

I went out and started the car..and it started to stumble and was about to die, so I hit the gas, then it did it again...i finally got it to idle on its own, but the idle was very rough. Does this sound like a bad MAF?

Is IAC also related in a MAF code?

 

I had the same problem, but it was a code 34. It could be other things then your MAF. I replaced the MAF burn off relay and it fixed my problem.

 

I PMed you, but looks like Vern already got you straight on the code...thanks Vern. Yes, thats why I stated earlier to write them down, as somtimes you can have 2 or 3 trouble codes. Youll get the hang of it. Just take your time and dont rush. And it is a MAF code, high voltage ( low vacumm,) to MAF.

 

Alright that sets it strait. i have a problem with something relating to the maf. Any suggestions on what I should replace/check first?

As for the MAF burnoff relay, where is that located?

 

On the firewall by the master cylinder. Dont know which one as I have S/D.

Do a quick search, I remember Vader posting a pic of them.

 

BTW, this is where a Howell Developments or Helms manual comes into play. They guide you through each problem code, as you will not be buying parts you dont need. You be able to perform the test, and diagnostics on your car. If you own a TPI, you really should get a good troubleshooting manual.

 

I found my Haynes manual in the garage. VERY helpful.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...+burnoff+relay

I believe thats what you were talking about. I'll go check the MAF sensor and check to see if any junk is on it and try it, if that doesnt work, I'll see whats up with that burnoff relay.

 

That be the one! Vader must have many hours in taking great pics.

 

yep. People can tell you what to do all day, but pix are so much easier. Any Idea how much that relay cost.. i would think they're available from an auto parts store.

Edit: Could K&Ns effect the maf to cause a rough idle like I am running into?

 

This may help people when doing a search