Alright well today my car was stalling at every redlight / stop sign in town so i decided i would unplug the maf and see if it stops stalling. Shure enough as soon as i unplugged it it was running like new possiabally even better than before. I Figured it would start to run rich because its on the default air/fuel but it seems to be running fine.. Is this bad to run the car like this. How do i clean the maf i know they sell maf spray but i dont want to ruin anything is there a tutorial on this somewhere?

 

firstly i experienced similar problems, check to see what codes your car is throwing off place a U-bent paper clip in your ALDL diagnostics connector terminals A&B the last two on the upper right usually, read the code flash pause flash flash is code 12 thats normal, flashes 3 times, then the real codes flash for example flash flash flash pause flash flash flash is code 33 a MAF code.

the problem i was having was a code 34 at times, and sometimes a code 33&34 and it turned out to be expanded MAF connector pins from heat, old age, etc, if you find these codes and they sometimes are intermittent remove the MAF connector, remove the backing peice and push up and out with a tiny screwdriver on the pins they should slip out, then using pliers crimp them down a bit not to much just a bit, do that to all three wires.

But seeing how u describe your car running better when u disconnect the MAF it is most likely a bad MAF Sensor, check the inside of your MAF for wavey film and if you find some waves or bumbs try to lightly and gently figer then down a bit, then get some MAF cleaner and follow there instructions, the manufactures usually know there products!!! and its safe to use so dont be scared.

if i were you i would #1 crimp them wires or buy a new connector they get old!!!

#2 buy MAF cleaner and inspect the MAF for wavey spots or bumps, then finger then down GENTLY, and follow instructions for the MAF.

#3 if you forsurely get a MAF code and non of the above fix your issue replace the MAF sensor, seeing as how u said u disconnected it and your car ran fine it most likely could be your problem just check for the codes firstly...

#4 new MAF sensor is like 80 remanfc. new is varying from 100-130 depends on the brands, locations, etc but usually 100 bucks, deffinitly nothing lower than 60 unless u junkyard it (not a good idea)

and to answer your question limp home mode (MAF disconnected) is bad and should only be used for just that limping home because it suddenly occured.

 

alrighty ill go an get that maf cleaner tomorrow and follow the directions. Thanks for your help.

 

Did you get it fixed? If so, what was it?

Thanks.....jster

 

why is it so bad? I had the same problem and did the same things, didnt work so i unplugged it a long time ago and havent had problems. So why is it so bad??

 

My dad picked up a brand new MAF for my 86 Bird for less than 60 at AdvanceAuto.