Wheelman

*EDIT* code is a 36 not a 34

The other day I went on a bit of a drive, and the SES light came on while I was driving home. I checked the code and got code 36. Now the car will start, but wont stay running when I let off the gas it dies instantly, and it wont idle. What steps should I take to begin to troubleshoot this issue?


Thanks in advance


[Modified by Wheelman, 9:07 AM 6/29/2004]

ittlfly

Code 36 is the high resolution signal from the opti. The car will run without the signal but the opti is well on its way out.....probably.

SurfnSun

His car doesn't have opti. Sounds like it could be the MAF to me. The exact same thing happened to my 85. Start it up and it died instantly. You can pick one up from Autozone for less than $100.


[Modified by SurfnSun, 10:41 AM 6/29/2004]

K87ZZ4

It could be the MAF, as SurfnSun said. According to my manual (for an 87), code 36 indicates a problem with the MAF Burn-off circuit... it could be the relay... try to do some diagnosis before jumping out to buy a new MAF.

In my case, it didn't set a code, but the same symptoms were caused by a bad Idle Air Control valve.

Best of luck

vinnies87

Try replacing both relays ($10 each @ autozone) first...

Wheelman

No Opti on my L98

TheStef

Here's a link I found when I had (still have) my code 33.
I'm pretty certain my problem is with the MAF and I need to replace it.

http://www.c4vettes.com/ecm.htm#33

TheStef

By the way I don't know how accurate this list is because according to the service manual, a code 33 (for my car) only indicates an electronical problem and electronical trouble shooting with the Maf an burn of relays, it does not indicate anything about a "vacum leek" as incidated in this list.

Good luck!

I'm still searching for a used MAF, if any one has one, please let me know

kize

Email me if you are still looking for a used MAF.

ittlfly

Yep! My bad. Maybe I should read a little slower.

RonsRed88

I agree, before you spend the bucks on the MAF go for the cheap fix. I had the same problem and it was just the cheap little relays behind the battery. I replaced them both since I didn't know which was which.

Ron

AGENT 86

Emailed you the diagnostic info and chart from 86.
Still should help

Wheelman

Thanks

smallblock

definitely replace Both MAF relays first. They're located on firewall behind the battery

K87ZZ4

I also have a used MAF, since replacing it didn't solve my idle problem, it should be in fine working order. I'll be "offline" for the next week, though.

Mike_88Z51

On the 89 a code 36 is "Mass Air Flow Burn Off Circuit ". I'd try replacing the MAF relays with new and see if that helps. There was a TSB for this in 88 and 89 models.

This helped me solve a code 33 (MAF) issue on my 88. and a 36 on a friend's 89.

Service Bulletin Number: 89-327-6D
Bulletin Sequence Number: 133
Date of Bulletin: 9105
NHTSA Item Number: SB028295
Make: CHEVROLET
Model: CORVETTE
Year: 1988
Component: FUEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Summary: INTERMITTENT NO START, LONG CRANK, STALL, OR ENGINE SURGE-BOTH MAF RELAYS(BURN O FF AND BURN OFF CONTROL)SHOULD BE REPLACED-1988/89 CORVETTE DG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The original relays were found to not conduct enough power for the MAF burnoff action to complete. The GM TSB recommendation was to replace the original relays with new GM part #14089936 relays. Even if you have done the original relay replacement, the burn off relay may have gone bad. NAPA can get you 2 new matching relays for less than the dealer (about $11 each) if you give them the GM part #.

The 2 MAF relays on the 89 are mounted on the fire wall in the area under the battery. They should both be #14089936 or compatible replacements. You can try swapping one for the other and seeing if the code 36 is fixed or replaced with a 33 or 34. If swapping the relays stops the code 36 but gives you a 33 or 34, then the burn-off relay was definately bad. You need to disconnect power to the ECM for at least 30 seonds to clear the code.

Insane1

I too had an idle problem on my '88 IROC. It was the IAC. Water leaked in an corroded everything.

SurfnSun

Yea I had forgot about that, if it wasn't for the code, Id say youre right. Anyway you can always take a mallet and tap on the throttle body on the IAC. If its stuck that will jar it loose, then try to start the car.


[Modified by SurfnSun, 1:04 AM 7/1/2004]

65Z01

Remove the air filter assembly so you can view into the MAF with a mirror. Have someone shut off the engine as you observe the sensor wires. If they don't glow bright red for 2 sec. after shut off, replace the burn off relay.

If you suspect a bad MAF you can sub one from a 3rd gen. F-body or Vette from '86-'89.

JAKE

[SNIP]I'm still searching for a used MAF, if any one has one, please let me know [/SNIP]

Have you tried the wrecking yards? Take your old one with you and see if you can find one on an 'F' body.

I got mine that way for $50

Jake