Running rough when cold
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Port Huron MI
Running rough when cold
For the last 5 years at least when the weather turns cold, the engine sounds like it is running very rich, sounds like it's running on a few less cylinders and the fuel consumption goes to pot. Am thinking it must be a sensors and am going to need help figuring out which one. If within a few days the weather warms up, the car runs well again. My CEL does not come on so it's not obvious to me where the problem is. Any ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana TX
That is funny. I think I have the same thing going on...but, alas, I do not know what the problem is. I am gonna try coolant temp sensor because mine also idles worse. There is no telling............
Where can I buy an OBD I scanner that will fit my OBD II port? I have a 95 coupe with LT1. Thanks.
Where can I buy an OBD I scanner that will fit my OBD II port? I have a 95 coupe with LT1. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
MAF sensor can be a hard problem to troubleshoot. They can go bad without setting a code. Ask me how I know.
In case of suspicion of the MAF, the best thing to do is borrow a known good working one from someone. I was lucky enough to be able to do this (no you cant borrow mine
) because they are stupid expensive and you dont want to buy one and then find out that wasnt the problem.
In case of suspicion of the MAF, the best thing to do is borrow a known good working one from someone. I was lucky enough to be able to do this (no you cant borrow mine
) because they are stupid expensive and you dont want to buy one and then find out that wasnt the problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
On OBD I systems, a GM technician showed me how to test MAF sensors using a screwdriver of all things. Here's what you do, start the car and let it warm up. Then take the screwdriver, turn it around so you're holding the shank, and tap the MAF with the handle. If the car stalls or stumbles when you tap it, the sensor is bad. I actually tried this on my 87 Firebird and it worked. Replaced the sensor, retried the test, didn't stumble or stall and all was well until I sold the car.
Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 739
Likes: 52
From: Reno NV
On OBD I systems, a GM technician showed me how to test MAF sensors using a screwdriver of all things. Here's what you do, start the car and let it warm up. Then take the screwdriver, turn it around so you're holding the shank, and tap the MAF with the handle. If the car stalls or stumbles when you tap it, the sensor is bad. I actually tried this on my 87 Firebird and it worked. Replaced the sensor, retried the test, didn't stumble or stall and all was well until I sold the car.
Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
