I replaced the MAF and relays and after that, it drove a lot better. 
'87 MAF Sensor problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Decatur Al
'87 MAF Sensor problem
My '87 stock L98 would not idle. It would start and rev up for about 2 or 3 seconds, then die. Fuel pressure was good. No Codes Set! I followed the diagnostics in the GM Service (Helm's) manual. I got to a point where I was told to unplug the MAF Sensor. When I unplugged the MAF Sensor, the engine would start and idle nicely. Plug it back in and get the original symptom. Helm's says "replace the MAF Sensor".
I have two questions:
1) Should I trust GM on this, or is there potentially something else wrong?
2) If I replace the MAF Sensor, should I also replace the power and burn-off relays at the same time?
I have two questions:
1) Should I trust GM on this, or is there potentially something else wrong?
2) If I replace the MAF Sensor, should I also replace the power and burn-off relays at the same time?
Last edited by BamaVette87; Nov 16, 2005 at 04:42 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
I'd first replace the power & burn-off relays (cheap and should be done, not know the last time they were replaced), and see it that corrects your problem... Then go for the more expensive part.... Start small and work your way up
Team Owner
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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You must replace the 2 relays before anything, they are cheap and are supposed to be replaced anytime you change the MAF anyway, since if they are bad they can damage the new MAF and youre out a lot of money. I would agree that it sounds like the MAF itself is bad also in your case, but do this anyway.
Together they are about $20-25. If they do not fix the problem, its either the MAF sensor itself or faulty wiring.
Together they are about $20-25. If they do not fix the problem, its either the MAF sensor itself or faulty wiring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by vinnies87
I'd first replace the power & burn-off relays (cheap and should be done, not know the last time they were replaced), and see it that corrects your problem... Then go for the more expensive part.... Start small and work your way up
Jake
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I just went through a similar experience. When i disconnected the MAF the car would run better. I bought the 250 dollar sensor and i was wrong (damm it) I have a 85 so theres no relay only a burn off module. Three months at the mechanic shop and it turned out to be a shorted wire to the MAF and the fuse behind the dash. I suggest if you change the relays and the symptoms persist to borrow a working MAF and try that first because they dont allow the return of electronic sensors (I learned the hard way). Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Decatur Al
Thanks, bat! I appreciate the comment! Sorry you had problems. I bought the two relays this morning on the way to work. I'll plug them in this weekend, and if they don't fix the problem, I'll be sure to check the wiring before ordering a MAF Sensor! Unfortunately, I don't have a source for a working sensor to swap in, so if the wiring checks ok, I'll just have to buy one and try it!
