C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

1988 vette engine trouble

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 9, 2009 | 08:49 PM
  #1  
deerkill10's Avatar
deerkill10
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Default 1988 vette engine trouble

The saga goes on. I have owned the car for three years. I have never seen it run like it should.

1. changed plugs cap rotor

2. new fuel injectors

3. new fuel filter

When you first start it up it runs like a champ once it hits closed loop (i assume) it stumbles like it is running on 7 cyl.

It finally coded today 34+36

Things I have modified

4+3 Tranny. I ran a toggle switch to lock out the OD. I think its the 36 code.

I have a plug in code reader.
I have impulse from o2
The fuel seems ok it flashes for a second on a sec off except when I get off the throttle. It will rich out for a second. all looks good there.

I can reset the codes and it will run for a day before coding again. I have a friend who has a computer to hitch up to but I have not got there yet.

Does this sound like a maf ??? I am sick of throwing money in it please help.
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 09:21 PM
  #2  
CorvetteMike2024's Avatar
CorvetteMike2024
Corvette Enthusiast
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,797
Likes: 2,721
From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default maf

Unplug maf and see if it runs better. Dont have my FSM close by so I cant remember codes. Maybe check o2 sensor, since it runs of it when in closed loop. Good luck.
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 10:02 PM
  #3  
deerkill10's Avatar
deerkill10
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Default

When the car starts cold it is in the open loop condition?

By unplugging MAF will this break the loop to open?

What is the mix in open loop?
Reply
Old May 9, 2009 | 10:06 PM
  #4  
CorvetteMike2024's Avatar
CorvetteMike2024
Corvette Enthusiast
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,797
Likes: 2,721
From: So. Cal.
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default Maf

Originally Posted by deerkill10
When the car starts cold it is in the open loop condition?

By unplugging MAF will this break the loop to open?

What is the mix in open loop?
Unplugging the maf is an easy way to see if you have maf issues. I have did this before. I think it makes your car go back to open loop. There are lots of people here in this forum with more knowlage than I that will probably chime in.
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 10:33 AM
  #5  
deerkill10's Avatar
deerkill10
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Default

Changed plugs looked a little lean. Took for ride and about 5-10 min into ride it started running like it was on 7 cyl. I unplugged the MAF sensor it coded 33 but ran better. It was alittle jumpy up threw the throttle but ran better. Before I spend 150 bucks does anyone think this has been the root cause of all my trouble.
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 10:59 AM
  #6  
F18tinman's Avatar
F18tinman
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Default

Deerkill10

Codes 33, 34 and 36 are all MAF codes (at least from my 87 FSM). Code 33 is MAF sensor circuit. Code 34 is MAF sensor. Code 36 is MAF burnoff. Testing procedure for code 34:

1. Check for loose or damaged air duct between MAF sensor and throttle body.
2. Step 2 deals with rough idle on startup (which it sounds like you dont have)
3. clear codes (remove battery voltage for greater than 30 secs)
4. Start and run engine above 2300rpm for 1 minute or until code 34 sets

does code set? no: Code 34 intermittent (use different procedure)

yes:
1. ignition off
2. disconnect MAF sensor
3.repeat test
4. code 33 should set does it

yes: faulty MAF sensor
no: circuit 998 shorted to ground or faulty ECM

This procedure is from an 87 but I cannot see why it shouldnt work for your car. 85 through 89 used Bosch MAF. Good luck.

John
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 10:59 AM
  #7  
ddahlgren's Avatar
ddahlgren
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
Default

If you are going to keep the car why not get a cheap scan tool. The OBDI stuff is dirt cheap and allows you to read the actual sensor values to see if they make sense in the first place. I paid 75 bucks for a used auto xray and while probably not the best it allows you to see all the sensor values on a '91 that would cause a drivability problem.. Way better than reading codes as you can see if something changes wildly between running good and running bad.
Dave
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 12:50 PM
  #8  
williammackean's Avatar
williammackean
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 10,878
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

I had your problem. I solved it!

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=120118

Search eBay for the connector. $10. Good Guy.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 10, 2009 | 05:26 PM
  #9  
deerkill10's Avatar
deerkill10
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Default

I tested 34 and it led to the MAF sensor. It is a Bosch, looks old. Is there a burn off relay somewhere (code 36) that will need replacing also?
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 07:20 PM
  #10  
F18tinman's Avatar
F18tinman
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Default

deerkill10

The MAF burnoff relay is located on the firewall behind the battery (2 relays there, the MAF burnoff relay is on the inside/engine side and the MAf sensor power relay is on the outside/door side. Did it reset code 36?

John
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 07:28 PM
  #11  
deerkill10's Avatar
deerkill10
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Default

It will code 36 first then 34. Is it a relay problem?
Reply
Old May 10, 2009 | 08:01 PM
  #12  
F18tinman's Avatar
F18tinman
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Default

deerkill10

It sounds like it could be. I am looking at my FSM and it states:

"a faulty MAF sensor should not be considered as the cause if code 36 is set. Go to this site http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/
It is from another corvette forum member named agent86. The procedures for the different codes are covered. I am a computer idiot and am not very good at attaching links. Hope this helps.

John
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 1988 vette engine trouble





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:47 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE