1989 code 36 Help!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Lanoka Harbor NJ
1989 code 36 Help!!
Hi been doing some reading and research on this code 36. what a mess it could, i have orered two new relays behing the battery hope this solves my problem. IF NOT does any one have the diag for this ? or next best thing to check. thank you .
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 7
From: Congupna Victoria
All the diagnostic flow diagrams are there - follow them EXACTLY and you will determine the cause.
However, even after doing all that - there still exists the possibility that you cannot clear the error.
As was in my case - the signal for the burn off was out of spec and after several replacement MAF sensors, it still was.
No MAF that I purchased, provided the correct voltage to the ECM to "pass".
Some were close, but no cigar!
Seems as though it's "hit or miss" with the calibration of the burn off portion of the aftermarket/remanufactured MAFS.
Good luck!!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 6
From: Osceola WI
I went round and round with this code too. I have a later model 86 (aluminum heads) but during my checks i found there were 3 different wiring harnesses used with respect to the mass air burn off relay and the mass air power. On mine, the two relays behind the battery looked identical but were in fact different part numbers. Someone got them mixed up, the plugs are the same but wired different. Mine were swapped but i dont know when, i bought the car knowing there were issues.
That being said, some models you cant swap relays around and some you might be able to when troubleshooting.
I purchased a new MAF and it worked the same as my old one. I solved the code 36 but i still have a check engine light that i think is related to O2.
Do you have a scanner that you can use to look at the various outputs or are you just pulling the code?
That being said, some models you cant swap relays around and some you might be able to when troubleshooting.
I purchased a new MAF and it worked the same as my old one. I solved the code 36 but i still have a check engine light that i think is related to O2.
Do you have a scanner that you can use to look at the various outputs or are you just pulling the code?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
This thread has a bunch of info on error code 36:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-36-help.html
I believe 1986 was the only year that had different MAF power and burnoff relays. All later cars used the same relay for both functions.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-36-help.html
I believe 1986 was the only year that had different MAF power and burnoff relays. All later cars used the same relay for both functions.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 761
Likes: 68
Hi Guys - on replacement MAF's have not seen too many good ones from auto stores etc. I do not know if you can actually buy a new Bosch MAF but I'd imagine very expensive. I suggest you look at my slot style MAF with which the burn off relay(s) are eliminated. The slot style sensor we use is available in 3 ranges with-in the 3" od tube: 255, 500, & 750 gms/sec. Check it out and call me if you want to discuss. The IG for this MAF is online under my downloads section on my website: BlowerWorks.net VTY greg
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 6
From: Osceola WI
I broke down and bought the Bosch 1300 from the local auto parts store. It is pretty helpful to be able look at stuff like the MAF output and the TPS voltages etc. it was under $200 with a coupon. It didnt point me in the right direction but it did confirm that something was way off and that it wasnt my ECM. The scanners that show the various outputs are worth the extra money compared to just the code readers. You can do that with the paper clip. Buying the cable and getting that free software would probably be the cheapest route but you may need a comouter with XP. Nice thing about the scanner i have is that it is OBD 1 and 2 plus has the dongle for imports. I make my buddies buy beer to use it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Lanoka Harbor NJ
Hi replaced both relays, I do see a phyical burn off at mass air flow its only for like 1 sec 1 1/2 not long is this the correct time it should be on or longer, ECM control this?? thanks
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 7
From: Congupna Victoria
Take a look at the thread that Cliff referenced - on page 6 is a video of what my burn-off looks like.
Great thread, lots of info
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I'm posting this for guys who are fighting the code 36. I have the 165 ecm in my '85, did the swap years ago. Recently I had reason to believe my ecm which I had just bought 6 months earlier, was bad. NAPA ordered a replacement free of charge because it was still under warranty. In the meantime I picked up a used ecm so I could not only get the car going but then I would have a spare. I put the used one in and the car ran perfect all day long. The next morning I went out and started it and the check engine light came on, code 36. I fought that code for 3 days until the new ecm came in. In desparation I took the used ecm out and put the new reman in. The code 36 disappeared and has not come back now for 2 weeks. I am calling it fixed. I know just buying a new ecm without knowing if that is the problem is a bit chancy but that will be your call, all I know is my car was cured by the change. Someone is bound to say that once the power is taken off the ecm it loses all the stored codes. I must have cleared mine about 10 times in the 3 days I was searching for my problem so somehow there is some way that code is being thrown by some sort of internal problem of the ecm???
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 330
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
Could be reseating your chip in new ECM finally worked.
Wish I knew, I replaced my ECM, from a different problem, and still get the same code 36. And replaced MAF twice, relays, etc.
