I'm having a bit of trouble with a code 36 which I know every other person with a C4 has had the same problem. I think I know where mine is coming from though. Recently I ordered a new maf, when it came in it was identical on the outside but the inner was completely different. I have reason to believe this maf is a newer model that does not have a burnoff circuit in it. My '85 has the 165 ecm and the maf I ordered was supposed to be for an '86. My tuner says he can tune out the code 36 but I am concerned that this wrong maf will never work right in my car. Does anyone know anything about this? FWIW I have put new relays in just to be sure they weren't the problem, all wiring has been traced and tested for continuity and it all is correct.

 

So turn off the code 36 and let your tuner do his thing. If the car drives and performs to your expectations - wha la - you are done ! If you and/or your tuner are unhappy take a look at my MAF solution !!! greg

 

I am completely willing to let the tuner "do his thing" but I want to know if the maf I have is going to work like it should. I can't help but think I should just get the right maf.

 

Yes
Buy a new MAF the 85 is a one year only, however the 88 MAF will work.
Be careful where you buy the MAF from, some are selling some copy that looks the same outside but not inside.
See pictures below, I finally got the correct one from Ecklers after the one from corvette central did not work.

Corvette central crap copy ....



What my old one (that was still working) looks like...

 

If he would be "retuning" the complete fueling tables -- along with getting rid of the code -- then he probably knows what he's doing. I remember a thread at C4Guru several years ago where one of our members had bought a replacement MAF only to find it's electrical "response" was significantly different from stock. IIRC, so much so that retuning was necessary.

You'd THINK remans would be easy enough to get close...considering the 15% "fudge factor" our ECMs can correct...though 85 is definitely the earliest, most finicky generation.

If it were me, I'd be more inclined to find a salvage MAF rather than take a chance. Unless I'd just "built" a motor and needing complete refueling anyway.

 

Is tuning the only way to nuke code 36?

Can't believe these things don't have a working replacement, just doesn't make sense. Now hearing typical replacements don't even measure remotely the same.....

 

Hi

​​​​​replacement maf will work fine, no need to program a chip. I am running a blower through my maf and the car runs great, did not need a special chip for it to work fine.

The maf error code should be left alone, if its high or low volts causing a code its a major problem.

Been running a blower for around 10 years, have never seen a maf code.

 

This thread has a lot of info on code 36:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-36-help.html

 

The big problem with leaving code 36 is the SOS light stays on, can't see other codes. Is there a method to ignore only the burn?

 

The one I have now is even different inside from your top picture, the bottom picture is the style I have coming. The original maf died many years ago and I replaced it with an '88 version which is what Gordon Killebrew suggested. It was fine until last year when I accidentally dropped it. It was broken internally so I ordered another one and that is the one I have now. I have had the same tune for a couple years so I know the tune is as close to perfect as it can get. How I ended up with this design maf is beyond me and the only reason I accepted it was because on the outside it is identical so I thought it was okay. Thanks for your input.

My response above will answer any concerns you brought up, as I stated, I have run the same tune for some time and until I got the different design maf all was well. I fail to see why I should mess with the tune when all I needed to know was if I should get a maf like the one I used to have or let the tuner change the tune and possibly still have a problem with the maf I have. I am getting a new, correct maf today so I will put it in and drive it a while and report back on how it runs. If it does what I think it is going to do then I feel pictures of incorrect maf designs should be posted as a sticky so others can avoid what I have been through. To answer your last statement, I did the ecm upgrade myself then my tuner nailed the tune on the second burn.