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

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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 09:39 PM
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Hello, I am new to this site and we have an 88 corvette that we purchased about a month ago. It has only 28,000 miles on it so body and drive seem to be in very good condition.
Now my question, It popped a #33 code for the mass air flow sensor, we changed coolant sensor and also 2 relays as GM said the old style could be an issue. Car runs fine and all of a sudden pops code again. While scanning system with a snap on scan tool we noticed the TPS value was low. should be .52 at idle closed and go to 4.0 at WOT. Scan tool shows TPS only goes to 1.28 volts at WOT. We are thinking that this might be confusing mass air flow sensor and popping code. Are we heading in the right direction? Don't want to parts chase!! but can use some ideas. Shows no other codes and when #33 is clear car runs fine.
Thanks
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 02:19 AM
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You can get an error code 33 if there is a bad connection between the MAF and the ECM. That could be a corroded connector pin or a broken wire.

If the MAF signal is not getting to the ECM, it will use the TPS signal to guess what the air flow rate is. Try unplugging the MAF and see how it runs.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 10:18 AM
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What does the TPS show in the idle position? 1.28 at WOT is way off, as you know. Is the TPS getting the 5 volt source it is supposed to be getting?
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by JimLentz
What does the TPS show in the idle position? 1.28 at WOT is way off, as you know. Is the TPS getting the 5 volt source it is supposed to be getting?

Hello, at idle either running or not it is .52 which is correct but it will not go over 1.28v at WOT. and yes, it is receiving 5 volts we checked with snap on scan tool and also a volt meter.
The car runs good, the throttle shows no sign of problems, you would think the low voltage would not make it accelerate but not the case, Thanks for your help
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by tonyb123
Hello, at idle either running or not it is .52 which is correct but it will not go over 1.28v at WOT. and yes, it is receiving 5 volts we checked with snap on scan tool and also a volt meter.
The car runs good, the throttle shows no sign of problems, you would think the low voltage would not make it accelerate but not the case, Thanks for your help
Sure sounds like that TPS is messed up.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by tonyb123
Hello, at idle either running or not it is .52 which is correct but it will not go over 1.28v at WOT. and yes, it is receiving 5 volts we checked with snap on scan tool and also a volt meter.
The car runs good, the throttle shows no sign of problems, you would think the low voltage would not make it accelerate but not the case, Thanks for your help
Could also be your computer, I have seen 1 TPI car where the computer failed and only showed a max of around 2 volts at WOT when the signal was 4 volts. Replacing the computer solved the problem.

Check your TPS first.
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Old Jul 18, 2017 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris
If the MAF signal is not getting to the ECM, it will use the TPS signal to guess what the air flow rate is. Try unplugging the MAF and see how it runs.
Huh... never would have thunk it. This is a great tip- thanks!
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