kael

I, as well as many others with TPI, have had the dreaded code 36 MAF burn off failure. And chased, again and again.

I'm no longer interested in chasing, I want it killed, turned off, destroyed, terminated, purged, nulled or whatever word means making ECM NOT check for burn off any more!

How is this done? PROM change? If so, where? Something else?

GoogleFu has failed in this pursuit for my '87.

bjankuski

It must be turned off in the chip, but you should really find and fix the problem to really solve the issue.

kael

What provides the ability to turn off in the chip? That mean a new, flashed PROM?

I was hoping it was via ALDL.

bjankuski

You need a new replacement chip programmed and an adapter to mount it in your car. If you want to do it yourself you need a reader/burner, adapter, and software to modify the file.

kael

Now I'm tempted for both Short and Long term fix.
I think I'll order a custom for now, maybe. Really one driving month left, sadly.

Sick and tired of 36 though. I can tell a huge difference between SES off and on, after pulling battery. I already waded through this, that and the other, walking through various threads, etc etc. Typical fix for many was $$$$$ for an old Bosch MAF or turn damn 36 off. Some lucky with relays, but that's really step 1 in chasing 36.


GoogleFu for others:
turn off code 36
kill code 36
disable code 36

Rod Schneider

I feel your pain--my 87 throws the code about 50% of the time. I've been through the entire system, replacing the relays, MAF, and even tried a different ECM (but same PROM chip) to no avail. I've also checked every plug and wire associated with the MAF system. At this point, I'll live with the SES light being on roughly half of the time. If it burns out, I'll probably not be in a hurry to replace it

kael

I've lived and chased the code 36 since the first couple of months, might have been there when I bought it, didn't know how to read codes backup then.

These days, I've noted a large difference between green and red ( I only get green after code reset). Smooth, nice throttle. After stop/start, sounds a bit off. Time to clobber the problem.

HAD2HAV2

FYI
Back in 1995 I bought a used 88 35th with 59,000 miles on it (still have It). The check engine light was on but I figured I could fix it. It was code 36 like yours. First I replaced the relay but still had the light. I ordered a new MAF that was $250 at the time and still had the light. I was talking to one of my club members who knew a former Chevy mechanic (working in his own shop) whom I called and told him about my MAF code and he asked me for the PROM #. I pulled the ECM down and found the # and I was told I needed a different # for my ECM. I ordered it from Chevy and never had the code again.
Some Idiot PO had changed the PROM for reasons that I never figured out.

kael

I suppose it's possible the problem is actually the PROM, they do age and corrupt.

Oh dang! Another couple bucks for something that might not do anything!

Midnight 85

Keep in mind that the code 36 COULD be a false code. I am convinced that is what it is in my '85. I have the ecm updated to the 165 and I have been all over that car, checked, double checked and even triple checked the wiring, it is all 100 % correct. Until I stumble across the cause and I'm not looking too hard, I put a toggle switch in place of the connector you disconnect to erase codes. Whenever I drive the car for more than a trip around town I raise the hood and flip that switch for about 10 seconds and it's good to go and I never see that code 36. About twice a year I spray the maf with cleaner just to be sure it is doing it's thing.

kael

I understand Midnight, really comes down to technology 25 years ago and maybe an engineer or two.

FYI, for anyone looking for a working MAF, I have a 246-1006 from Walker Products and am in discussion with the company, so far I've received a statement that no burn circuit is implemented in this MAF. I followed up with the obvious question, does it still tell the ECM the okay signal, waiting for a response.

Yes Cliff, I'm going to check the voltage this weekend. All the information you've chased and shared with all of us is a great thing, THANK YOU!

Big thanks to C4 CF as well!

3D-Aircrew

Check your messages

Midnight 85

I had one of those mafs also and I got the light with it also. I thought that was my problem so I bought another maf from Jay at Vette2Vette, thankfully I got the used one for less than a new one and it is in my car right now

Midnight 85

Ooops