'86 MAF Sensor - error code 33
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Denver, Colorado
'86 MAF Sensor - error code 33
Is there anything I should check if my car is setting an error 33? I looked at the book, and it says the MAF sensor or an open circuit. The wiring all looks great. How often do MAF sensors go out? My car has 102,000 miles.
Does anyone know how much a MAF costs, and if there's a 'performance' version of it?
Thanks!
Does anyone know how much a MAF costs, and if there's a 'performance' version of it?
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: '86 MAF Sensor - error code 33 (Shovelhead)
MAF error codes are a pain in the butt, I should know. Anyway, visually inspect the MAF to see if there are any foreign objects on the thin wire inside. Then check all the connections, including the TWO relays behind the battery. At the very worst, you can get a reman. MAF unit from Autozone or Pepboys for about $150 and put it in yourself. Do this at a dealer and you're looking at over $400! :eek: :mad The relays are around $10 each. Make sure the parts number are correct for each application. For '86, the burn off relay and the power relay are two DIFFERENT items. Good luck. When MAF throws a code, the 'vette usually runs very rough and feels like it's 'dropping an anchor' everytime the foot lets off the accelerator.
By the way, I don't know of any 'performance MAF' but for about 5 minutes work you can improve the intake airflow a bit by removing the mesh screens.
[Modified by CoolVette86, 10:52 PM 6/13/2003]
By the way, I don't know of any 'performance MAF' but for about 5 minutes work you can improve the intake airflow a bit by removing the mesh screens.
[Modified by CoolVette86, 10:52 PM 6/13/2003]
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Re: '86 MAF Sensor - error code 33 (Shovelhead)
The code 33 is usually the two MAF relays, they are located behind the battery on the firewall. Together they should cost about $20.
Replace both, see if code returns. If so, then the MAF sensor itself must be replaced. Buy a new one from a parts store, I believe theyre about $200-250 new. Do not buy one of these performance mafs, the only difference between them and your stock maf is that the screens on either side have been removed and the cooling fins inside also cut out.
You can remove the screens yourself, but I left my cooling fins intact.
Replace both, see if code returns. If so, then the MAF sensor itself must be replaced. Buy a new one from a parts store, I believe theyre about $200-250 new. Do not buy one of these performance mafs, the only difference between them and your stock maf is that the screens on either side have been removed and the cooling fins inside also cut out.
You can remove the screens yourself, but I left my cooling fins intact.
