I have an 88 SE that is throwing a 13 error code when I run diags. Points to a Cylinder Head Temp Sensor problem.

My question is: could this be what is causing my Max to run rough? The first time I crank her up in the morning the car will run great until I turn it off. If I drive it again before it sits for 8+ hours the car runs real rough and will sometimes spit out black smoke.

My original thought was the Air flow sensor but that's not what the Computer says.

I've replaced: Dist. Cap&rotor, spark plugs&wires, and adjusted the timing.

Thoughts/suggestions?

 

umm, replace the Cylinder Head Temp Sensor, because of where its at, what it does, and how much of a pain in the *** it is to replace its a common problem causer

 

The temp sensor can be a real trouble maker. My 81 ZX turbo had a bad one and it was causing all sorts of problems. Auto Zone had a replacement for $15 and it runs like new. Cheap fix..do it!

 

CHTS can make a pretty big difference. It isn't that bad to do once you get some stuff out of the way. Likely you'll need to remove the thermostat housing, probably the coolant resevoir, and possibly the cruise control unit just to get some room. Also be sure to get a harness as well.

S

 

mines been running rough also...

When i start it up in the morning i usally have to start it 2 times , because when i start it up the first time and try to rev it , it sounds like all that is happening is the intake is sucking air in but the engine is not revving the rpms just go lower and the car will stall.

But starting it agian and then pushing in the gas in and outlike 3 times really hard , It will clear the problem up.

and if you let it sit for a while the problem will come back.

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another issue is when im on a hill and im parked and my cars still running , It will idle at like 500rpm-400rpm and the engine will die a few times.

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one more issue is when i first start it up for hours its very nice in performance but once i drive fore few mintues it seems to loose alot of horsepower.... * I think it might be the hot air intake *

any body that has a cold air intake show me or tell me exactly where they cut and how they cut ?

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Last problem for real , When im driving around for any amount of time from 1 min to 3 hours when i come to a stop at a light or a stop sign , once i am finally stopped my car's rpms will drop to the point of almost stalling but the rpms will come back up to idleing speed in a split second.

 

Thanks for the answers everyone. I'll get the Sensor, replace it and see how it does.