My 89 w/ auto has had a real erratic idle for awhile now. 1.5 years ago when I bought the car from my folks, it was barely noticeable. It has gradually gotten worse over time. Dealer and two independent mechs can find NOTHING. I've replaced injectors (all), coil, cap, rotor, plugs/wires, and TPS (was causing another problem). It almost quits running for a fraction of a second sometimes. Only idling in park or in gear at red lights- once you're moving it's not noticeable on the tach or by feel at all. MAF has never been changed (car's been in my family since 90), but before I run out and waste $350 for a new one, I want to get some input as to what the likelihood of it causing the problem is. If you unplug the MAF at idle, the car dies instantly (I believe that's what's supposed to happen). Tapping on the MAF while idling has no effect on the idle.

Anyone have any ideas/input?

 

OMG all that and you still didnt fix it! thats alot of money! (injectors r expencive) how much do think you spent replacing parts
-unplug your O2 sensor and see what happens.. if it getting a little better then its your O2
-is the car running rich?, does it smell odd?

 

it is most definately the MAF... mine did that. Go to Advanced Auto and get one of their factory remanufactured MAFs with a lifetime warranty or I have one I will sell you that is off my 92 SE parts car and works fine. Let me know ASAP though as I am leaving back out of town in a week for Virginia Beach again.

Jared Seymour
(859) 224-9551 in Lexington, KY
(757) 486-1333 in Virginia Beach, VA

 

I've probably got 1K into this nightmare, maybe a little more. I did the injectors myself instead of letting the dealer rape me.

As far as the smell, it does smell odd when it idles...
Where is the O2 sensor on my 89? Accessible from underneath the car?

 

How much are you wanting for yours? Is it one of those remans, or is it OEM? If it's not original, how old is it? As sensitive as I'm being told these things are, is buying a used one a good idea?

Let me know how much please.

Thanks!

 

Buying a used one is fine, or get one from Advanced Auto for under $200 with a lifetime warranty like I did. I am selling the original OEM MAF for $100. Let me know I can produce pics of it as well with a given amount of time to get them transfered from my cam to the computer as I am slammed. As of now it would be the weekend before I could get pics done.

Jared