Hey boyz:

I checked the ignition coils this aft, they look absolutely fine, no cracks whatsoever, in fact save for the dust they looked almost new and had a nice vaccuum seal against the engine block. So I don't think they are the problem.

I did take the MAF out completely today and washed up the screens and stuff to see if that makes any difference at all.

I suspect now the MAF or the spark plugs or the throttle pos'n sensor. I think the 2 MAF's I swapped in previously were toasted to begin with, they were really dark coloured at the screens etc. Also, I just can't believe the Bosch Plat+4's would be SO bad for the Max that it would cause this problem. Since so many others are experiencing it and they don't necessarily have the Bosch's I really don't know if that's the problemo.

I'll be posting later on in the week to let everyone know after I drive for the rest of the week and see how the car behaves.

Have to admit I'm at a loss now but I'll keep after it. The TPS is the very last resort cuz that's an expensive fix. I don't even have the dough at the moment to spring for the plugs (maybe next week).

Just as an aside, another problem I'm having might be related to this since I believe it's electrical in nature. On cold mornings, and ONLY on cold mornings, I have to crank the key several times. The deal goes like this:

1) I turn the key once and I just hear a click and a SSSSHHHHHHH noise as long as I hold the key to ignition.

2) Once I let the key go it keeps SSSSHHHHH'ing for another 7 secs or so and then stops.

3) I turn the key to ignition again and the same thing happens. Keep in mind the engine does NOT turn over AT ALL. Just this noise after the click.

4) Depending on how cold the morning is I have to do this anywhere from 2 to 8 times.

5) It doesn't seem to hurt anything the more I do it. I know that I just have to keep doing it until the car starts. The starter motor doesn't even go during the SSSHHH'shing so I'm not killing it or anything.

6) On a warm day the engine turns over on the first turn of the key.

To any of the experts out there, does this sound like a related problem?

Anywho, before leaving I just want to give big-ups to GJohnson for helping so much with the ignition coil suspicion. THANKS MAN!!!

Thanks to everyone who's helping on the board and I promise to update everyone later this wk.

Take care and God bless,

Paul