Choking Engine

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 May 2010, 16:41

JMMXC,

Your problem sounds like a mass airflow sensor dying to me. Next time you're experiencing these symptoms, pull over and pop the hood and disconnect the electrical connector on the MAF sensor (just after the airbox), and drive away. You'll throw a check engine light, but drive around for a little bit and see if your car runs better.

Post by **jmmxc** » 02 May 2010, 00:30

OK thanks,
I will give a try sunday morning.
If it is the MAF, can it be cleaned.
It could be an expensive part to replace.
Oh... will the code cleared by itself after I reconnect the MAF cable?
Will post result soon.
Thanks,
Jmmxc.

Post by **jmmxc** » 04 May 2010, 10:39

Well, the car choked, stalled and died on me this monday afternoon, coming back from work. I had not a chance to try disconnecting the MAF connector,as suggested. In addition, there is a strong smell of unburned gasoline, noxious odor that seems to come off the sides of the engine underbelly prior to the car cutting. I had to get it towed to the mechanic at the corner...because it would not start and stay on any more, Luckilly I was about a mile short of making it home....

I have had no Check Engine Light so far and I am not sure what the mechanic will find.
Should you have any suggestions of what to expect so I can talk intelligently to the mechanic when he calls, please let me know.
Thanks,
Will keep you in touch.
jmmxc

Post by **jblackburn** » 04 May 2010, 11:05

Those are all common symptoms of a dying airflow sensor. Mine smelled like horrible rotten eggs.

Before they start telling you things they think might be wrong with it, ask them to unplug the sensor and see if it runs. It will immediately throw a code for it not being plugged in, but it can be cleared and the car will be forced to run in 'limp mode' with its best guess at the amount of air entering the engine.

If so, it's an expensive part, but you can easily order one and replace it yourself in about 5 minutes.

Post by **jmmxc** » 05 May 2010, 05:40

Well, I got the car back from the mechanic.
I took the MAF box out, and I noticed the film element (looking like a thin ceramic substrate) in the sensor assembly may have been cracked. One side of it was brittle and it flakes off. Unit does appear to have run its course and was on its last leg.
So, I ordered one from FCPGroton. Hope that I get it by end of the week.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks very much.
jmmxc

Post by **jmmxc** » 07 May 2010, 16:38

Hi Jablackburn
You are 100% correct on this one.
I received and installed the new MAF ; and I also removed some grime around the throttle intake as well, while I was there.
After the install. The engine starts off and holds steady with an rpm of about 1000. No more stalling and choking...
I thank you very much for the tip.
jmmxc.

Choking Engine

Re: Choking Engine