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1999 Buick Regal MAF and MAP

Tiny
WILSOJ64
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK REGAL
Engine Performance problem
1999 Buick Regal 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Car starts and runs for 5 minutes then shuts off and I have to wait until cooled before it will restart. When it is started the tach fluctuates around like it is searching for something then dies. If I disconnect the MAF it will run smooth, why? Could you also explain the MAF and MAP and how it works in the electronic module (computer)? Can I clean the carbon off the MAF with steam? Any recommendations on understanding sensors in an automobile? Don't want to waste money trying things it may be. Really would like to know what the problem is so it can be fixed as cheaply as possible. Thanks for any help!
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 3:47 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Is the check engine light coming on? If so then pull the trouble codes stored and it should pinpoint the culprit. When you disconnect the MAF sensor the vehicles main computer, the PCM, goes into a limp type mode so that the engine will run smooth but will not be running up to par with its normal specs. I would suggest pulling the trouble codes before doing anything at this point.
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
WILSOJ64
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Do I have to take it somewhere to pull those codes? It is currently parked at home in the country and don't want to tow it somewhere to hook it up to the tester for the codes.
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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Yes you must use a scan tool to retrieve the codes, you may be able to rent one from auto part store
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
WILSOJ64
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Once I get the codes off the engine, do I just take those codes to the auto parts store? I really appreciate your help on this.
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
WILSOJ64
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  • 7 POSTS
Any idea what codes should come up?
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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No post the codes here and I will help you diagnose the issue, there are way too many things that can cause this problem so I can't tell which code(s) may come up
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
WILSOJ64
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  • 7 POSTS
Again, thank you very much. Will let you know once I get the codes.
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Friday, October 29th, 2010 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
WILSOJ64
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Finally was able to get a scanner to get the code off the car. P0102 Mass Air Flow Circuit Low Input. What are your recommendations to resolve this?
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Check for air leaks at the MAF sensor, throttle body spacer, intake manifold, PCV system, EGR system, oil dipstick tube and oil filler cap. If all is good then check wiring to the MAF sensor. If wiring is good then MAF sensor is likely at fault.
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Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
WILSOJ64
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Thank you so much. Will try and get to all this and let you know. Much appreciated!
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Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 AT 6:43 AM

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