As of late my car keeps wanting to die down when it is idling. I checked the air filter and it isn't dirty. What can it be because if i dont rev the engine while im stopped at the lights it will die down?
Printable View
As of late my car keeps wanting to die down when it is idling. I checked the air filter and it isn't dirty. What can it be because if i dont rev the engine while im stopped at the lights it will die down?
could be lots of things. Any SES light or stored trouble codes?
common causes could be running rich or lean (break that down into MAF, O2 sensor, fuel pressure, vacuum leaks or fuel injector problems) or idle air control motor problems.
well if you have no lights on. Start with the cheapest thing and clean the MAF.
id bet on throttle position sensor
That is idea I didn't even think of. It never occured to me since I haven't had that issue on my 98 TA but my 93 5.0 ran like crap when the TPS went bad.
Another easy/cheap thing to check and replace, fuel filter.
A new fuel filter is cheap and throw in some good injector cleaner while your at it. My friend cleaned my injectors hooking up at the rail and made a big difference and I only have 85k. I wouldn't worry as much about 02's if their is no light on since mine went bad set the SES light and still ran fine for the couple rides I took in it before getting the new one installed, it did run a little better but nothing really noticeable like what your saying.
It does have codes, but i dont remember the exact codes i do it said something about running to rich or lean. I was also told it could of been two o2 sensors and another time i was told it was the MAF.
also clean the TB
Well the MAF is cheap to clean juust hit a auto parts store for the cleaner. Now I have never noticed my car running really different with one bad 02 but if bothwere then that would probably cause an issue, never seen 2 go at once so I can't say what would happen.Check the plug and connector on your MAF as well. I had problems on my 5.0 with the connector and that caused it to run like it was unplugged and then normal so once I checked it and replaced the plug no more issure. Never know what wires have been tugged to hard unless you have had the car from new and never been to a shop for any work. I trust very few mechanics and shops.Quote:
Originally Posted by edrvsqz1980
Those codes probably have a lot to do with your idling problem. If you get a chance to scan those codes and post up the code numbers, that could be helpful.Quote:
Originally Posted by edrvsqz1980
Ive already cleaned the MAF a month ago when i changed my air filter. I will scan the codes again and post up the codes. Im also going to change the fuel filter just because its an easy and cheap, I havent done it since ive owned it and who knows if its ever been changed.
I have scanned my car and here are the codes its p0174 andp071 the girl who scanned it said it was the O2 sensors, but ive been also told it could be the MAF. Which one can it be?
P0171 is Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1
P0174 is Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 2
It is a little bit of a stretch to think the O2 sensors are causing both these codes. It is possible but not likely. MAF is a good possibility. Other possible sources are vacuum or exhaust leaks or low fuel pressure
Thanks for your help, so should i start with the MAF. I was going to change it anyways since i heard descreening the MAF is bad. Where can i get an MAF because ive read aftermarkets are not better than the original. Would autozone have a stock MAF or dealership only item.
orielly has one thats refurb id stay away from electrical at autozone.... bad experiences with them
Good MAFs are hard to come by now. I believe I've heard GM doesn't sell exact same OE replacement anymore. Instead you get what looks like a universal fit MAF and I'm just not sure about it. Refer to pajeff02's thread for more info. Maybe that thing is ok. You might wanna ask him if he's had any problems.
So is your MAF already descreened? If not, then have you considered just cleaning it.
Also check over the engine for the other possible causes I mentioned before just jumping at MAF replacement.
you can find one from a truck also like 99-07 its lil bit bigger but i have one on mine being a 2000 model you have to get a plug that fits it it has five prongs you have three and it has the iat sensor inside of it but it wont be used youll still usethe one on you lid the adapter plug is like $13 the maf is actually 85mm on the 3/4 tons w 6.0 not sure on the 5.3 i just got one from a 6.0
The only problem with that is that those MAFs probably read a little bit differently than a stock LS1 MAF and a slightly skewed reading will affect how the engine is fueled. Now you can get the car retuned to those MAFs (or any MAF) to dial it back in exactly where it needs to be.
true im doin that anyway though