Troubleshooting, 88 GTA problem

:banghead:

I just got a 1988 GTA Trans Am, pictured below. Problem is, every time I try to give it jus a lil gas, it sputters and wants to stall, like if I am taking off slowly from a stop sign when a cops nearby. it had no probem 25% throttle or more, but real low gas amounts make it wanna stall. WTF is wrong with it?

You have a check engine light on? I would get the code(s) first...could be a number of things. If you cant get it checked on a scan tool for free, you can jumoer terminal A to B on the under dash diagnostic plug. It will flash once then twice (meaning 12...basically means it is communicating normally with the computer) three times. After that it will start flashing codes. Ex: "3" flashes, then "1" flash would be a code 31...not sure if a code 31 even exists, just saying for example. Anyway, get those codes and post em and it should narrow it down quite a bit. Just need a little mroe info before you start slapping expensive parts on the car :-P

I had the same exact problem in my 87, you would try to take off nice and easy, and she'd act up as thanks, punch it and everything was fine.

Mass Air Flow Sensor. Pick up a refurb, costs way less than new.

My '87 had MAF issues as well...just sort of hoping it wasnt that as they can be expensive. No other year bird ever gave me issues with the MAF but my '87. I might know someone who has one on a classified forum I visit if you do end up needing the MAF. Like Silver said, used one may be your best bet unless you want to spend $300 for a new one...

Definitely look for a refurbished one, because they are way too expensive new. They are pretty easy to install yourself too, so that can save you some extra cash.

Thanks for all the advice... it was the sensor.

It blows, but the GTA is gone now. Unfortunatley, being 18 and living off my income, i just couldn't afford the $3 a gallon gas price. I needed something more economical. At least I sold the GTA to someone who has enough money to fix what little problems it had and give it a new paint job.

For now I'm gonna drive my rice-burner, and when i save up enough im going to buy back my first car (which i sold to my uncle for similar reasons), a 5.7L IROC-Z thats pretty much mint. Until then, it's a 4-banger... thx for the advice tho.