88 Cutlass Supreme

I have an 88 Cutlass Supreme. The service engine light has been going off and on, I dont know if that is something to do with the problem. All of a sudden, car would start up and then die. After a few times of dying, it would idle but then seem to have power surges, it would try to die, but then idle itself back up. When you go to drive it, sometimes it would run fine after a few minutes. But each time it is shut off and you go back to start it, it does the same thing over again. Someone please help!!

Welcome to AF, get it scanned for the source of the check engine lite problem, there are many possibilities here and the limited info provided is insufficient to really provide any comprehensive help, post back the codes. Are you up to jumping the a and b terminals in the obd connector for flash codes?

Sure, but I have no clue as to what you are referring to. I had a car before that you could turn the ignition over to run I think 3 times and then the engine light would flash and you had to count them for the code. Is this what you are talking about?

There is a diagnostic port under the dash, square black box, small, you have to jump a and b pins, it sounds like you really should get professional help with this.

Codes are 33, 34, and 45.

Try replacing the MAF sensor

I agree with CutlassOlds88, the code 33 and 34 both refer to the MAF sensor on your vehicle (or MAP sensor for vehicles not equipped with a MAF). When both these codes are shown at the same time, it indicates a shorted MAF/MAP sensor. The code 45 is rich exhaust, caused by the bad MAP/MAF sensor.

Thanks alot. I had it taken off today and it looked like the wires that ran to the connector had been nicked or cut somehow, then there was electrical tape that was over them, which had worn off and wasnt even covering the exposed wires anymore.

where exactly is the sensor located?

it's located right next to the air cleaner

Well I ended up changing the MAP sensor. Still had the same problem. So my husband was messing around and found out that FWD does have both a Map sensor and an air flow sensor. Replaced it and the car hasnt stalled since, and the engine light went off.

Thanks to all that helped.:licka: