how do you read trouble codes on 87 buick lesabres

i have an 87 buick lesabre that has had problems in the past with the mass air flow sensor going bad ( 3 times in the past 7 years) this last time the same syntoms a few days ago has left it not want to start. i replaced the maf again, but this time it did not start right up, i put the old unit back on, it has gas flow to the rails, spark to the plugs, and still will not start. the only trouble code it sends is 1 flash, pause, then 2 flashes. this repeated more than 20 times the same way. any sugestion?

Pull the spark plugs and see if they are wet with gas.

Is your "Check Engine" light on? Usually a code 12 indicates that you've successfully put the computer into it's diagnostic cycle. If there are no other codes present, then it will flash a code 12 again.

i have an 87 buick lesabre that has had problems in the past with the mass air flow sensor going bad ( 3 times in the past 7 years) this last time the same syntoms a few days ago has left it not want to start. i replaced the maf again, but this time it did not start right up, i put the old unit back on, it has gas flow to the rails, spark to the plugs, and still will not start. the only trouble code it sends is 1 flash, pause, then 2 flashes. this repeated more than 20 times the same way. any sugestion?

The engine itself could be simply fouled up and filthy inside. But the 12 by itself means there are no engine codes set.

Does it have enough gas flow? [fuel pressure test]
Does it have spark at the right time? [crank sensor, cam sensor, ignition module, wiring]

How did you know the MAF was bad before? Did it set trouble codes?

Frankly, a car that cranks well and has no major mechanical malfunction and also has sufficient fuel pressure being delivered to the cylinders (have you checked the injectors?), with correct spark that also has good spark plugs (check those) and wires (check those) and a proper air supply (check your air filter and all air intake passages--did a bird build a nest in your air supply hose?) will simply start. It is nearly a mathematical certainty.

I have a 87 lesabre also and the only 2 times mine would turn over and not run was when it spun out of time due to the timing gear being worn out and the other was when the crank position sensor went bad. Neither set off a code. I would try the crank position sensor first to eliminate it before going any further. Those things have a high failure rate for some reason. :rolleyes: