2000 Grand Prix GT Check Engine Light

[xDonny]

I've been getting really bad fuel economy and the engine stalls sometimes (only when i'm on a second trip in a short period of time, like if i go into the store and come out, it'll act up) I've cleaned the MAF and IAC sensors and it hasn't made a difference at all. Is there anything I can do? I'm paying like $60 a week in gas (i'm in Canada btw) and getting around 13 MPG when I should be getting ~21 MPG, any help would be much appreciated, is there anyway to check the engine codes myself?

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

The only way to check the codes is with a scanner. You can purchase one for about $60 at many automotive retailers. In the US you can purchase one at Sears. Once you get the code you can look it up or some scanners will tell you. I suspect you have a bad O2 sensor that is causing the issue. It is the sensor in front of the cat. Unfortunately the one on the Grand Prix is located behind the engine next to the firewall. You may be able to get it from underneath it if you can get the car off the ground.

[xDonny]

I just went down to Canadian Tire and had it scanned. It's the MAF sensor... I guess it's busted, I'm trying to look for somebody parting out a car with my engine that would have one for cheap, I don't want to pay $150 for a new one.

[GTP Dad]

The MAF sensor usually doesn't cause fuel issues but I guess anything is possible. Usually the MAF sensor causes driveability issues. As for the MAF don't purchase a Cardone sensor as they are often bad as their quality is poor.

[xDonny]

Okay thanks, and I was reading somewhere else that if you have a bad MAF depending on how you drive it can decrease fuel economy

[olopezm]

Hi Donny,

what did you use to clean the MAF sensor?

If you take a look at it under a magnifying glass you can sometimes see the build up on it which requires a VERY SLIGHT rubbing with a q-tip soaked in either MAF cleaner or electric contact cleaner. You'll see the difference instantly.

If it still doesn't works you might want to go ahead and clean it with a stronger solvent like carb cleaner. It's a "dangerous" movement but if it's damaged already it wouldn't hurt.

MAKE sure the problem is the sensor and NOT the wiring it would suck to replace it and not being the problem. Another possibility could be a bad battery low on charge.


Oscar.