backfire, then die..still

[jim56]

I have replaced the plugs and wires, checked the intake bolts( they were loose)... I cant think of anything else...
Heres what it does, I think only when backing up,strange as it sounds.
It briefly revs up, then backfires and dies. SES light comes on.
When I have them pull the code, it says something about the mass air flow sensor, but they checked it, and said it appears ok.

[ghutchin]

There may be air getting into the system other than through the MAF, so sort of vacuum leak, but it would have to be a pretty major one. But that may be why it is throwing the MAF code. You really need to have a scanner on it when it does it again.

[jim56]

Yea, thats what i think.. but where to look for the leak?
last time the pulled the code, it said it happened at something like 3MPH
900 rpm.. so basically just off idle ...

[Slade901]

Disconnect the MAF sensor wires and spray some throttle body cleaner to it.

This to check and clean is the IAC (Idle Air Control solenoid). It can be cleaned with a throttle body cleaner as well as the spot where it goes in to the throttle body.
Check TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), can't be cleaned but just replaced.

To check for vacuum leak spray some throttle body cleaner around the throttle body (around its gaskets), around the intake manifold (around its gaskets). The RPM will change if the throttle body cleaner fluid gets sucked in by the leaking vacuum.

[jim56]

The square aluminum piece ( throttle body? )just past the black plastic where the
air flow sensor is. I turned all 4 of those bolts at least 2 turns with my fingers before they started to get tight. The whole thing was about to fall off...hope this fixes it.... Next weekend Ill pull the cover off and give it a good going over...after finding that and the intake bolts loose, I wonder what else ..........