'99 LSE 3800 - won't start, but tries!!

[billyb22]

Just back (today- the last leg of the trip was 300 plus miles) from a 1,700 mile trip and the car won't start. We got back and the car sat for 3 hours, I drove it 5 miles and now it won;t start. I had it going for about 2 seconds and it was missing terribly. I had the dealer check it over the day before we left and they found no problems. The car operated flawlessly all week on the trip. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

[wafrederick]

Check for spark and fuel pressure.It could be the upper intake too and a very common problem filling the intake with coolant.Did one in a 1998 Park Ave. that took in coolant replacing the upper intake and it quit on the road.

[billyb22]

I just got it running by unplugging the sensor in the intake air. The second one from the air filter. It has 3 wires and a purple weather proof gasket around it. What is this sensor? It has 2 tamperproof torx screws holding it down. When I plug it back in, the car stalls after about 4-5 seconds. Won't start again until I unplug it. The car seems to run fine without it, but the exhaust smells a bit like the cat. converter is plugged or something, which I assume is due to this sensor being disconnected?? I am not driving the car in this condition, just trying to figure out the next step. Get a tool to remove this sensor, I guess. Thanks

[HotZ28]

[billyb22]

Thanks,
Great photo - it's the MAF!!!
I was just looking thru Napa's online store and found it for $209.00
Does anyone agree that I should replace it?
Do these just go bad al of the sudden? or is there something else causing it?