Wierd stuff on start up

[hendrix3511]

I just started having wierd stuff happen to my 02 GLS recently. When I start it up the entire dash flashes and the motor sputters and dies. I noticed some hard starts a couple of times before this. I suspect fuel filter, but I don't think that would make the dash flash at me. Also the service engine soon light seems to flicker when it's dying. That seems to me like it's starved for fuel, but I turn it off and immediately start it and it runs fine. I need to replace the MAF sensors so the service engine soon light usually stays on. I've had a problem with the wiper switch and the turn signals. I hope this is not some kind of dead short.

Has anyone seen this?

Also I noticed if I give it some gas while starting and right after it stops flashing and runs normally.

[Tobey]

Sounds like it could be a bad ignition switch. Also, make sure your battery connections are clean and tight.

[dtownfb]

Tobey is onthe right track. A bad ignition switch is a common problem on these vehicles. When they go bad, the symptoms sometimes be confused with a fuel related problems. The only "fuel" related problem I've seen on this forum is the fuel pressure regulator (another common issue).

Before changing the MAF sensor, try cleaning it and the air filter.