Irocdriver89

i got a 97 camaro z28, auto it has a p0300 missfire code and a mass air flow code. it's poping at idle.

what i've done so far
opti- used but known to be good
wires-kragens auto
fuel filter

still missing, nothing mechanical wrong the check engine light is flashing

It was not that bad at first, with the used opti and my old spark plug wires. I just had a very bad idle. Which i thought a new set of wires would fix, but it seems to be making things worse. So i was driving the camaro the other night after i put the new wires on and the check engine started flashing. I kept driving for about 3 exits and the car started losing power. I took it to the shop and they told me it was because my cats were bad. I had them Installed two new cats and the car is still poping and the random missfire is still present. HELP HELP HELP

THE SHOP IS KILLING ME AT 90 DOLLARS AN HOUR.

reamo04

try cleaning your MAF since it is missing AND throwing a MAF code....
and thats all stuff that u could have easily done yourself, so do not complain on these forums

Irocdriver89

I'm not complaining just looking for a way to help these guys out and cut my time down that the camaro has to be in the shop.

Irocdriver89

also could it just be a bad set of wires from kragens auto, because the car was not running this bad until the new wires. It was just a unstable idle.

Also my intake boot the stock rubber one has a rip could that be my idle problem and also whats setting of the mass air flow code.

Just questions

sbca96

This thread has info on cleaning the MAF :

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209572

What usually causes this code to be throw is the sensor wires in the MAF get
a coating of oil and dirt on them, and the MAF can not read properly so the
computer throws a bad MAF code. The electrical parts cleaner can be bought
from Radio Shack. It must be done CAREFULLY, as the wires DO break!

Usually the oil comes from a K&N filter, and the dirt .. well thats simple.

You COULD have bad wires, but that wont throw a MAF code, only a problem
with the MAF will throw a MAF code.

You can get a little tool from Walmart to check the wires, its a little pen type
size tool with a metal tip and a bulb. You put it near the wires to check the
spark going thru the wire. This actually works if you take your time. I found
I had 5 'bad' wires on our 78 Camaro, and was able pass smog after.

Tom

Irocdriver89

Thanks i will get a test light and try that out. Only question would the volts from the test light be to strong and bust the bulb.

2000GTP

How is the condition of the spark plugs? It can also be a problem with a fuel injector(s).

Irocdriver89

all plugs changed except number 8 that darn number 8

Guest47904

Number 8 can be gotten to easier by removing the starter and going from underneath.

Do NOT continue to run it like it is with new cats unless you want to replace them AGAIN.

Since your new wires caused it run worse, first check to see if you have 2 crossed by tracing them back to the opti. The opti is labeled for pin outs.

You must be careful that the condition is not causing the plugs to get fouled which inturn causes it to run richer.

Your best bet is to scan it and see if your problem is with a particular cylinder or 2. Then concentrate efforts on those cylinders.

If you can't do that, you can remove injector clips one at a time to see which one causes no change in the running condition when removed. Incidentally, your year is prone to stripping the plug threads in the head and causing miss fires. However you would be hearing a shh shh sound when that happens. Some mistake it for a ticking sound.

Irocdriver89

Thanks for the advice, im going to go by the shop tonight and foul around with the wires the guy said he put it on the scanner snap-on scanner and it says random missfire. along with a new to me mass air flow code. plus while taking off the old cats two bolts broke off on the driver side ex manifold so he's gonna have to drill them out or replace the manifold. this is starting to suck bad

1. make sure firing order is correct
2.make sure all conections are tight
3. clean mass air flow sensor
4. sell maro sick of this crap

Irocdriver89

Went to the shop got the maro, went home said im going to fix this car. Reached in to touch every wire to know for sure it was on tight and i noticed that cylinder one and two ex.manifolds did not seem as hot as the rest of the manifolds switched there wires just for kicks and boom car idles perfect and stops shaking. I rev, it revs clean and all the way to the top of the rpm

only thing now is the bolts that the shop broke is leaking major ex. manifold leak. wow all that for two wires put in wrong

oh still have mass air flow code po-100

Irocdriver89

well the po 100 code is still there and i took my intake off and it's torn on the bottom i did a search on p0 100 and found that this could be part of it right.

according to speedy gonzales you said this is a reason for this code right

Injuneer

Of course...... why would you run around with a hole in the intake elbow, allowing air to bypass the MAF sensor, and forcing the PCM to work overtime using the long term fuel corrections to keep the A/F ratio where its supposed to be????

EXACTLY which MAF code do you have.... there is more than one, and each relates to a different problem.

If you're that unhappy with the car, you might want to move #4 up to #1.

jlmeraz

had the exact same problem .. i had a misfire code and a maf code, the shop cleaned the maf and it cleared both codes.. for now.. i just took it for a run and ran the poop out of it and it seems to be okay.. my only worry is the mechanic seems old school and he told me that my k & n filter is allowing to much dirt to get into my engine and he suggests replacing it with the stock one.. should i???

Irocdriver89

I would say yes, because thats how your mass air flow got dirty in the first place was because you k and n is not filtering everything thus increasing flow