3800 Engine Dies Randomly || MAF Testing

[@dizzbot1]

I have a 2001 Grand Prix with the 3.8L motor. I bought it from a kid that said it didn't run. In my diagnosis i discovered my symptoms weren't too far off from yours. In the end I discovered it was the fuel pressure regulator. The diaphragm had collapsed. Also, I had to replace the upper plenum as the plastic at the Throttle Body had melted and the gaskets had gone bad. This was causing it take in too much air as well as coolant into the engine. Be sure you are checking the main gaskets to the plenum as well as the Throttle Body.

[@robjones8733]

FYI for anyone trying to troubleshoot idling probs...my 94 Ciera has the 3100 SFI engine, ended up being the EGR causing rough idle and stalling. You should be able to test your EGR fairly easily if it has solenoids like mine. 9 volt battery with some jumper (test) leads, you can hear the solenoids clicking, or NOT clicking. You can find the details with a net search. You can check resistance on the solenoids as well with your multimeter. 🙂

[@miker252]

If you have these symptoms and are stuck out driving without tools, try unplugging the MAF sensor. When it's faulty, the car will run with it disconnected. It is less efficient and I wouldn't recommend it as a long term solution, but it will get you home or to a shop.

[@chanceberg832]

No sorrys You did a great job diagnosing the issues.

[@domingodeanda233]

That was pretty damn good, thanks

[@neyashagarner]

I have a 95 grand prix n it jus shut off can't figure what's the problem

[@MelodyGarner-pu6uq]

My check engine light is on in stage one night since I bought this car and now I'm shutting off I don't know what the hell is wrong with it but it's irritating me

[@jimnicosia5934]

So I'm guessing that it was the MAF sensor because the video was vague. Is that correct?

[@BlakesGarage1]

Yes combination of maf two years in a row followed by map.

[@luketamoncannon3795]

So did he replace the maf of just clean it?

[@BlakesGarage1]

He replaced it

[@luketamoncannon3795]

@@BlakesGarage1 I'm learning lol, I have a 90 buick coupe 3800 that just started dieing randomly, I just cleaned it & just started it, hoping it keeps running amen.. I'm afraid if not it's the crank shaft pos. sensor & that looks like a headache

[@davidsimmon5594]

Mines 95 buick lasabre .it die going down the road but stay Crunk sitting .. it will crank bk up tho

[@Danmandingo]

​@@davidsimmon5594my 92 Buick LeSabre would die randomly while driving. It was that common problem,those damn wires rubbing up against the engine.

[@Danmandingo]

​@@luketamoncannon3795my 92 Buick LeSabre would die randomly while driving. It was that common problem,those damn wires rubbing up against the engine

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!... #8 ✝ {9-25-2022}

[@tammycaradine4173]

Needed to know where the air flow sensor was and how to replace. It. Video not helpfull

[@BlakesGarage1]

Video shows where it is, beyond that, its two screws. Unfortunately this is a video for how to test the maf as titled, not how to replace. Thanks for watching