check engine light - galant shark

[tigermj]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to ask some expert advice regarding my recent predicament.

Just yesterday the lito up yun check engine light of my galant 1998 auto transmission (shark type).

Umandar naman siya at nakauwi pa kami. Tried removing the neg terminal of the battery para ma reset pero nun binalik ko eh nandun pa din yun check engine light so definitely something is wrong.

Tanong ko lan po kun san po ba pwede ipacheck ito ? sa casa lang ba pwede dahil sa analyzer ?

Dito po ako sa sucat pqe. baka may ma recommend kayo na trusted auto repair shap na pwede ko pa check o yun may analyzer para makita kun ano errror code.

BTW ok pa din po kaya ito gamitin ? nun nag light up kasi kahapon may isang beses namatay yun makina habang naka drive pero nag start naman ulit at di na ulit namatay yun makina hanggang makauwi kami.

Thanks in advance.

[LN106G]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to ask some expert advice regarding my recent predicament.

Just yesterday the lito up yun check engine light of my galant 1998 auto transmission (shark type).

Umandar naman siya at nakauwi pa kami. Tried removing the neg terminal of the battery para ma reset pero nun binalik ko eh nandun pa din yun check engine light so definitely something is wrong.

Tanong ko lan po kun san po ba pwede ipacheck ito ? sa casa lang ba pwede dahil sa analyzer ?

Dito po ako sa sucat pqe. baka may ma recommend kayo na trusted auto repair shap na pwede ko pa check o yun may analyzer para makita kun ano errror code.

BTW ok pa din po kaya ito gamitin ? nun nag light up kasi kahapon may isang beses namatay yun makina habang naka drive pero nag start naman ulit at di na ulit namatay yun makina hanggang makauwi kami.

Thanks in advance.

If your engine is equipped with a MAF sensor (not sure if your engine is MAF or MAP - equipped), you can clean it first with electronic contact cleaner. If after cleaning and your MIL(malfunction indicator lamp) still lights up as "CHECK ENGINE", it is then warranted to have an engine scan (this isoffered by CASA or other reputable shops). Chances are, your MAF or MAP sensor have seen better days and needs to be replaced...

[tigermj]

If your engine is equipped with a MAF sensor (not sure if your engine is MAF or MAP - equipped), you can clean it first with electronic contact cleaner. If after cleaning and your MIL(malfunction indicator lamp) still lights up as "CHECK ENGINE", it is then warranted to have an engine scan (this isoffered by CASA or other reputable shops). Chances are, your MAF or MAP sensor have seen better days and needs to be replaced...

Where can i find the MAF or MAP sensor ?

Im planning to have an engine scan from the citimotors casa.

But will the engine scan also detects if it is the MAF sensor and will they usually try to clean it first before recommending to replace it ? Baka kasi pwede nga try linisin muna eh ?

BTW do you have any idea how much is the MAF or MAP sensor. I have 1998 galant auto tran ?

Is it still safe to drive ?

Thanks

[LN106G]

Where can i find the MAF or MAP sensor ?

Im planning to have an engine scan from the citimotors casa.

But will the engine scan also detects if it is the MAF sensor and will they usually try to clean it first before recommending to replace it ? Baka kasi pwede nga try linisin muna eh ?

BTW do you have any idea how much is the MAF or MAP sensor. I have 1998 galant auto tran ?

Is it still safe to drive ?

Thanks

Engine scans detect sensors at fault. That depends on the one who will scan your engine. Cleaning it is usually the first step. The MAF (mass airflow) sensor is located between the air cleaner box and the intake manifold. The MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor is usually located near the intake manifold and connected to it usually by 2 small hoses.
I have no idea how much your Galant's MAF or MAP sensor cost but I'll estimate it at between 8k-12k more or less. Try to ask Mitsu casa.

Illuminated "check eng" light won't leave you stranded in the road but will make your engine consume more gas as the ECU is not getting the right signals from the sensors and thus make your air fuel mixture rich than what is necessary

cheers!

[tigermj]

Engine scans detect sensors at fault. That depends on the one who will scan your engine. Cleaning it is usually the first step. The MAF (mass airflow) sensor is located between the air cleaner box and the intake manifold. The MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor is usually located near the intake manifold and connected to it usually by 2 small hoses.
I have no idea how much your Galant's MAF or MAP sensor cost but I'll estimate it at between 8k-12k more or less. Try to ask Mitsu casa.

Illuminated "check eng" light won't leave you stranded in the road but will make your engine consume more gas as the ECU is not getting the right signals from the sensors and thus make your air fuel mixture rich than what is necessary

cheers!

Thanks for the info.

Just got back form the mitsu casa and what they found out is that the air flow sensor is the one that triggered the check engine light. They recommended to replace it and it will cost 26K.

Is this the same as the MAF you mentioned in your reply ? I actually asked the SA and he told me that the sensor is placed near the air filter.

The SA told me that they tried to clean it but they still feel that it needs to be replaced.

Do you know where can I get a cheaper air flow sensor ?

How crucial is it to change the air flow sensor ? Do I need to change it immediately ? or As you mentioned it won't leave me stranded on the road but only consumes more gas ?

Thanks in advance

[LN106G]

Thanks for the info.

Just got back form the mitsu casa and what they found out is that the air flow sensor is the one that triggered the check engine light. They recommended to replace it and it will cost 26K.

Is this the same as the MAF you mentioned in your reply ? I actually asked the SA and he told me that the sensor is placed near the air filter.

The SA told me that they tried to clean it but they still feel that it needs to be replaced.

Do you know where can I get a cheaper air flow sensor ?

How crucial is it to change the air flow sensor ? Do I need to change it immediately ? or As you mentioned it won't leave me stranded on the road but only consumes more gas ?

Thanks in advance

Yes, sir. MAF sensor it is. As mentioned earlier, it is located between the throttle body and the air box (yes, nearer the air filter box actually). Ouch the price hurts, man! This sensor rarely get busted as they are built to last the life of your engine, but sometimes they really bog down. Before you replace it, I suggest you go first to a competent electrician and have the wires (the one connected to the MAF sensor) tested if it is still with good continuity and the sockets sprayed with electronics contact cleaner. If after doing all these measures prove futile then you have to replace it. Surplus or Brandnew. Changing the MAF sensor is pretty straightforward and you can do it DIY. Resetting the ECU with an engine scanner (ie OBD or MUT) after replacing the MAF sensor is also good.
Yes, a bad MAF sensor will make your engine consume more fuel as it is not giving the right signal to your ECU. It will then make your air-fuel mixture rich thereby consuming more fuel. If I were you, I will replace the MAF sensor if its the culprit. There are surplus MAF sensors. You just have to hunt them down...
cheers!

[tigermj]

Thanks for the information.

Yup, that's what I'm thinking to have it checked again and clean as well to a competent electrician and hopefully it just needs a little tweaking to work and the check engine light gone while i source out how to replace the MAF sensor.

Do you think gas station mechanics will know about the MAF sensor cleaning etc ?

Do you have any idea which autoshop could be knowlegeable with this kind of problems ? Rapide etc. Need to check the forum for some good electrician / mechanic around my area or if you happen to know one Im from the south sucat paranaque.

Thanks

[LN106G]

Thanks for the information.

Yup, that's what I'm thinking to have it checked again and clean as well to a competent electrician and hopefully it just needs a little tweaking to work and the check engine light gone while i source out how to replace the MAF sensor.

Do you think gas station mechanics will know about the MAF sensor cleaning etc ?

Do you have any idea which autoshop could be knowlegeable with this kind of problems ? Rapide etc. Need to check the forum for some good electrician / mechanic around my area or if you happen to know one Im from the south sucat paranaque.

Thanks

The MIL lights up as "CHECK ENG" as long as the MAF sensor or its wiring defective. I suggest you go to a good and competent electrical shop and not gas station mechanics. I'll stay away from rapide. If you like DIY and you have an electrical tester you can actually DIY and trouble shoot the problem. If not, look for a competent electrician and not a mechanic.

cheers

[tigermj]

The MIL lights up as "CHECK ENG" as long as the MAF sensor or its wiring defective. I suggest you go to a good and competent electrical shop and not gas station mechanics. I'll stay away from rapide. If you like DIY and you have an electrical tester you can actually DIY and trouble shoot the problem. If not, look for a competent electrician and not a mechanic.

cheers

Thanks for the heads up.

Just a bit of additional info. I just saw a video on youtube on how to check if the MAF is faulty and one of the checking process is by tapping on the MAF and see how the engine responds.

Tried tapping the MAF and the engine stopped But no problem in re starting.

Is this a bad sign ?

This weekend I'll bring my car for a change oil and tune up and will look for electrician who knows hows to check and probably recondition/clean the MAF and hopefully it works again.

Still can't find shops to get an estimate of a new MAF cheaper than the casa price of 26k.

Thanks.

[tigermj]

The MIL lights up as "CHECK ENG" as long as the MAF sensor or its wiring defective. I suggest you go to a good and competent electrical shop and not gas station mechanics. I'll stay away from rapide. If you like DIY and you have an electrical tester you can actually DIY and trouble shoot the problem. If not, look for a competent electrician and not a mechanic.

cheers

Just went for a change oil, change oil filter, air filter, tune up and flushing of ATF.

Tried having it analyzed again and still the code is for AFS same diagnosis from the casa. Tried to clear the error code still the check engine light is ON.

They didn't try to open the MAF because they are afraid they might damage it more since the engine is running smoothly anyway and most likely they have no experience with this kind of job.

My question is, can i still try to look for a competent electrician that seems to be knowledge with this kind of job and have him try to open up the MAF and clean it or use contact cleaner then try if the check engine light will still be there, OR should I just live it as it is anyway the engine is running smoothly.

I am just thinking that if i have it inspected it may damage more the MAF if the electrician made a mistake ?

Need your advise. Thanks

[tigermj]

Just want ti get some input from other galant owner with the same experience.

So far the car's engine is running smoothly only the check engine light is ON.

thanks

[LN106G]

Sir, the purpose of the electrician is to check the integrity of your wiring going to the MAF sensor and not to open up it up. The MAF sensor can't be opened since it is sealed. If wirings are noted to be in good shape with good continuity then only then that you can say that your MAF sensor is at fault. What you can do is detach the MAF sensor from the intake tube (and from its wiring). Disconnect also the negative terminal of your battery before removing the MAF sensor. You will note that the part of the MAF sensor dipped in the intake tube have a 2-3 pcs of fine wire probe. DO NOT TOUCH the wires! Next, spray liberal amount of electronics contact cleaner (rubber/plastic-safe type) on the wire probes until you see their exposed entirety clean and free from carbon deposits. Replace the MAF sensor and battery and start you car. Wait for at least 10 mins idling and note if the "CHECK ENG" disappear. If not, you have a bad MAF sensor and you need to change it. Since it is an electronic sensor, brandew is still preferred but a Surplus unit in good shape will suit you just fine...

Oh BTW, sir. Check also if the oxygen sensor (located on your exhaust manifold downwards) if it is still in good shape. These sensors deteriorate overtime not to mention your car is a late 90's model. This can also light up your MIL...

If you have a friend with the same car, you can borrow his MAF sensor and try it on your car so as to narrow down things. The MUT (eng scan), however, locates specific sensors at fault..

cheers

[tigermj]

Sir, the purpose of the electrician is to check the integrity of your wiring going to the MAF sensor and not to open up it up. The MAF sensor can't be opened since it is sealed. If wirings are noted to be in good shape with good continuity then only then that you can say that your MAF sensor is at fault. What you can do is detach the MAF sensor from the intake tube (and from its wiring). Disconnect also the negative terminal of your battery before removing the MAF sensor. You will note that the part of the MAF sensor dipped in the intake tube have a 2-3 pcs of fine wire probe. DO NOT TOUCH the wires! Next, spray liberal amount of electronics contact cleaner (rubber/plastic-safe type) on the wire probes until you see their exposed entirety clean and free from carbon deposits. Replace the MAF sensor and battery and start you car. Wait for at least 10 mins idling and note if the "CHECK ENG" disappear. If not, you have a bad MAF sensor and you need to change it. Since it is an electronic sensor, brandew is still preferred but a Surplus unit in good shape will suit you just fine...

cheers

Thanks for the clarification.

But since the engine is running smoothly can i live it as it is for now ?

I just worry that if i do the cleaning i might damage more the MAF and the engine will manifest some jerking etc

BTW after cleaning it and re installing it, will the check engine light just go away if it is not bad or do i need to have it erased by an engine analyzer ?


thanks.

[LN106G]

Thanks for the clarification.

But since the engine is running smoothly can i live it as it is for now ?

I just worry that if i do the cleaning i might damage more the MAF and the engine will manifest some jerking etc

BTW after cleaning it and re installing it, will the check engine light just go away if it is not bad or do i need to have it erased by an engine analyzer ?


thanks.

If after cleaning and your MAF sensor proves to be still in good shape, yes the "CHECK ENG" light will disappear but the error code is stored in the ECU's memory. The "CEL" disappears since now the MAF sensor is giving the right input needed by the ECU to adjust the optimum air-fuel mixture. Don't be afraid in cleaning your MAF sensor since you have nothing to lose.

Lighted MIL as "CEL" as mentioned previously, will not leave you stranded but your engine consumes more fuel than necessary and will eat your wallet down the drain. Idling too, will be erratic sooner or later

cheers!

[tigermj]

If after cleaning and your MAF sensor proves to be still in good shape, yes the "CHECK ENG" light will disappear but the error code is stored in the ECU's memory. The "CEL" disappears since now the MAF sensor is giving the right input needed by the ECU to adjust the optimum air-fuel mixture. Don't be afraid in cleaning your MAF sensor since you have nothing to lose.

Lighted MIL as "CEL" as mentioned previously, will not leave you stranded but your engine consumes more fuel than necessary and will eat your wallet down the drain. Idling too, will be erratic sooner or later

cheers!

Thanks. Hopefully it will last till after the holidays.