Celica Surging/Idle issue - MAF Location

[celicaguy12]

I’m looking for the mass air flow sensor on my 90’ celica. The car is surging at idle from about 600-1000rpm, up and down, and I cannot figure it out. I clean up the throttle body, which helped a little but its still doing it. I’ve cleaned the MAF on my pickup but cannot find where it’s located on this car. Is it the sensor that’s attached to the air box, if so it looks way different than the one on my truck. I’ll be honest and say I have very little experience working with this car, so any tips would be appreciated.

This is just my commuter car and I’ve been using my pickup lately but wouldn’t mind saving some gas and driving this.

Thanks in advance!

[McKenzieJr18]

yea its the silver sensor..truck sensors are usually different..also clean your idle air control(its on ur TB)

[celicaguy12]

Originally Posted by McKenzieJr18

yea its the silver sensor..truck sensors are usually different..also clean your idle air control(its on ur TB)

Silver sensor? The only sensor I can find on the airbox side of the throttle body is a small black looking stick sensor that’s in the airbox, that’s not it, is it?

[subspec]

That's it.

[celicaguy12]

Originally Posted by subspec

That's it.

Any way to clean it?

Right now the car runs the exact same whether it's plugged in or not... I'm assuming that's not correct...

[subspec]

its a ait sensor. i honestly doubt that its your problem. i would try cleaning your egr valve

[dane]

Hey Guy, WELCOME TO CELISPEED!

yea, if it was MAF, and you unplugged the sensor, you wouldn't notice much of a difference in idle.. it dosent sound like thats your problem. is your air filter clogged and shitty? I would check plugs, wires, injectors first.. OR you can do an OBD (on board diagnostic) test.. google "OBD1 TEST GUIDES" and look up OBD codes for your celica... if you got any more questions feal free to ask! ill help you out to the best of my ability!.

[celicaguy12]

Thanks guys! I should also state it’s a 1990 Celica GTS 5sp with the 2.2

The only reason I suspected the MAF was due to a similar issue I had on a newer domestic car, cleaned the MAF and good as new.

Here is the skinny on the car… I got it for free in subpar running order. It would fire right up into high idle when cold, then settle down and start revving/surging up and down. It was ‘technically’ drivable, but close to unbearable because as the car warmed up, the surging got worse and it would eventually stall out at stop signs etc. When under power it’s fine or off the gas its fine, but when you idle or try to run at a consistent speed it wants to jerk.

The car leaks oil and power-steering fluid (which I don’t mind just adding when it gets low).

So far all I’ve done is visually inspect all the hoses which look appear good. Removed the throttle body (which was filthy/plate full of carbon buildup) cleaned that all up. That’s about it.

I can adjust the screw on the top of the TB out a bunch of turns which helps it idle out better (not perfect) but the car studders a little more under power and that’s obviously not the solution.

Any tips before I randomly start replacing and taking stuff apart? Keep in mind I’m ‘dangerous’ in the garage, but I wouldn’t say I’m a full blown mechanic by any means.

Also – the car does not throw a check engine light

Thanks!

[subspec]

Id start off by checking the vaccume lines. Cleaning the egr. Change fuel filter. Try checking celicatech for the bgb (toyota service manual) change spark plugs.

Your gonna want to take care of that oil leak. Depending on how bad it is. You could seize your motor and run into problems down the road.

[celicaguy12]

Maybe a dumb question, but how do I go about cleaning the egr?

[techy]

Take it off and clean out all the carbon, a very small flexible tooth brush will reach into the spots you cant fit a rag, carb cleaner works good, just be sure you DON'T get any on any rubber parts.

Also, your car does not have a MAF, that should solve your problems of trying to find it.

[natural4reelz]

Im new to this site and came across some similar issues that I am having. But I have a 1988 celica ST 2.0 L

I would like some help on how to get to the help section for my issues if this isnt the one.


I am having issues with the car hesitating in the morning like its not getting gas or something. This happens in the morning only when I first start it up and when it starts and i begin to drive it kinda bogs out and then all of a sudden it takes off.


I have new spark plugs put in last week and fuel reg and cold start last year. I also had injector taken out and bench cleaned last year.


I also didnt pass smog last year ( lean mixure ) and then this year i passed. So does that mean EGR VALVE IS OK and that MAF is OK?

HOW DO I TEST MAF SENSOR?

Wheres a site that a person ( female ) can understand and again... sorry if im on the wrong section guys....
Thanks,
Nikki

[misterZ]

Had the same problem and it was the (black) MAP sensor located on the firewall (top) mid-way near the strut bar.

Idle/Surge Problem ST184

[natural4reelz]

You mean the MAF SENSOR?? I have a 1988 toyota celica ST but the idle is fine now since it was adjusted and on my MAF SENSOR ...its on my intake box the black thing.


Thanks for helping and responding to my questions...


Did you see my question on the VACUUM LEAK?? I did that test and on the gauge it would even register ... nothing at ALL....


SO i say thats a BAD LEAK..... right?


I still have the issues with it being hard to start in the mornings only ( COLD START ) acts like its not getting fuel.
but once it starts and i begin to drive away it kinda sputters and BOGS OUT and then just TAKES OFF .

IS that from a vacuum leak?

It doesnt do it every morning though



UGH!!....

NIKKI

[natural4reelz]

How do I test my MAF SENSOR on my 88 CELICA ST???? also the wires have been exposed and someone wrapped eletrical tape on them.

I read that I could get a MAF SENSOR from the junk yard... CAN SOMEONE show a photo of exacly what to get and how to test it if i go to junk yard .??


I have seen them attached to intake box but dont know what part i would need if mine is bad.

Thank you,
Nikki

[misterZ]

@natural4reelz - this is a 5th Gen topic you're high-jacking, my response was to the poster: celicaguy12. You should re-post in 4th Gen forums. ;-)

ALL: The 90-93 has a Manifold (absolute) Air Pressure (MAP) sensor on the firewall and Air (intake) Temp sensor in the air box unlike the 4th Gen (natural4reelz) that has a (Mass) Air Flow Meter referred to as the MAF or AFM.

So, celicaguy12 that 'stick' air temp sensor on your air box is not likely the problem and would strongly suspect the MAP sensor as posted in my thread/link above).

[melvinman2000]

natural4reelz: yes does sound like a vacuum leak or sticky egr.

Testing a maf I would tap on it and see if you can hear any change in idle. If it does then thats your problem. I had this issue on my Nissans.