1999 Regal LS Link to MAF Sensor Failing and Torque Converter lockup Issue

[PIlotAndy1994]

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to pop in the forum and let people know of a problem I had with my 1999 Buick Regal LS.

Firstly, I got a check engine light that read a code P0102, which is a low input voltage on the MAF. OK

I took my MAF out cleaned it, and put it back in, and it ran fine for about 45 minutes and then threw the light back up. I let it sit this way for a few days and the light would go off, and come back on periodically, sometimes staying out for over a day. I used this time to order a new MAF, and have since replaced it.

Also around this time of failure of the MAF, the Torque converter would lock up above 45 MPH, and would surge upon letting up on the gas, resulting in a rpm surge from 1000 to 1500 until below 45MPH

Replacing the MAF resulted in the fixing of these issues. I couldn't come up with ANTYHING linking this issues to a Buick Regal of my vintage, since they rarely have any issues I presume...Hard to find good videos on the Regals too...Just changed the spark plugs today, and boy what a pain in the brass.....

Also, when I was in Cruise control during MAF failure, hitting the brakes to disengage cc resulted in a "CLACK" that went away when I replaced the MAF. This CLACK would come and go during my trials of trying to fix the maf by cleaning it - making me think there was a periodic failure/revival of the bad MAF onboard.

Just wanted to share my experience,

Thanks

 

[Alan 55]

Thanks for sharing your results. Very helpful information !

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

The TC lock/unlock problem could be from old fluid or fluid level.

 

[PIlotAndy1994]

It could...But my fluid is crystal clear, and is fresh.

Also an indication it was the MAF was when I was in cruise control, I could hit the brake and I would hear a sharp click like something was smacking inside the tranny

New MAF - click is gone when using CC

 

[PIlotAndy1994]

I saw a bunch of vids about the older Buicks having the Lock up switch in the transmissions that you could unplug when they went bad. Didn't notice a switch like that in the cramped view we have in the 99' regal.....

I disconnected the battery a few times hoping it would reset this problem, and one time it did! But after about a day the light came on and it started bouncing rpms again.

It was just a bad MAF sensor through and through

P.S. - Don't buy a sensor from Autoworld or wherever, as they are over 100$ - you can buy them salvage on eBay for 15 bucks and they look great.

Thanks,

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

I saw a bunch of vids about the older Buicks having the Lock up switch in the transmissions that you could unplug when they went bad. Didn't notice a switch like that in the cramped view we have in the 99' regal.....

I disconnected the battery a few times hoping it would reset this problem, and one time it did! But after about a day the light came on and it started bouncing rpms again.

It was just a bad MAF sensor through and through

P.S. - Don't buy a sensor from Autoworld or wherever, as they are over 100$ - you can buy them salvage on eBay for 15 bucks and they look great.

Thanks,

I agree... Getting a Used OEM MAF from a salvage yard is what I always recommend.
Local Junk yards always give guarantee on electrical components.

 

[PIlotAndy1994]

Problem still appears to be solved as of today. No revving after 45mph, no check engine light.

Cure was a new MAF sensor

Thanks,

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

Problem still appears to be solved as of today. No revving after 45mph, no check engine light.

Cure was a new MAF sensor

Thanks,

Excellent !
Thanks for reporting back.

 

[PIlotAndy1994]

Hey all,

Thought I'd give a little update.

After I changed the MAF sensor, I wanted to go ahead and change the spark plugs, which were a bear to get to. After I changed them, I got a code p0171, which is a fuel system lean code for Bank 1 - whatever that means.
I replaced the spark plug wires at a later date because I thought the original wires would be good, until I broke several trying to get them free....I was able to use a few from an old van I had recently changed wires on, and they were a direct fit......

I bought the cheap MAF sensor on eBay for 15$, and it turned out to be junk. It fixed my torque converter problem, but I kept getting this code so I decided to change the o2 sensor.....Another 12.99 special from eBay.....It was bad, and I destroyed the original sensor getting it out.


I ended up ordering the real deal parts, because I learned they DO make a difference. I also learned Bosch o2 sensors are not good for these 3800 engines, so get the other brand.

Put the new parts on today....Ran like a clock - much better acceleration.

Hope this helps somebody, someday.

Thanks,

 

[PIlotAndy1994]

NEW UPDATE TO THE STORY:

Code kept coming back.....Decided to make a "smoke machine" to finally see if I could put this p0171 code to sleep...Smoke discovered that the intake hose was not properly mounted ( leaking ) THe actual MAF sensor itself was leaking like a stuck pig ( replaced it with the original - no leaking )

But then I saw some smoke coming out of the battery area?????

There was a little 1/8 vacuum line for an AC vent actuator , and the hose was broken just under the battery where you can't see it!

Found some hose, and connected it back up - AC blows amazingly strong now, whereas before it was very weak.

All of this trouble for a broken vacuum hose....Something which I had read about back when I first had this problem!!!

If you have a p0171 code - DO A SMOKE TEST - DO A SMOKE TEST - DO A SMOKE TEST!!!!

Live and Learn!