I have a 2005 Monte Carlo 3.8L the car stalls when idling. I did some checking and found that the MAF sensor going bad often causes this problem. So I unplugged the MAF and the car ran just fine. So I replaced the old MAF and the car still would stall. What needs to be done to fix it and can I drive with the MAF unplugged till I can get it fixed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Nothing bad happens. The downside is the PCM has to "lookup" fuel pulsewidth values from a table based on ERPM and TPS (kinda reverting to TBI technology except with more injectors and sequential fire). I think while it doesn't hurt durability or power it does not run as efficiently.

The idle also seems to be higher with MAF disconnected in order to keep it stable.

 

Oh and Welcome to the Forum

 

Thank you for the fast reply. I think I am going to take it in tomorrow and have it looked at hopefully nothing major.

 

Welcome to MCF "J" you may want to check and Clean your IAC, Idle Air Control valve. If it is stuck closed or almost closed it could cause the engine to stall at idle while having no effect on drivability.