Hello, let me get straight to the point. My car woulnt start so I too it to an autoshop. They charge $40 to diagnose it and fixed the cadillac convertor and hole in vacuum hose $225. I picked my car and drove it like 7 miles to a medical suply store. Came back an hr later and no start. Started after about 7 tries. Drove it out onto the street nd it cut off. it started back up eventually and was plunging back and forth when I applied gas. When I applied the brakes it cut off again. I got it towed back to the same shop and they said it was a problem with the alarm system and I need to take it to the dealership. I drve It home Down the street. Each time brake was applied the car shut off. Battery light was on but can't recall engine light being on. Got it towed to dealership. Got it towed to dealership $190 to diagnose. Said it was mass air flow sensor and would have to pay $580! I'm so frustrated. Is this something I could learn to do on my own or have a street mechanic fix? Feels like I'm spending too much money. I don't know anything about cars. Please help. Abs and traction system litup also

 

If you remove the plastic engine cover and look at your Throttle Body there are 3 sensors. (plus the Intake Air Temp Sensor)



Each sensor is held on with a T-20 Security Torx Screw. The MAF sensor can be cleaned with MAF sensor cleaner. The IAC could be filled with carbon and gunk and preventing the car from idling. Perhaps try to clean those 2 sensors first before replacing anything.

Remove the Negative cable from the battery, disconnect the sensor clips, then unscrew each sensor and clean it. Leave the battery disconnected for an hour, put everything back together and see if that helped at all.

The Trac Off / ABS lights could be a wheel speed sensor within a hub assembly, or just the connection at the tire is dirty. An ABS code reader will be needed to tell you which one. If you need to replace the Hub assembly, those are a little harder to do yourself, and be warned a mechanic will want about $500 to do that.

 

Welcome to the MCF. The members here are very knowledgeable and we are a good resource. I would suggest that you get three repair manuals on your car. Chilton, Haynes, and the GM factory manuals. Between the three you will have the knowledge to completely take your car apart and reassemble. The GM manuals are the same as the dealership mechanics have. The Haynes is written for the backyard mechanic and the Chilton is in between the two. I find that one may have a better written explanation or better pics than another. I usually get mine on eBay.

 

I'm with Chibi on this one. Also, is the "Check Engine" light coming on? The local auto parts stores can normally scan the car for any trouble codes, those can be of a lot of help too.

 

if you go to autozone or cap or pep boys they can scan it for for nothing and then you will know whats what for sure.

 

thanks helped a lot

 

I know your post was awhile ago but if your still in the market for a Mass Air Flow Sensor or anyone else, I have a brand new Ac delco one I will sell for $100 and $20 shipping to the states.
Chris

 

Thanks a lot for the post!!! My sensor just went bad and I will attempt to change this myself. I thought it was a job that only a shop would be able to complete. I ordered the MAF sensor from Rock Auto and will start this job... Thanks again Chibi

 

Im having a similar problem I unplugged the m.a.f sensor to see if the car would keep running which answered my question if the sensor was bad or not and my car ran better after that with the occasional stutter. A couple days later my car stuttered and a light and would not cut back on I got it towed back home where it started up with no problem but ran pretty bad now it wont start again. Im wondering if replacing the sensor will fix the problem or if I should look deeper?

 

My car was doing that when I first purchased it used and it turned out to be my Crank Position Sensor.. what code came up do you know??