[bigdogdazza]

Hi guys need some advice, on 1.6 efi Vitara engine. Running way rich, misfiring and carrying on like a pig. Have changed fuel filter, fuel pump, leads, plugs, dizzy cap. Don't know what else could be causing it? I installed a snorkel well over 12months ago and used some silicone on joints, not maf safe stuff.... Think it could be a dud maf sensor??? Don't wanna spend any more $$$$ on a guessing game... Please advice on possible causes and how to check if its the issue...
Thanks in advance guys!

[tanshi]

look up the check engine codes. my first thought was a maf issue.

[bigdogdazza]

Thanks any links as to how to gain access to codes and what they represent or do I gotta pay a mechanic to diagnose?

[tanshi]

http://www.rhinopower.org/diag/cel.html

[DAB]

possible airflow meter? same issue im having right now. was hopeing someone had one floating around but seems like every time you need something no one wants to help. but as soon as you sell something everyone wants a peace of the pie.

if it is airflow meter then check if you have a 3wire or 4wire one. I hope for your case you have 4wire as there are a few about but no 3wires..

that rhino link is a good one. used it couple of times. good luck mate. hope its a quick easy fix

[bigdogdazza]

Cheers guys I do have a nearby mate that will lend me his maf to see if this is the drama... Will buy new if it needs one hopefully not to much $$$???

[fordem]

I'd say a defective MAF is a possibility - I left the MAF on my J20A disconnected and it behaved pretty much like you're describing - ran rich, misfired, wouldn't idle and I had to hold it on the throttle to prevent it from stalling.

[MacDaddy]

I like to check the simple, less expensive things first... so just wondering, when you did the plugs, leads and dizzy cap, did you gap the plugs correctly, and did you check the timing ?

[bigdogdazza]

Didn't check timing but done a fuel filter, fuel pump, plugs the day before... No gap plugs but in my experience it makes stuff all difference anyway... And leads and dizzy cap were replaced like less than 1000kms ago.. I just can't see how timing could change itself so drastically..... My gut tells me maf sensor but could be wrong. I'm working in WA ATM so may have to wait a few weeks to check it out properly..

[MacDaddy]

bigdogdazza wrote:

Didn't check timing but done a fuel filter, fuel pump, plugs the day before... No gap plugs but in my experience it makes stuff all difference anyway... And leads and dizzy cap were replaced like less than 1000kms ago.. I just can't see how timing could change itself so drastically..... My gut tells me maf sensor but could be wrong. I'm working in WA ATM so may have to wait a few weeks to check it out properly..

Ah ok, i got you now, i thought you had replaced all those items and then had the problems afterwards... it cant hurt to check the timing anyway...

[Rhinoman]

bigdogdazza wrote:

No gap plugs but in my experience it makes stuff all difference anyway...

It can make quite a difference on a Vit because they run smaller gaps than a lot of more modern vehicles.

[xl76]

Hey Bigdogdazza
I sound like I had the same issue as you , I was researching the issue on Outers and found a link that had a similar issue and traced it to the temp sender so I tried disconnecting it and bingo ran like a dream but with Engine light on . after it was hot I plugged it back in and the light went off and the car ran rough again give it a try I'm stoked I just have to get a new temp sender.