A friend has a car he is trying to fix. 1998 Regal 2.8.


He has changed out the MAF, MAP and computer module. The car sputters all the time while driving with no power. After he bought the MAP, he took it back out and the car drives great without it. It is a new part and I told him it could still be bad but I am no expert by far. Any ideas why it runs great with out it and sputters with it in? He says the cat has been removed on this car as well so it couldn't be plugged up.

98 regal did not have a 2.8L.


and the only 3.8s ( if thats what he has???) that had both map anf maf, the map was useless.


the reason for this is the 3800s that came with both, were supercharged. the maf is used by the ecu to control aif fuel mixture, the map was SOLELY used for a boost gauge.


Is this maybe a 1988, or is it a 3.8?


more info please

Sorry about that, it is a 1988. Even he forgot it was a 88 and not 98. Got to remember he and I are on our last legs as well. Memory is our problems. Any help is appreciated.

its ok, it happens,


arethe wires from the sensor to the ecu corroded? maybe check the resistance from pin to pin. should be close to zero ohms.


but i just wanna ask, this car has both a mass air flow, and a map sensor???

Both MAP and MAF. Will check the wires. He also has checked the Temp sensor and ithas 3 volts in and only 2 leaving. Is this normal?





Thanks for your help.

well, i dont know the voltage for it, but the specs are going to be in resistance.


can you check the resistance on it when cold, the check the res when hot.


ill check for the specs, while you get the measurements. (tomorrows fine 4 me if its fine 4 you.)

Tomorrow is fine. He told me that when the car is cold it was 0 Ohms. When the car was warm with the key off it was 264 ohms and when warm and the key turned on it was back to 0 ohms. This is the Temp Sensor. Still haven't tested the wires to the ECU. I will have him do that in the morning.

that sensor is bad, i dont need to look at the specs, given those numbers.





ill still look em up to know the exact, but cold should be high and warm will be lower resistance.

ok idk what temp cold and warm was, but ...


68*F = 3520 ohms


158*F = 467 ohms


212*F = 177 ohms





edit- and in your reference to the voltage, i read that, during normal operating temp (195*F) voltage should be between 1.5 and 2.0 volts.Edited by: samueljackson

I'll let him know about the sensor and after he checks the ECU wires I will let you know about it as well.