Mitsubishi Forums banner

1999 Space Star intermittent problem

3K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  Zorak 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey everybody!
My 1999 Space Star has this intermittent problem where the RPM drops to almost 0 when shifting into neutral and coasting....right after i take my foot off the gas. I noticed it only happens once in a while, regardless if the engine is warm or cold. :frown2:

After some research, i think i've narrowed it down to EITHER a ground cable that comes off the intake manifold and bolts to the firewall (the original one corroded itself to pieces and i had to make a sloppy improvisation) OR the airflow sensor, which i'm guessing has never been cleaned.

Was watching one of Scotty Kilmer's videos on Youtube and he showed how to use a cleaning spray. Unfortunately the guys at my local parts store said they didn't have a spray specifically for airflow sensors, but said i can use brake cleaner spray to the same effect.

What do you think? Is brake cleaner safe to use on the airflow sensor? Or should i look around some more until i find something specific to this application?
 
#2 · (Edited)
is the engine check light on ?

my thoughts

you may find you will need to test and try to clean the idle control valve

MAF .is plastic -.. i have used carburetor and throttle body cleaner

not sure what chemical is in brake caliper cleaner ... I have not tried brake cleaner on a maf

...
 

Attachments

#3 ·
No, the engine check light doesn't light up.
Hadn't thought about the idle control valve, i might look into it.
I'll try to find some HV cable connectors at the hardware store today, just to eliminate the ground cable variable. With any luck, i might find some of that throttle cleaning juice in the automotive section.
I'm guessing an ECU reset shouldn't be necessary for a cleaning job like this....right?

Thanks for the tips, i'll let you know as soon as i get some results. :)
 
#5 ·
Well, now i feel kind of stupid...
As it turns out, my engine doesn't even have an airflow sensor. It has a MAP instead. At least taking the hoses off wasn't a complete waste of time, i got a chance to inspect the throttle valve for carbon buildup and it's relatively clean.
The ground cable i mentioned earlier definitely helped the RPM drop issue, though it didn't eliminate it completely. I can still feel a slight variation in RPM.
Live & learn, i guess.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top