Reader Question: S10 MAP Sensor Debacle?

10
2616

Here’s the latest reader question,along with my reply! 

BaDnOn writes: I’ve had a problem for some time that I need to get back to correcting at some point. I can’t pass the (Phoenix) emissions test with my 1994 Chevy S10. The only problem it seems to have (indicated by thrown code 33) is the MAP sensor.

Here’s the kicker:  I’ve tried to replace the part about 7 times now, and none of the parts I buy or exchange work. And I don’t just mean they don’t fix the problem. I’ve tested every one I’ve bought, both on the truck and in the lab. The returned voltage simply doesn’t vary with pressure. The truck computer feeds it the necessary 5 volts fine, it just seems like the sensor just doesn’t sense.

Testing the part sans truck means pulling vacuum on the port while the part is being fed the appropriate 5 volts (from a transformer). I still haven’t found one that functions. Some don’t allow the truck to run at all, but if the (fixed) return voltage is in the proper range, the truck will start; but when it “learns” that the part doesn’t function, it defaults to some preprogrammed protocol and throws the check engine light and code. The truck runs well enough then, but seems to run rich, and won’t pass emissions. I’ve even built a MAP sensor, which actually works when adjusted right and allows you to drive, but it still needs some fine tuning and won’t quite pass emissions. Ever hear of anything like this? People think I’m crazy, but I can demonstrate!  ny advice?  I’ve even thought of just feeding an artificial atmosphere of 75 percent argon and 25 percent oxygen into the intake, so it would burn completely all the fuel, and not generate any NOx byproducts, but I’d need to hide a fairly large gas cylinder somewhere under the truck or something, haha.

My reply: It’s funny you should mention this. My friend Tim, who is a professional mechanic and runs a repair shop, was dealing with a similar issue with an ’86 Fiero recently. In the Pontiac’s case, it wasn’t an emissions problem but the problem was the same. A critical part (clutch linkage-related) had broken and the replacements – several of them – did not fit/function correctly. Apparently, GM had stopped making this particular part and the replacement/aftermarket piece was made so poorly as to be essentially useless.

This is not uncommon with cars from the late ’80s and early-mid ’90s that are getting pretty old but not yet considered “classics” and so haven’t got the aftermarket support that cars from the ’70s and ’60s, etc. have got.

He solved the problem by finding a supplier that specializes in Fiero parts and makes certain hard-to-get (or hard to get good) items like this one.

Electrical parts are of of course an additional problem. Have you tried finding a good used MAP sensor from another S10 or Chevy from the era with the same engine?

Another option – if it is one in AZ – is to get Antique tags for the a S10. In some states (mine, for example) you can get Antique tags once the car is 25 years old and once you do, it’s exempt from smog and saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaafety inspections. The catch is you’re technically not supposed to drive it regularly but unless you literally use it for daily commuting you can “get away” with driving it pretty much whenever you like.

My ’76 TA – its single GM pellet-style cat long gone, with a modded 455 under the hood – would never pass smog, but it’s no worries because it’s an Antique!

. . .

Got a question about cars, Libertarian politics – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!

If you like what you’ve found here please consider supporting EPautos. 

We depend on you to keep the wheels turning! 

Our donate button is here.

 If you prefer not to use PayPal, our mailing address is:

EPautos
721 Hummingbird Lane SE
Copper Hill, VA 24079

PS: Get an EPautos magnet or sticker or coaster in return for a $20 or more one-time donation or a $10 or more monthly recurring donation. (Please be sure to tell us you want a magnet or sticker or coaster – and also, provide an address, so we know where to mail the thing!)

If you’d like an ear tag – custom made! – just ask and it will be delivered.  

My latest eBook is also available for your favorite price – free! Click here.  If that fails, email me at [email protected] and I will send you a copy directly!

10 COMMENTS

  1. Eric!

    I didn’t quite understand the layout of your website when this was posted, and figured I’d been ignored (which is fine, you’re busy). I found this parsing though your Q and A posts.

    Thanks for the reply! And yes, the used part you have pictured was one I tested. I’ve been to a few Pick-a-Part places, but they either don’t have this truck anymore, or the parts have been ransacked. I’ve even thought of paying someone with a similar truck a few bucks to rent their MAP sensor…

    Unfortunately, Az doesn’t really have an analog to your Va “antique” tags. You can get “historical” plates here, but it seems to be just a different style of plate.

    The truth is, many people here register their vehicles in other counties. They just lie to the MVD. I have a little personal code against lying, even to these swine.

    Thanks again, though, and to everyone else here who offered a little advice. I’ll find a solution eventually. 😉

    Sad to see my poor S10 just sitting there like a dumb shit for so long, though.

  2. That is a pretty generic MAP sensor. GM used the same exact part on several different vehicles/engines so no need to hunt for another 94 S10. Anything with a tbi 2.2/4.3/5.7/7.4 would be a safe bet. Grab a few from the junkyard and test away. FWIW I have seen those MAP sensors get lazy (slightly out of spec) but never seen one fail outright. Recently bought one from O’Reilly that worked fine…
    You wouldn’t by chance be buying/exchanging Wells brand replacement parts? Most anything I’ve seen made by Wells/Airtex is crap.

    • Dirtybob,

      I’ve tried brands all across the board, even the more pricey Napa brands. I’ll keep in mind that interchangeability. Might help me find something.

  3. A coworker has had issues getting various replacement electronic bits (and some other parts) for his diesel F250 (an ’04 or ’05, IIRC). Lots of counterfeit parts from China will bolt up, but not do what they’re supposed to do. Finding a reputable supplier with genuine (or at least properly-functioning) parts is often a crapshoot.

    • Scott,
      Yeah, that could be the problem altogether. Maybe all the newer parts use sensors from some derelict Chinese factory.

  4. It was hard finding working emissions sensor circuit board for a 2001 Chrysler mini-van. They would burn up almost immediately. It didn’t make the van run bad, if it wasn’t for the damn emissions test i would have ignored it completely. Chrysler never fixed the problem and stopped making the part to boot!

    But yup, emissions tests is for getting older cars off the road more than saving the environment…..

    • “Emissions tests is for getting older cars off the road more than saving the environment”

      I certainly think there’s truth to that. Older trucks like mine have to be driven on the dyno, which is even more of a pain in the ass than the OBDII tests. Inconvenience is one way to nudge people in the “proper” direction.

      Outright refusal to register your vehicle, and the AGW harassment that follows, is another.

  5. I’ve had this problem on my v6 fiero. Solution was to buy new old stock ac delco from (from ebay).
    Original map sensors have the GM logo on top. Reproductions are blank on top. And they made the car run like garbage.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here