Perpetual MAF code - CEL

[b23]

Ive had my B2300 now for a few months, bought it January - been a great little truck, but the emissions expired and its had a CEL the whole time I have been driving it.

CEL code said MAF, so I bought a new MAF - no light at first, then I shut it down, restarted it and light came back. Bought the MAF at a junkyard so figured it was bad - bought another from a different source, same thing happened. Figured maybe I had really bad luck, so I bought a third. This one was in really good shape, installed it, light came back...

Okay, so its NOT the MAF. I had an exhaust leak and thought it might be related, so I got it fixed - also had a new catalytic converter installed and both O2s replaced.

Drove a bit better, is much quieter with the leak fixed, but still giving me the CEL. Installed new spark plugs and wires today (what a PITA) - drove MUCH better, but still the CEL persists.

The exhaust leak DID seem to come back, and I will be going back to make sure its fixed (this is actually my second time going back to the same shop after the exhaust leak has come back). Assuming the CEL persists after the exhaust leak is fixed again, what could it be..?


Is it the PCM? This is basically my last step on the diagnostic road here... changed the MAF, changed things that could cause the MAF to seem to read wrong (cat, exhaust leak, O2s) and have changed the ignition.

So my last step would be the computer that the MAF is controlled by, the PCM... can I use a ZZQ1 (1996 Ranger 2.3 MT 2wd) PCM or do I have to use a Mazda ZZQ0? Mazda units seem to be about 2x as expensive.

 

[b23]

I will be buying a new F67F-VA PCM Tuesday to see if it helps... found one local for about $50.

Bit sick of throwing money at this car but at the end of the day stuff is extremely cheap for this car so I will do what it takes to get it running tip-top. Nobody seems to really understand what is causing my MAF code to keep coming back - have tried resetting the computer by unplugging it, and tried to reset adaptions by driving for extended periods of time. Nothing causes the CEL to go away. Hoping a new PCM fixes it!

 

[b23]

Maybe I am posting this in the wrong section or memorial day weekend was just the wrong time to seek assistance, but seems nobody wants to help (or nobody knows whats going on?)

Exhaust leak is unrelated, had it fixed and still nothing changed. So far my new parts are: Spark plugs and wires, O2 sensors, Catalytic converter, multiple MAF's

Next is going to be PCM, then if that doesnt fix it, fuel injectors, if that doesnt fix it - I dont know what to do. I really like this truck but if I cant get it passed emissions, I cant register it to my name, and wont be able to insure it and thus it will be useless to me. Even with all the new parts I have in it, I am still under $2,000 into the thing, so despite my attachment to it, there is no reason to go dumping a lot of money at it for a motor swap or something - at least not now with it not being registered to me. Id like to get the CEL fixed so I can drive this puppy till she dies, then it may be worth a motor swap to me...

Going out to get the PCM tomorrow and crossing my fingers that will fix it. Please, any other ideas or input is appreciated, I am really at a loss here.

 

[b23]

Please can somebody help me on this?

I have replaced the MAF three times
Replaced plugs and wires
Downstream and upstream O2
Catalytic converter

And today I got a new PCM which was correct serial numbers and everything... no CEL until I went WOT.

PLEASE HELP? I dont want to sell this truck but I am at wit's end here!!! I am pretty much begging for help here, I have done everything that I think could be relevant... coils are the only thing I have not done but the engine is not having any driving problems associated with bad coils and I know both primary and secondary coilpacks are working because I did the mod where you switch the secondary coil wires to be a secondary ignition spark and it made a very noticeable difference.

Code is P0102

 

[adsm08]

Well the plugs, wires, o2 sensors, and cat were all wasted money in terms of fixing your engine light.


What kind of voltage do you read on the red wire with the sensor unplugged and the key on?

 

[b23]

Well the plugs, wires, o2 sensors, and cat were all wasted money in terms of fixing your engine light.


What kind of voltage do you read on the red wire with the sensor unplugged and the key on?

Thanks adsm for your reply and assistance, you are right on the money with checking the voltage. Ive seen numerous posts of yours around the forum and you have been tremendously helpful to me in a few endeavors I have undertaken with this truck. Genuinely, big thanks! Ended up finally finding out it was a wiring problem, had a few beers to celebrate