Okay, so my car has been giving me some trouble. After it has been started and is running for awhile, when someone tries to start it again it floods, has to cool down completely before it can be started. It idles rough, if it gets stuck in traffic, it REALLY gets stuck in traffic (stalls out) and has to cool down completely again before it can be started. The check engine and "traction control off" light both come on at the same time and that is when the trouble starts. No clue what it could be. Yes, I know I need to get codes pulled. I was just wondering if anyone might have an idea of some sort.

I have one theory. I've been thinking about this. There is a possibility that your MAF sensor is bad, and thinks it'* getting more air than it really is, and then dumps extra fuel in, which causes the car to run like dogshit. Your check engine light could be a result of the O2 sensor detecting all that unburnt fuel. This would explain the flooding and stalling problem. Running way too rich. You should be able to smell it in the exhaust.

Your PCM may also be doing this, but I hope not. The MAF is much cheaper.

Yeah, jr and I were talking about that today....hoping hoping HOPING it'* not the PCM. Bleah. Why would the check engine light be coming on intermittantly though. Sometimes it'* on and the car "runs like dogshit" as you so aptly put it...and sometimes it'* not on and the car acts hunky dory. Any theories about that? :?:

My theory revolves around the possibility of a battle between your O2 sensor and MAF sensor. If you really are running rich as a result of the MAF sensor or PCM, the O2 sensor is supposed to detect the unburnt fuel in your exhaust, right? Which would give you a SES light.

Now think about all the problems we've had around here with 02 sensors. How many miles do you have on yours? Might not bee sensitive enough any more. I'd be tempted to replace both the MAF and O2. But I'd scan first.

It was doing everything before he cleaned the throttle body, but no, he didn't remove the sensor, he sprayed around and away from it. I'm going to get it scanned after Christmas....I'll let you know as soon as I have codes.

Amylynn-

Trust me. All the great suggestions we can give are ONLY guesses. Pull those codes. The pros do to save the most time and expense. You should too. Then get back with us.

Absolutely planning on it. I wasn't even going to post about it, but it was suggested to me in the lounge.

Amy, back a while when Shane was cleaning the TB, I recall you telling me he used an 'intake safe' cleaner, right? Just refreshing.

I'm supposing. I don't really recall...I'll have to ask him. Why?

If he used a carburator or injector cleaner, it could be bad news for the MAF, even if he was careful. I'm hoping he used an 'intake safe' cleaner.