1998 kia sportage won’t start unless i unplug maf... any ideas?

hey all, my 1998 kia sportage won’t start unless i disconnect the maf sensor. once it warms up, i can plug it back in and the engine will keep running, but it still feels low on power. i’ve already replaced the maf, but it didn’t help. any suggestions on what i could try?

sounds like it could be fuel-related. have you checked the injector o-rings? sometimes bad o-rings mess with fuel pressure.

Smart said:
sounds like it could be fuel-related. have you checked the injector o-rings? sometimes bad o-rings mess with fuel pressure.

yeah, the o-rings look pretty worn. i’m gonna replace them once i’m back in the city and see if that fixes it.

if the o2 sensor readings are low, it could be affecting how the ecu adjusts fuel mix. have you checked if the o2 readings change over time?

Masitsa said:
if the o2 sensor readings are low, it could be affecting how the ecu adjusts fuel mix. have you checked if the o2 readings change over time?

the o2 sensor only fluctuates between .38 and .4 volts… is that normal?

@InfiniteImpulse
hmm, that’s pretty low. it might mean the sensor’s not giving full feedback to the ecu.

could be the maf or the fuel trims not reading right. sometimes a bad maf replacement still causes issues if the wiring’s off.

SANDRA said:
could be the maf or the fuel trims not reading right. sometimes a bad maf replacement still causes issues if the wiring’s off.

i replaced the maf already but will check the wiring next. thanks for the heads up.

if you’re that far from the city, maybe try a maf cleaner spray on the new sensor. sometimes even a little dust can mess with readings.

also check your fuel pressure when you get the chance. if it drops after you start, it’s likely the o-rings or fuel pump.