Diagnosing an air-flow sensor issue?

Question

For some time now, my truck, a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado (1500 V6) has had an issue starting. However, a mechanic friend of mine recently said he discovered the issue- being the mass air flow sensor. It seemed to help it start like its supposed to, but when it would be disconnected, the truck would idle up and when reattached, it'd idle down. 

However, after all that, disconnecting the sensor has had little to no effect on my truck's cranking. I have a replacement sensor, but I hate to spend the money on replacing it if its not the true issue at hand. 

What gets me is that it feels like the spark plugs aren't firing hot enough- instead of a popping blue flame, it is a weaker, yellowish flame that shoots out. I have an ignition replacement part as well, but again, I hate to replace something that isn't the true cause. 

Any suggestions? Does it sound like an air-flow sensor problem?

bestwrencher · Accepted Answer

I've had plenty of starting issues that involved MAS sensor but it wasnt sensors failing, it was picking up vacumn  leak from plastic intake, the vacumn leak would seal after engine warmed because of expanding parts, the only repair was replacing warped intake plenumn(plastic part of intake) as for spark color, you'd have more issues if not hot enough, and engine cold or warm wouldnt matter.

Herbert J · Answer

Check ground wires on rear of engine I have found allot of these loose causing same problem.

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Diagnosing an air-flow sensor issue?

2 Answers