Correctly Wired MAF readings?

[Deadrodent]

I'm buying a multimeter today to check my maf wiring. I know you have to cut and extend the ka harness maf wires so you can reach the sr maf connector...and i think my friend that did the wiring didn't solder the wires - just crimped and electrical taped them. I randomly can't shift past 2000 rpm but other than that it works fine. So i think that one of the wires has an iffy connection and every now and then the circuit becomes incomplete. The maf would then disappear from the computer's sight and the computer would have no way to monitor metered air and says "f*ck that" and goes into safe mode, using preset values...Sound sort of correct?

My question is, what readings should i look for with the multimeter regarding the MAF and it's wiring? Should i just resolder all the wires? Or just check each wire to make sure the circuit is complete? Will I even be able to find the problem since the problem is intermittent and essentially would have to wait until the problem comes back? thanks in advance!

[Blown240sx]

White wire is the signal, Black with white stripe is 12v power and Black is a ground.

At idle it should read .9v-1.2v and WOT 4.7v-5.1v.

It sounds to me like you have a bad connection and you should solder those wires because when the MAF shorts out or loses connection your car wont rev past 2K. It could be the MAF itself.

[Deadrodent]

So i'm supposed to have the car running to test the maf voltage? i bought a simple 15 range digital multimeter at radioshack for 15 bucks. hopefully it does the trick.

what do i touch the leads to measure voltage? the wires themselves? and do i put both pos and neg leads on the wires or do i ground one of them?

lol sorry for the noobish questions...i'm just now understanding car wiring
Modified by Deadrodent at 6:01 PM 1/13/2007

[S13FASTBACKSR]

you can check voltage with the key on or engine running. I would just go ahead and solder the wires and then test the voltage. with the key on or at idle you should get a .5v from the white wire and a 12v from the black wire with a white stripe and of course no reading from the ground wire...to test the voltage you take the needle of the red wire ( on your volt meter, the positive) and poke it into the wire of the maf..the needle of the black wire on your volt meter you touch to a ground...something metal..if you get no reading try a different ground

[Deadrodent]

to test the voltage you take the needle of the red wire ( on your volt meter, the positive) and poke it into the wire of the maf..the needle of the black wire on your volt meter you touch to a ground...something metal..if you get no reading try a different ground

do you mean the actual maf filament itself or just the wires that connect to the maf? i assume you mean the wires that run to the maf...

i also have to cut the rubber insulation and expose the wires correct?

thanks guys you have been a real help. i'll post my readings
Modified by Deadrodent at 12:39 AM 1/14/2007

[S13FASTBACKSR]

not the filament in the maf no..that is the thermosister dont touch that..you take the positive needle and poke it right through the wire..you dont have to remove the insulation around the wire, just poke the needle right through..let us know man ..any other questions feel free to ask

[Deadrodent]

K, i finally got around to testing the wires.

Power was 11.65v and Signal was 0.85v. I used the block as a ground as the engine bay is painted...

Are these normal readings?

[jdm_master_X]

haha david owes you a refund on that wiring...haha.

[Deadrodent]

haha david owes you a refund on that wiring...haha.

yeah only slightly hackjob status....

[S13FASTBACKSR]

hmmm power wire is a little low and 5v wire is a little high..did you correct the wires by soldering them? you can also clean that thermosister in the maf by spraying it with electronic cleaner

[Deadrodent]

I haven't soldered the wires yet...i tested the wires last night at like 1:30 in the morning...I'm going to have to find where he crimped and wrapped the wires he extended today and solder them together. i'll retake the readings in a few minutes...i just woke up haha