Thread: Pulsating idle

I have a 96 GP SE 3.4 that i just picked up for $400. It has 88k on it and it has sat for 1 1/2 yrs. The car is not registered yet due to it needs brakes all around. Anyway, When I start it the idle is pulsating almost like a bad MAF. The exhaust is also very quiet and constant moisture an steam emiting from tail pipes. Now the check engine light just started to light. I don't have a scanner to read the codes. Is it possible that the MAF is bad or could the exhaust be that water logged that the motor is not exhausting properly. I am not new to the world of automobiles and i do all my own work. Just looking for some help diagnosing. Thanks in advance .

I guess nobody can give any insight on this issue. Thanks for the help.

The cat may be clogged/deteriorated so badly that it's choking the engine, sending crazy signals from the O2 sensor to the computer, causing it to surge.

It could also be a bad maf, just unplug the maf, and restart the car and see if it's any better, if not it's probably the Cat.

Get someone to help you read or pull the codes. Need more info on what is going on when you are driving the car ( spit sputter dies).

Well unplugging the MAF made no difference in the running of the car. Will have to clean it because it does look dirty. Also the exhaust does flow but smells like real bad like alot of moisture. Today I had it running and it was 90 out and you could still see exhaust moisture. I think I will be replacing the exhaust.

Also, on the 3.4 ltr, there is a canister type thing under the airbox. It looks like it attaches to the trans but has a fuel line or a fuel breather line coming off it. what is this?