Power Loss w High Fluttering Idle

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Hi.
I have reduced power, poor economy and a bad idle. I have come here seeking suggestions or ideas.

There is some necessary backstory to this however. These issues began immediately after I serviced my AC compressor belt. It was squealing - dislodged its tracks. I did this from the top, not from below (which I now regret) meaning I took off my air intake manifold and serpentine belt. I disconnected my MAF and pcv hose in the process. Note that the first time I started the car after servicing my belts I left my MAF disconnected. I tried blowing on my MAF with compressed air as in hopes that would help but it had no effect. I have a couple other ideas but I thought I would come here first.

After the self-service I had a CEL (P0113) which was for air intake temperature circuit. I have had this looked at by a dealership and they said it was okay and cleared the code for me. However, the issues of reduced power, poor economy and a bad idle still persist. (Bad idle means that the tach and engine rpm flutters). I asked local dealership mechanic about the bad idle but he couldn't offer a straight answer. He advised me to not waste money on the issue as "old cars get this way". With this being said, the loss in power and weird idle are NOT NORMAL, especially since the symptoms occurred immediately after I tired self servicing my belts.



Fluttering Idle when hot


Let my car sit overnight to cool and the idle is very high but drops down eventually as it heats


This vehicle is a bone stock 2011 V8.

[StingrayblueSS]

Have you tried disconnecting the battery.

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Yes, I did before going to the dealership but I will do it again tonight when I get access to wrenches.

You're thinking MAF reset?

[StingrayblueSS]

Yeah, are you sure you put the maf in the right way?

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Originally Posted by StingrayblueSS

Yeah, are you sure you put the maf in the right way?

100%, it only will fit one way

[Avenging Orange]

Idle looks normal.

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Originally Posted by StingrayblueSS

Have you tried disconnecting the battery.

Just did it - no change.

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

Idle looks normal.

Hi thanks for your reply.
But how would you explain: Vehicle surge at low rpm? Bad mileage? Don't know exactly what mileage I'm getting right now but will check now by setting a mile counter.

This only started for me after servicing my belts. How many stock camaros do you know of with similar idle?

I was thinkig maybe a vacuum leak at the pcv somewhere. The issues with vacuum leak are all consistent.

[Bulldogge]

All of the symptoms sound like your MAF sensor went bad. Might need to replace it. A little over $50 from Amazon.

[InFiD3ViL]

When you left the MAF disconnected on accident, is it possible it got caught up in the belts or rubbed against a pulley when you started it? Did you check the entire MAF cable?

I have done this before myself and have come very close to getting my entire MAF cable ripped apart.

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

When you left the MAF disconnected on accident, is it possible it got caught up in the belts or rubbed against a pulley when you started it? Did you check the entire MAF cable?

I have done this before myself and have come very close to getting my entire MAF cable ripped apart.

Yes it is possible (I also was curious if you guys thought dust in the MAF clip could be the cause). I tried visually inspecting but this only goes so far. I don't own a multimeter so I can't check either if there is ohmic continuity.

Did you just go to a service center and ask them to rewire it?

[Cash, Gas & A SS]

Could not find a clip however found this. This would be what I need if I was to redo wiring correct?

http://www.gmpartsdepot.ca/a/Chevrol...L/CD10200.html

[Avenging Orange]

Originally Posted by Cash, Gas & A SS

Hi thanks for your reply.
But how would you explain: Vehicle surge at low rpm? Bad mileage? Don't know exactly what mileage I'm getting right now but will check now by setting a mile counter.

This only started for me after servicing my belts. How many stock camaros do you know of with similar idle?

I was thinkig maybe a vacuum leak at the pcv somewhere. The issues with vacuum leak are all consistent.

From your video....your idle is normal for a V8. No idle stays dead on steady. All modern cars have a high idle at cold start.
As always....I recommend eliminating the obvious. Check all connections....clean your maf and give the computer some miles to adjust.

[Olddudesrule]

Agree with this^. That tach signal "flutter" seems normal, as does the cold start readings. Since you haven't really described the "lack of power" or the mileage drop, hard to quantify that....