Just wanted to chime in, I tried this mod on my 96 Sportage and it has the old style IAC. Everything worked fine UNTIL I turned on my air conditioning. Then the engine would stumble at idle and wouldn't run right. With the added load of the AC compressor, you need a working IAC. If you live somewhere that isn't hot enough to need AC I would try this mod, but here AC is a must <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Also doing this mod caused my OBDII computer to throw a trouble code. I was not OK with that, since that "check engine" light is never on and I'm proud of that, especially since Sportages are notorious for the Check Engine light constantly coming on

Fortunately for me, when my IAC was malfunctioning, a quick cleaning job with carb cleaner and silicone spray got it back working spiffy.

As for the original problem, could you give us an update? I know you were checking the connection between the MAF sensor plug and the MAF sensor itself, but did you try doing any tests on the MAF sendsor to see if it is actually bad? I would expect the engine to throw a code, but who knows, I believe you have OBDI which doesn't seem to be as comprehensive about reporting problems. I would see if you can do any tests involving checking the resistence with a multimeter, etc., to see if the MAF is bad.

Also, I didn't realize you had a trouble code... That's good news I think! I hope you can find a way to get the ECU to flash you the code. In fact, I might have some info for you on how to make it flash you the code, I had some papers about that at work. You put this wire between two connectors on this plug under the hood... I'll see if I can find the info for you...

Also Axe suggested the EGR could be the problem, have you checked into this possibility yet?

Other than that, I might consider doing a fuel pressure test. This is kinda a long shot but I have seen weak fuel pumps that got stronger after running a few minutes. You could try doing a deadhead fuel pressure test, test the pressure coming right off the fuel pump. Easy access, there's a hatch under the back seat where you can get to the fuel pump - No need to drop the tank like other vehicles! grr... I hate that...

Anyway it's probably not a fuel pressure issue, just wanted to put that idea out there in case nothing else pans out... What you really need first is to get the trouble code out of the computer! I love trouble codes... Funny story, my ECU is OBDII but for some reason it won't allow the trouble codes to be read by a standard OBDII reader unless I place a jumper wire between 2 pins on the diagnostic connector under the hood, by the air filter... Funny thing is, that's how you normally retrieve codes on an OBDI system, with a jumper wire, but it's like since mine was the first year that came with OBDII, there were still some throwback features from OBDI...or something... In fact, I'm not sure but the manual makes it sound like it is possible to retrieve trouble codes OBDI style on my ECU, with the flashing CEL, even though that is normally not something OBDII will do... Crazy...