MAF Crazy (94 Q45)

[off2sobe]

94Q 190k MAF sending me to the psych ward....

A somewhat erratic pattern that has developed:

If I drive conservatively the car will run great for 10-15 miles until I hit a patch of construction where there are lots of bumps. The rest of the drive is crazy…lots of bucking and surging. I just try to limit the damage to my 190k transmission, which is probably not going to survive long with this condition. If I pull over and wiggle the connector and the engine will correct itself, rev great, no miss or anything until I get back on the highway, then the problems start all over again.

If I drive aggressively the same symptoms seem to show up immediately after the first or second redline.

The issues is intermittent, but becoming chronic. Last weekend I cleaned and tightened the connectors (for the 4th time) and the car ran great all weekend, with a couple of slight surges over the course of two days. This was with lots of in-town and highway driving. On Monday, the problem symptoms were back, full-blown. I’ve cleaned, probed, picked, wiggled, cleaned, tightened, jiggled, squeezed and greased the MAF connector for three weeks trying to fix the problem.

AND...it seems to be worse when it's raining or high humidity....hmmm...

Every time the symptoms continue when I pull over they resolve when wiggling the connector, but seem to come back quickly after I begin driving again. This seems to indicate that this is a connector issue, but the times that it begins after I drive the car hard with no bumps it seems to indicate it’s possibly the MAF itself.

The MAF voltage tests within specs per the FSM. Infiniti does not have a replacement connector kit. I don’t want to buy a new MAF because it doesn’t seem like that would solve my problem without being able to correct the connector issue.

I’m open to any ideas on how to resolve this connector problem. I've searched/queried and read the posts about this problem, but I've yet to find a solution that works for my possessed beast.

I know this is a common problem...blah blah...I should read the archived posts...blah blah...I know, I know... and I have.. but I still have a problem. Anyone have any creative ideas out there? The standard clean, tighten and grease has not worked...

[maxnix]

Well, it does sound like a MAF connector problem, but have you checked your grounds also?

[off2sobe]

AH HA! A new option that I have not tried...Maxnix...can you elaborate, please!

[96Qowner]

LOL! Been there, done that! I spent over a year messing with mine. It jus' ain' worth the aggravation.

Spend $50-75 and get a replacement through car-part.com. The last I heard, Joe has the replacement connector, if you want to try that. 1-888-216-5328
Modified by 96Qowner at 11:11 AM 9/15/2005

[goody90q45]

My MAF connector is missing the retainer clip and is a little brittle from age and engine heat. I loosely wrapped a plastic cable tie around the narrower portion of the connector and then a second cable tie around the base of the square box on the MAF that the connector plugs into and through the loose loop on the connector. Pull the second cable tie tight drawing the plug into the MAF body and it will ensure that the connector does not back away from the plug. This is a 20 cent fix that is worth a try if you think the plug is vibrating loose. If you need to remove the MAF or the connector, cut the cable ties and replace with new ones when reconnecting. Good luck.

[off2sobe]

I called Infiniti/Scottsdale today...I asked about a MAF connector kit and was told that Infiniti doesn't make one. If anyone has a part number, it would be appreciated.

[3Q Jay]

try this: j-38751-112 {KM connector], j-38751-123 [km terminal], j-38751-124 [km seal].

[Aus94Q45]

Guys this is real easy. First, talk to Joe -- he sells the plastic body fo rthe connector and new pins that go inside. As I have posted before -- the pins IN the OEM plug are crimpped not soldered. It cannot be repaired as you will see when you assemble the new plug. It was a crappy way to do it and they will fail as the crimp looses its bind over time, abuse, wiggling, wear and tear. No amount of cleaning or wiggling will repair the internally loose crimps. Get the new plug and pins ($20) and cut the old one off, noting the position of the wires. Get a solder gun and crimp and solder the new pins to the wires and push in place -- be careful, once you psuh them in place you cannot pull them back out. Reattach and you are good to go --takes 15 to 20 mins. My car exhibited the same symptons and the new plug eliminated these issues.

[Q451990]

It seems that there is some debate on if Joe sells MAF connector kits... If anyone actually buys one from him - please post the p/n here. (maybe that's what Aus94Q45 just did)

Thanks!

Heath

[Aus94Q45]

I don't have the parts number but did talk with Joe directly on the phone when I ordered the parts. The connector and pins are sold seperately -- about $20 -- worth every penny!

[DAEDALUS]

The MAF voltage tests within specs per the FSM.

What were the values, just so we can get some idea of where "marginal" lies? It was measured while symptoms were present?

[off2sobe]

Called Infiniti Scottsdale, talked directly with Joe. He's sending me the "kit". Thanks for the info!!

[RobertsnewQ]

Hey guys - Joe's out of town and nobody else can find the parts. The PNs that Jay gave they say are no good.

I've got some similar Bosch pins at home but not the right shell or rubber boot.

Any more info?

[3Q Jay]

my guess is that those are not infiniti part numbers, i picked them off the last service invoice done at costa mesa infiniti before i bought mine. they were part of the line item for replacied maf connector.

[dwomack]

Did you ever get this problem corrected? My 94 Q45 does the same thing. I have replaced the MAF and the connector. If I move the wiring, same thing happens. Open for any other suggestions. Is there any more information on the grounding that was mentioned above?

[RobertsnewQ]

Jay - I suspect they're from Kent-Moore, the tool company because of the KM part. They make lots of stuff like that, but I'm having no luck tracking some down. I can replace the pins but I would love to have a new shell. I'm 90% sure the Bosch/Amp injector connector pins are compatible, but I'll have to check.

[off2sobe]

***SUCCESS***

I just received my parts and replaced the MAF plug and pins, soldering the wires to the new pins. The old Q runs great...no stumble at all.

I was a bit concerned because the wires really didn't appear corroded. I cleaned the MAF posts real well and scraped them so there would be a good connection, but I really thought I was going to be buying a MAF tomorrow, however, so far...so good.

Many thanks to Aus94Q45, without which I would not have called Inf/Scottsdale the 2nd time and found the part I needed. Hopefully with these part numbers anyone can order these items successfully.

****Connector Part Numbers****

38751-123 Pins (you need 3) $1.54 ea38751-112 Connector Shell $17.08 Total: $21.70

The invoice shows Location/List as BC1A

Just roll the rubber boot back, snip off the old connectors, solder the wires into the new ones (be careful...they are FLIMSY). Push the pins into the new connector BEFORE pushing the two pieces of the connector together (this tightens the wires into the connector). You will know what I mean when you get the new part.

[maxnix]

Great going!

[off2sobe]

Well, looks like I claimed success too fast...and it looks like I'm in the market for a MAF. MIL came on intermittently last night while engine was surging (like key was turning on/off). Checked OBD...12 (MAF circuit). Didn't get to check voltages at MAF while the light was on. This sucks...

[maxnix]

Well, not really because you have eliminated the MAF connector. Better than replacing the MAF when it didn't need it.

[Q451990]

The invoice shows Location/List as BC1A

I bet that stands for "Back Closet, Bin 1A" or something like that...

Thanks for posting the numbers!

My MAF failure was heat sensitive. I only noticed the problem in ambient temperatures above 95-98F. Sure makes it difficult to diagnose...

Heath

[Aus94Q45]

Glad that you got the plug and got it one -- they all need to be replaced. Once the new MAF is on it should all be better.

[off2sobe]

OK...replaced the MAF last night. Found a used one from a '95 with 95k miles. (Paid $75 including shipping). Used car-part.com--had to call around to find one with <100k and the same model numbers. Cleaned it with carb cleaner and bolted it on...very easy install. Drove to work, about 20 miles, drove around at lunch and drove home with no problems. So, for about $100 I have changed the plug and found a used MAF...keeping my fingers crossed that this lasts a while.

I took a couple pics of the replacement plug and pins (including the invoice...to prove they exist!!).

I was SO tired of putting around...it feels good to be able to actually DRIVE her again.

An initial inspection of the old MAF doesn't show anything out of the ordinary. I'm going to open it up to see if there is anything funky.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support!! This is a great site!

[valq45man]

Off - I'm having similar issues with my 96 Q45 138k. I guess there is no real way to guarantee what they tell you as far as the used MAF mileage... ? Are those guys pretty reputable (car-part.com) ? I've had mine cleaned with no luck and seems to be getting worse - car stalls sometimes now. I've found a couple here in Houston at salvage yards but they want $125/$150. Any thoughts ?

And I agree... great site here and great info !

[Jesda]

Off - I'm having similar issues with my 96 Q45 138k. I guess there is no real way to guarantee what they tell you as far as the used MAF mileage... ? Are those guys pretty reputable (car-part.com) ? I've had mine cleaned with no luck and seems to be getting worse - car stalls sometimes now. I've found a couple here in Houston at salvage yards but they want $125/$150. Any thoughts ?

And I agree... great site here and great info !

Car-Part.com is a directory of salvage yards, so it all depends on the place you order from. $125 isnt a bad price, but I got mine for $30.

off2sobe: Can you post those photos for us? I'm curious.

[valq45man]

Is there any way to know for sure if a 94-95 Q45 MAF will fit my 96 model ? I'm looking on car-part now and I see several to choose from. Just pick one huh ? And hope it works...

[Jesda]

95-96 MAFs will fit your car. 90-94 will not.