02 Pathfinder hesitates and jerks before shifting into first gear only when accelerating very slowly

[awalz]

First off, I just wanted to say thank you. I recently acquired this Pathfinder and found the vehicle had really only had oil changes - ~136k miles now. I was able to use this site to help me change all the fluids, do spark plugs, trans pan drop and filter change!

So, spark plugs were just replaced, MAF was cleaned, throttle body was just cleaned, just replaced IACV because it failed and had ECM rebuilt.

When I'm slowly accelerating through first gear, usually the gas is kept at a very even level, the car starts to hesitate and chug a bit. It doesn't happen every time. It seems very specific to how I accelerate - if I'm accelerating normally it's fine.

I'm usually barely pressing the gas and the rpms usually stay around 2k.

It feels more like a throttle/sensor issue than a trans issue. I had read something that pointed me towards the maf maybe going bad. Just looking to try and narrow it down.

Thanks!

[barnaclebob]

I think this is how my 01 acted before replacing the MAF. Do you have any engine codes? I was getting both left and right bank lean codes.

It started out not too bad and only only happened when the engine was cold. Then it gradually got worse and 1 day I lost nearly all power trying to go up hill on an interstate at 70mph.

[awalz]

The only codes I'm getting now point towards an evap issue. I replaced the gas cap and that didn't remove the codes.

When I replaced the IACV and ECM the shop I had it at didn't get the relearn a set properly and I had to take it to the Nissan dealership. It was jerky then because of the relearn issue, but I'm not sure if driving it like that to the other dealership could cause the MAF to fail. I don't think I had the issue before that.

I meant to clean the MAF again today, but I forgot.

It only happens when I'm driving very slowly, creeping up in traffic or something. I don't particularly want to purchase an MAF on a guess, but it's annoying enough to want to fix eventually.

[asnorton44]

If it is the MAF, luckily prices have hit rock bottom and you can get one on Ebay for as little as $21. I paid $65 a few years ago for an identical 00 Maxima MAF that is 100% compatible with our trucks.

[awalz]

That MAF on eBay seems to look different than the one in my trunk. Mine doesn't have a grill on the bottom. Is this just a revamp of the part?

[asnorton44]

Hmm could be different for 02+

Looks like you have to add the IAT sensor

[awalz]

Sorry, meant truck before. http://www.am-autoparts.com/Nissan/Path ... aQodrToAQA

That's what my MAF looks like.

Why would I have to add the temp sensor?

[awalz]

After looking at the MAF on eBay closer, I realize that it's the entire housing. My question is, though, my sensor has 4 pins and the eBay one specifically states it has 5 pins, but my connector looks like it could plug into a 5 pin sensor.

[asnorton44]

After looking at the MAF on eBay closer, I realize that it's the entire housing. My question is, though, my sensor has 4 pins and the eBay one specifically states it has 5 pins, but my connector looks like it could plug into a 5 pin sensor.

Disregard the IAT thing I think it was for 03-04 possibly. Just get the 22680-2y001 sensor and don't mind the pins the 4 pin plugs in fine.

Here's a super cheap one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAF-Mass-Air-Fl ... 1417336833

[awalz]

I took my whole MAF bracket and sensor apart and thoroughly cleaned everything. I drove it and it was perfect--noticeable difference while accelerating. Drove it again and it started acting up again. I went ahead and order a new sensor, so we'll see what happens in a few days.

[asnorton44]

Hope it works! Keep us posted.

[awalz]

Wellllllllll... I replaced the MAF and it didn't fix my problem.

I thought about calling the dealership and saying I didn't really remember it happening before they did the relearn and see what they say. Maybe they would have some idea.

[Buzzman]

From everything I've seen and learned, the MAF is different from '01 to '02, as you've noticed with the number of pins (4 vs. 5).
I don't think you should be trying to fit the MAF from an '01, or a Maxima MAF, into the 2002.
When I had drivability and idling problems, I initially went to my local junk yard and pulled 2 MAF's from a couple of wrecks.
Cost next to nothing. Turns out the MAF was OK, and swapping them around made no noticeable difference.
I also ran the truck with the MAF disconnected, which is something I suggest you do before spending any more money on parts.
The truck should run differently, and possibly smoother, with the MAF disconnected.
If there is no noticeable difference with the MAF unplugged, then you have a bad MAF.
My problems turned out to be a blown IACV and ECM. (I learned about that the hard way.)
After a new IACV and rebuilt ECM, I had to do the relearn as well. My dealership did that for free.
No problems since, and I have 2 spare MAF's....lol