1997 Nissan Altima SE; Mass Air Flow Problem?

[donmccoy]

The check engine light illuminated again after last repair (read out stated that there may be a problem with the speed sensor, which was just replaced as well as a possible electrical problem stemming from somewhere around the mass air intake). The symptoms are as follows: not all the time but often the car dies during idle, stops, etc. When restarted, often but not all the time, black smoke and choking sounds, hard to get moving.

I've replaced knock, oxygen, speed sensors; tuned up; replaced fuel filter; nothing helps. I am a Katrina survivor and $$$ is tight. Can I clean the mass air intake? If so, can you tell me how.

Any assistance MUCH appreciated.

[NISTECH]

The chocking black smoke is an indication of an extreamly rich condition which can be caused by a number of things. A typical problem with the altima is the distributor getting oil in the crank angle sensor under the plate below the rotor. The speed sensor you replaced is it in the trans or are you reffering to the speedometer portion of the speed sensor circuit. The speedometer is the usual suspect when that code comes up.