2001 Infiniti QX4 Idle problems

[eurodaytona]

OK, my wifes QX4 is having idle issues once again as it did 3 years ago. Car comes to a stop light or stop sign and will not idel....car shuts off. No check engine lights have come on yet. 3 Years ago and 23,000 miles we had this happen and had to have the MAF sensor replaced at the dealer for a total cost of almost $1000.00 The part was $600 something and labor was almost $300. This is not a cheap fix and I will be very disappointed if another one has gone bad in just 23,000 miles....the warranty on this part was 12 months. Anyone have any ideas? Was looking to keep this vehicle for a few more years but as of lately this car is becoming a bit of a money pit.

[asnorton44]

If it turns out to be the MAF again you can get a Nissan Maxima MAF part number 22680-2Y001; its the same and works great in the Pathfinder/QX4 for a fraction of the cost (usually around $100). I got one in my 01 Q.

[Buzzman]

3 Years ago and 23,000 miles we had this happen and had to have the MAF sensor replaced at the dealer for a total cost of almost $1000.00 The part was $600 something and labor was almost $300.

First of all, if you paid this kind of money for a MAF sensor replacement, then you got ripped off big time.
It takes two minutes to replace a MAF sensor. How did they justify $300 in labour?
The QX4 part is closer to $400, not $600.

To second the comment from norton44, a Maxima MAF will fit in a 2001 engine, and it's definitely cheaper.

I'd also recommend scanning for fault codes, even if the SES is not on yet.

Lastly, this no idle problem can also be a blown IAVC. If that's the problem, then you're into a world of grief.

[atraudes]

This problem does sound like a bad IACV, but the $100 for a new MAF sensor may be worthwhile first

Here's a recent thread on the IACV problem: 02-pathfinder-idle-issues-t593893.html

[eurodaytona]

Ok guys....first of all the QX4 is now doing fine and seems to have "fixed itself"..... a friend of mine at a local auto shop removed the MAF and inspected it ....looked brand new....it should to be only 3 years old with 23,000 miles. He also cleaned out the throttle body.....test drove car and Is now doing great so I hope it was just a strange hiccup. Anyhow looking back on my ticket from Pearson Infiniti in Midlothian, Va October 2011. Yes I paid a total of $965.35 for the installation of a new MAF sensor and element air filter. MAF sensor Part # 22680-4W001 $648.55 and the Air filter element was $20.83. Labor to replace MAF and air filter and reprogram ECM was $262.50. Tax was $33.47 so there you go. It was a expensive repair but I felt I had no choice but to do it. Warranty on the MAF is 12 months.....so really hoping it is not failing.

[atraudes]

Glad to hear it worked itself out! That stinks about that repair bill; you gotta take care of those things and sometimes people take advantage of that.

Based on the 22680-4W001 part number, it looks like they replaced the housing assembly that the sensor was mounted in too, not just the sensor. That would be a contributing factor to the price, and adds a bit to the time needed for the repair. I can't think of a reason that the housing needed to be replaced too; it's just a plastic tube with a metal screen in it.

[donald]

just to confirm - does the SES light come on (or store a code) if the IACV is having trouble? I'm assuming the ECM "blows" after it's had enough of a bad IACV.

Reason for participation: I've noticed some intermittent engine stumbling (mainly during "cold" starts, "cold" being relative, where it was started after at least sitting overnight) but goes away after a quick warm-up and light on the gas pedal. Only recently have I encountered my first engine-stumble to engine-die. Engine restarted with no issues and continued to run fine on my way home. I do have a bad bank1-sensor2 (US passenger side, downstream) 02 sensor that I'm preparing to replace, but no other codes show up pending or stored.

[eurodaytona]

Its been a good 2 weeks or so since the idle issues......QX4 has been doing just fine with no issues......no parts were purchased.....I guess it was a weird glitch.