2001 Qx4 MAF Sensor Replacement...

[netwreck94]

Hey Folks,

I've had a CEL for quite some time (codes 0171 & 0174) which from my research points to the MAF Sensor. Also, issues at idle where the car seems to bog and rpms drop about 100 or so. Under acceleration everything seems fine and no rough running or other noticeable issues. Fuel mileage seems normal as well at around 17 average. My main question is, what MAF Sensor should I replace with? I usually buy any parts I need on Ebay, and found an OEM MAF for $64 with free shipping http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissan-P ... 3cb74994fa

Has anyone had any experience with aftermarket MAFS and the "dos" or "don'ts" pertaining to them? I'm going to give a cleaning a try as well, but is it even worth it if I can just replace it for that kind of money? I'm shocked that dealers are charging upwards of $500 for this, what exactly are they doing that is costing so damn much?

Also, what are the guidelines I should follow when removing and installing the new one? Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

Evan

[QX4ME]

I would first try to clean the MAF sensor. The sensor filament is inside and is not easily damaged unless you touch it. I bought some electronics cleaning spray at Frys. Spray on the filament, shake it well to get rid of cleaning liquid, set it aside for a few minutes to let it dry further.

[Towncivilian]

If you do end up needing to get a MAF, ensure it's a Genuine Nissan part and get this Maxima MAF for $90. This part has been used by quite a few members here without issue as MAF sensor replacement for VQ35DE engines, you can do a search for "Maxima MAF" if you wish.

For proper removal, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. You will likely require a T20 tamper-resistant Torx bit, and I highly suggest obtaining some MAF cleaner to attempt cleaning first (other chemicals may damage the sensor).

[netwreck94]

Hello Again,

Going to attempt a cleaning today with the CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner, if that doesn't work I'll order that part. For the extra $20 I'd get the one referenced for the Maxima rather than the unknown one on Ebay. Will post the results from the cleaning later...

Thank You

[chicoson]

DO NOT use CRC MAFS cleaner. i did that to a perfectly fine MAFS when i changed my filter and it messed up the sensor. almost any spray cleaner will mess with the sensor. i guess if its messed up already then it wouldnt matter. i did mine as a regular maitinence thing and turned out to screw me. i bought a new aftermarket one on ebay for 45 bux and ive been fine since. FYI most nissan electronics are very very sensative to solvent cleaners like sprays.

[Towncivilian]

CRC MAFS cleaner worked fine with my MAF. Maybe you sprayed too closely and damaged the fragile wire with force from the spray.

[CanuckQx4]

FYI most nissan electronics are very very sensative to solvent cleaners like sprays.

Who told you this shlt?? Not true at all

[thaomyt]

I had 0171 for over a year and just replaced with the 2000-2001 Nissan Maxima MAF last week (part # 22680-2Y001, $90 on ebay). It's working great so far.

[chicoson]

FYI most nissan electronics are very very sensative to solvent cleaners like sprays.

Who told you this shlt?? Not true at all

lol. the many many people i know who have done the same and my own personal experiences. lets see.....i had a working MAFS. i used MAFS specific cleaner and guess what, it broke my MAFS so i would have to say its true. im not a idiot. i used the cleaner properly too. same thing happened with my IAC valve and guess what. i need a fukin IAC valve now. screw the CRC MAFS cleaner crap. do what you will im just stating my personal issues i had doing that. its up to the OP if they want to risk it or not. personaly i wouldnt unless its broke already. mine was a preventative maitinence deal. i read on here that it may help MPGs (i was skeptical) i tried it and it boke my sensor. needless to say i wil never use any electrical cleaners on my nissan electrical systems.

[QX4ME]

I used Fry's electronics cleaning spray on my QX4 MAF sensor like 3 times, all for preventive. I saw the filament was shiny but since I already took it out, I just spray on it. Never damaged it, of cause it didn't do anything better.

I used the same spray on my RX300 MAF sensor and it really worked great. Sensor was coated with dark brown stuff like epoxy. After cleaning, it bacame shiny, and intermittent rough idle was completely gone. That was like five years ago. After that I cleaned it one more time for prevention.

[netwreck94]

Hi Again Folks,

Thanks for all the input. I cleaned my sensor last night hoping for the best, and unfortunately it didn't appear to work. The "bogging" and idle did seem to go away, but the cold engine acceleration hesitation was still there. The 0174 code went away but the 0171 code remains. I'm certainly guessing that this still points directly to the MAF sensor being bad, rather than something like a bad o2 sensor, correct? I also want to order the MAF ASAP, I'd just like to clarify a couple things before I do so. In my reading I've read that the Maxima MAF sensor that's been reference is not to be used in my Qx4 and that its just fine as many people here have done so. I found this OEM Maf on Ebay for $64 shipped http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissan-P ... 3cb74994fa

The one that is posted above appears to be for 04/1999 up to 06/2001 Maxima (VQ30DE)? Is that the one I should order? Here's the link to it again or click on the one is post 3 above http://www.courtesyparts.com/mass-air-f ... 80270.html If someone could give me a link to the best price for the correct MAF I should be using it would be appreciated.

Thanks Again

Evan

[netwreck94]

Also, the one I referenced on Ebay appears to be Pathfinder/Qx4 Specific with the 4 pin connector rather than the 5 that I've seen on the ones for the Maxima. Here is the part number listed for it OEM# 22680-4W000 / 226804W000 For the $64 including shipping should I just go with this one and return it if it shouldn't work? If it is indeed an OEM replacement as detailed wouldn't this be the best option rather than going with one for the Maxima? My apologies if I sound Thick here, just want to make the best choice possible.

Thanks Again

[Towncivilian]

I don't have first-hand experience with the Maxima MAF, but if the part on eBay is indeed genuine I see no reason not to try it - after all, you can return it I assume if it does not function to your satisfaction. I'd say try it.

[chicoson]

my OEM aftermarket VQ35DE MAFS was off ebay and 65 bux as well. i think they are even cheaper now. mine works fine now.

[chicoson]

my OEM aftermarket VQ35DE MAFS was off ebay and 65 bux as well. i think they are even cheaper now. mine works fine now.

[netwreck94]

I received my MAF Sensor from the ebay link provided, just had one more quick question regarding install. From my reading it appears that all I need to do is unhook the negative battery terminal for 45 minutes or so to clear any previous Maf calibrations and allow it to learn this new maf. Is there anything else I need to do...just want to make sure I do this correctly.

Thank You

[Towncivilian]

I've never heard of that. Disconnect the negative terminal, install the new MAF, reconnect the negative terminal, and you should be good to go.

[thaomyt]

I didn't even disconnect the negative terminal. I just cleared the code with the OBDII.

[asnorton44]

Mine threw a few codes at first but they went away in a couple days.

[Mayan]

hi! I'd like thank all of you at nico. i own a 2001 infiniti qx4, and each time I googled to search for information on anything mechanical/troubleshooting you all have been there for me, so I joined today to give back. moving on, if you are getting codes p0171 and/or p0174 you need to replace your ''mass air flow sensor'' also known as (maf). my qx was acting-up and it felt sluggish, took it to 2 different mechanics, one told me It needed new catalytic converters at about $1,200.00 each the next one told me the transmission neede to be replaced or rebuilt, both wrong, I did some research, and took a chance, bought an aftermarket (maf) for around $50.00 installed it myself and my qx is running like new.I think I got mine from chandler motor sports on ebay. the dealer wanted $600.00 for a stock (maf) don't waste your money. 50 bucks is better then 3k on a transmission. good luck!

[zach7685]

DO NOT use CRC MAFS cleaner. i did that to a perfectly fine MAFS when i changed my filter and it messed up the sensor. almost any spray cleaner will mess with the sensor. i guess if its messed up already then it wouldnt matter. i did mine as a regular maitinence thing and turned out to screw me. i bought a new aftermarket one on ebay for 45 bux and ive been fine since. FYI most nissan electronics are very very sensative to solvent cleaners like sprays.

Must have done it wrong...

[Buzzman]

My qx was acting-up and it felt sluggish, took it to 2 different mechanics, one told me It needed new catalytic converters at about $1,200.00 each the next one told me the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt, both wrong, I did some research, and took a chance, bought an aftermarket (maf) for around $50.00 installed it myself and my qx is running like new.

I hope you went back to those two idiot mechanics and told them what the real problem was.
I'd love to hear their excuses for suggesting new cats or a new transmission. They are either rip off artists, or just plain incompetent.