2003 pathy MAF replacement with Maxima MAF, trouble code solutions?

[jdstinson52]

Hey guys, new to the forum, and i've got to say its a wealth of information, thanks to everyone who posts.

I've got a question about a p0174 code my 2003 pathfinder is throwing. I've tried cleaning the MAF myself using the proper cleaner, and the code came back after about 50 miles once i cleared the computer. I've read on other threads that the 01 maxima MAF (considerably cheaper) can be swaped into the 3.5 VQ in the Pathfinder. Is it the same for an 03?

Also, i have a small leak in the same left bank exhaust throwing a p0430 code... i'm getting the leak fixed, do you think this will clear up the p0174 code, or should i bite the bullete and get a New MAF as well?

[jdstinson52]

one more thing, it will start no problem when cold... but after it warms up, it will die if you don't feather the throttle right after it turns over, and idles in gear lower than spec... at about 600-550 RPMs and is a little rough... any ideas?

[Daddy Rim]

I would replace the MAF. Your symptoms sound identical to my wife's 01 when the MAF was defective. Eventually it began to sputter all the time and was undriveable. For the price, I would replace it with the Maxima MAF.

Cheers

[02pathy]

u might need to do the idle relearn there is a manual way not sure how or if it works or u can take it to the dealer and have them do not how sure it will work for u it usally needs it when idling a lil high like 900-1150 but that what i would try did u disconnect the battery before u touch the maf?what cleaner did u use?

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Yeah, if you cleaned the MAF sensor and now it's idling out of spec, you want to try doing the ECU re-learning procedures first (more specifically the Idle Air Volume Learning procedure). The link below will take you to the HOW TO for the re-learning procedures. You can safely complete the procedures listed, since they definitely work for an '03 Pathfinder.

HOW TO: Learning Procedures

[jdstinson52]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies... i did disconnect the battery before trying to clean the MAF, and used the MAF specific cleaner... i think its just electrics connector cleaner they charge a few more bucks for to be honest... I'm having the small exhaust leak fix done this weekend and am about to order the new MAF... still wondering, will the MAF swap from an 03 maxima work on my 03 pathfinder? I found that I can get the Maxima MAF for about 100 bucks less than the Pathfinder MAF, so i might go that route if ya'll think it'll work. I'll perform the Idle Air Volume relearn after I install the new MAF and see if it corrects the low idle and hard start when warm and update everybody. Thanks again for the input!