MAF Problems

[jpd]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here. I've got an 02 I35 that ahs been great up until 2 months ago, when I got the engine power loss, tcs, ses and "slip lights." My mechanic said it was the MAF and replaced it for alot of money. HE assured me over and over it was normal for them to go out, it was definitely the MAF.

Now, less than two months later, same problem. At autozone, it threw the p1102 code for MAF, and said "MAF in range but less than expected." DOes anyone know whta this means?

My mechanic's solution is to see if he can replace the new MAF under the parts warranty, and if not, order a new one. He acted like I was crazy when I asked him how he can be sure its a bad MAF. He said that that's what the code says, so that's what it is. He can't get to it until next week, so I think I'll take the car back and clean the MAF, check connector etc.

Does anyone have any suggetsions on what could be causing MAF failures like this?

Also, I've read that I can use a 2001 MAF, with slight modification. Anyojne have any luck doing that?

Thanks for any help.

[maxnix]

Neither the MAF sensor wire nor its connection should be bad. I would not clean the sensor for fear of voiding warranty.

Assuming you are using clean OEM air filter and not K&N or dome other drop in or pop-charger.

[jpd]

Thanks.

No, stock air filter.

As far as warranty, the mechanic was going to call the parts supplier and ask him to replace it, if it's got a warranty. I do not have an extended warranty on the car, though now I wish I had gotten it. All this stuff started at 61,000 miles.

So cleaning is a bad idea. What about usinf the 2001, any experience with that. And why would a MAF keep going out? What could cause that?

[maxnix]

1.) What about usinf the 2001, any experience with that.

2.) And why would a MAF keep going out? What could cause that?

1.) Does not compute! What is the question?

2.) A good one does not.

Is your techncian experienced with Infiniti's in general (trained on them)?

[jpd]

"1.) Does not compute! What is the question?"

Sorry, I've read on another maxima forum that I could use a MAF for a 2001 Maxima. the 2001 is about $80 vs. $500 or so for the 2002 MAF. It is my understanding that the only difference is some sort of thermal device on my 2002 MAAF that can be removed and added to the 2001 MAF. Was just trying to confirm this.

"Is your techncian experienced with Infiniti's in general (trained on them)?"

Good question. He has done all of our families work for years, on our Honda, Acura, Toyota, and the I35. He's always done a great job, but lately, with these problems and one or two others, I've begun to suspect that he doesn't quite get the whole new computerized car thing (last time, he had to go to hi brother's garage to use the computer. ummm, dude, a code scanner is like $100).

Basically I've lost faith in the guy. If he can replace it again for free, great. If not, I'll go elsewhere and figure out what's wrong. Either way, I'm pretty much done with this guy.

Is it possible that he failed to properly reset the ecu? I've also read on here something about a flash reset, but I'm not sure what that means.

Thanks for responding.

[Q45tech]

Members get confused between OBD1 and OBD2 and enhanced ODB2+ [the beginnings of OBD3].

From 90-96 the MAF was a simple device which could be cleaned easily with care!

Later versions of MAF contained an integral air temp sensor and are very delicate and fail more frequently and must be calibrated EXACTLY to match each individual ecu [otherwise low rpm/idle suffers].

Just like the plain jane O2 sensors have been recently upgraded to wider range expensive O2.

Sensors keep getting more and more expensive as they are being required to be much more precise.

As to out of range, every sensor has a back up and preprogrammed reference VALUE, when the back shows ok and the sensor shows an out of range value the code is thrown.

Probably the expenive MAF was changed without the recalibration proceedure requiring a Consult II and took a while and miles to show up since it is reported close to correct, just not inside range expected.

ODB2 was supposed to make things easier to diagnose but that assumes you have the correct equipment, all the FSM, all the TSB and access to everything the dealer has.....................most independents don't and have a tough time as each year passes.

[jpd]

Thanks for the answers. You guys are a huge help.

I just called the mechanic, and was told the car was still at the dealer, and that the part should be in tomorrow! WTF? What dealer? I told him if he couldn't replace it free I wasn't buying another. Looks like I'm going to a new mechanic.