QX4 Upgrades? MPG? Intake?

[firemed55]

Hello,

Ok so I am loving this site because I am actually able to find out reasonable explanations to issues I have with my QX4.

I bought a K&N Intake for my QX4. On the K&N site is states its for the Pathfinder with the 3.5L engine. I assumed the this would aslo work with the QX4. I put it on and withing a few months had the dreaded Service Engine Soon light come one. My fuel was running to rich. I took off the intake and about a week later my Mass Airflow Sensor was shot. I had that replaced and my QX4 has been fine. Well, I know I should just let it go but I want my intake back on. The sound and perfomance were great while they lasted. Anyway, I was told that the oils on the filter got on the wire inside the Mass airflow sensor causeing the malfunction. Someone told me to spray a mist of brake cleaner into the Mass airfloew sensore prior to putting the intake back on. They say this will prevent the wire from getting messed up and causing the malfunction. This sound right to anyone? Any suggestions? Both engines are 3.5L so I can't see how there would be a difference between the Pathfinder and the QX4. Thanks.

Andy

Also, any advice on an exhaust. Need to replace. What suggestions do any of you have.

Any other ways to increase MPG? Getting horrible with these crazy gas prices....

[KoukiS14]

I had a JWT (same as K&N) on my 97 240sx for 90k miles with no problem, but it seems the MAF in any Pathfinder / QX4 seems to be a bit pickier. I'm using an AEM dryflow filter -- it's a cone filter and doesn't use any oil, and is washable.I found mine on eBay.

Welcome to NICO!!

[bmlawless]

The oil issue you encountered had nothing to do with the fact that it was QX4 vs. a Pathfinder. Most likely, too much oil was applied to the filter when it was installed. They really don't take much.

It certainly would not hurt to clean the MAF before re-installing your intake, but it won't do anything to prevent the problem from occurring again. However, you should be able to clean your MAF rather than replace it if it gives you an error again in the future.

Although "everyone" uses brake fluid to clean their sensor, there is cleaner specifically made for MAF sensors in most auto parts stores on the shelves right next to the intake/carb cleaners. Remember, never touch the wire on an MAF, just spray it.

[Pathfinder995]

well, I got scared.

I had K&N air filters in both my 99.5 Pathfinder and my 02 Toyota Highlander but never really saw/felt any difference and on the Pathfinder I really think the MPG actually went down compared to the old Wix filter I had in there. Anyway, I took 'em out b/c I have no interest in replacing the MAF sensor. Also, it seems to me that changing the filter alone (assuming you had a reasonably good quality one already which Wix is) doesn't make much of a difference but changing the whole intake along with the filter is what you need to see any real gain in power.

Am I off in that observation? Penny for anyone's thoughts...

[bmlawless]

I think firemed has an entire intake. I have the whole intake on my 2000 K3500. I don't think it has done squat for performance, but it sounds wicked awesome!

[firemed55]

Well, I suppose maybe we will just go with an exhaust. Ok, so another quick question. If I use a dry filter that comes wiothout the oil, in all theories there should be no issue with the MAS...correct? Maybe I won't use the K&N but I would like something, if it will aid in better MPG. Thanks for the post. And yes, I do have the whole intake, filter and all the tubes etc.....completly took the old box out.

[Pathfinder995]

Check with a good auto parts dealer in your area about a Wix brand air filter. Now to be honest with you I can't really tell the difference between the Wix and the stock Nissan filter and I think somebody said once that Wix actually made Nissan's stock filters. Nevertheless, I have seen no change in performance between the Wix and the K&N I used to have. I'm a big fan of Amsoil products and Amsoil actually sells Wix air filters from their web site--high end stuff IMO.

One thing I've figured out with Nissan (and Toyota and Honda are in this boat too) -- their OEM parts are darn good. For Nissan to have KYB shocks and struts standard, NGK spark plugs standard and (assuming they are) Wix air filters standard tells me they mean business about performance.

-J

[AlabamaDan]

You're not the first one I've heard of that had problems with the MAF when changing to a K&N oiled filter or something. I've got a friend who had the same experience with an I30. The Infinitis seem to be picky about that stuff. I don't try to change out stuff like that on them.

[KoukiS14]

I probably got lucky on my 240sx. . the KA seems to be a very forgiving engine. . very basic, hell you can run it with pretty much no oil and it never fails.