I just replaced my MAF since I determined it was bad. (previously post in Nov). Got a remanufactured one from Autozone since they had best local price by $50. Installed it and now the engine idles VERY rough, with thick rich smoke coming from the exhaust. It allows me to rev the engine way up, which the old bad MAF didn't allow. Just for kicks, I unplugged electronic plug from new MAF and the car idles just fine with normal smoke from exhaust, though I cannot go above 2200 rpm. Plug the MAF back in and the rough idle begins again. HELP!

I'm completely baffled! I don't claim to know everything about cars but replacing the MAF seemed pretty basic. Any clues? Anyone?

 

Remanf'd MAFs (along with alternators) have a very suspect track record. I'd bring it back and exchange it for another one, and try that a few times. If you go through 3-4 and they are "all" bad, then your problem may be elsewhere. The best bet is to find a fellow maxima owner with known working MAF and put it into your car.

 

I'd say the MAF is defective which is no surprise from an Autoblown part

 

AAhaahahahaaahah

 

the bad mixture could of easy killed your O2 senor too.. makes sense
.. MAF goes bad, all that extra carbon/fuel gets dumped out of the exhaust and covers the O2 sensor.. killing it....
-unplug the O2 sensor harness, its strapped to the rear engine mount (3 wire harness), if the car seems to run better! get a new O2 sensor ASAP.

 

And the experts here were correct (once again!). I bought another MAF from a different store, installed it, and the car runs just fine now. Thank you all for the advice! (Now I just have to deal with returning the defective one at AutoZone. Hmmff!)

Internetautomar, I'm going to have to buy some parts from you sometime. This is twice you've given me good info. Maybe an O2 sensor this spring when I replace my exhaust. I'll let you know.

 

ON behalf of everyone that responded...anytime !