So, I was driving around tonight (air temp 22F) and everything seemed fine when all of a sudden I sense that the car starts to slip in 3rd gear when I step on the gas. Crap...thinking that my clutch is going I head back home. A few minutes later the car starts to jerk, at first in 4th gear and then in all gears, as soon as I press on the gas. As I'm pulling into my driveway the car is almost undriveable because of the jerking and a CEL pops up. The idle is at 900-1000rpm (floating-unstable) and the engine doesn't sound all too healthy. So, I get my old trusty screwdriver and check ECU for codes and get 0102 - Mass Air Flow Sensor.

Does anyone know what the problem is and why is the car behaving like that?

P.S. Don't know if this is related to the current condition or not but sometimes when the temperatures outside get below freezing and I start the car the RPMs would jump to 2000 and stay there for about 1.5-2 minutes. That's why I pointed out tonight's air temperature above.

 

hmmm i am experiancing similar problems but am getting only O2 sensor codes. wish i could help

 

your MAF sensor has gone bad and needs to be replaced. your car can still run but will not go above 2k since it is in safe mode

 

Actually it did go above 2k when I was driving it but don't know if it would again if I start to drive again.

Do you have any instructions on how would I go about replacing the MAF sensor and where could I buy one (junk yards/dealer/other)?

 

if thats the code you got, then you can just replace the MAF sensor. its pretty simple and you could find it occasionally on the org in the F/S section or in junkyards.

MAF sensor is located under the hood next to the TB. its very easy to install...disconnecting and connecting

 

Would I need to pull just the sensor itself or is it easier to replace that whole plastic tube section (i.e. if I get it from a junk yard)?

Thanks for your advice Nismotic.

 

The MAF is attached to part of your intake setup, so all you have to do is remove the clamps with a flathead screwdriver, unplug the MAF sensor, and replace. Before doing so, just locate it under the hood, disconnect and reconnect the plug and see if that works.

dont spend more than 100 for it, and dont get it from the stealership. try to google it and see if they sell it online for cheap.

 

i'm having a MAF sensor problem with the same ECU code. my car has started jerking in 2nd or 3rd gear at low rpms, and sometimes the rpms drop suddenly when stopping. i've replaced it though with one from a junkyard but didn't fix. Please see the following thread and offer any wisdom...are all MAF sensors off of 4th gens the same and compatible with any 4th gen car? thanks

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....=1#post3511631

 

from what the dealer told me there are 3 diferent MAFs for 4th gens. Before shelling out for a new one, if you're bold, try disconnecting the sensor by the 4 screws and check to make sure the prongs are even and making good contact with the sensors.

 

Do you happen to know what they are or what the difference is between the 3 MAFs?

 

all they told me is that one is $450, one is $475, and one is $250. I dunno what the difference is, Nissan's part system is weird it goes by VIN rather than make, model, year, probably for this reason.

 

Well, looks like disconnect, reconnect, and reset the ECU routine did the trick. Thanks everyone for the help.

P.S. When I called the local dealer for the MAF sensor I was quoted $500

 

If you are running on a K&N filter, perhaps the sensor needs cleaning. They are prone to silicone build-up from the filter. For how-to's, read the stickies.

 

Check the wiring also with a voltmeter.

It sounds exactly like a bad ground to the MAF.

(Car WILL rev above 2000 but you have CEL and car bucks heavily.)