let's have a dicussion about MAF
11-24-2003, 09:03 AM
#1
let's have a dicussion about MAF
I can't search.........
What is the deal with MassAirFLow sensor?
At first, people were saying its because when we clean the K&N filter, the oil got to the sensor, and that's the cause for it to malfunction
Then, there was a TSB out to update our computer. That didn't work
So, what is the deal?
Is there any reason why it keeps on failing?
I'm going on my 4th MassAirFlow sensor....
I didn't clean my K&N filter (i bought a new one instead), that didn't work
I went and did the TSB, that didn't work
I went ahead with 2k1 MAF, that didn't work
so what should I do next, I know I'm going back to stock intake
but what about the people with aftermarket intake?
Does Nissan purposely made a weak MAF, so that they can make mad lots of profit from it?
What is the deal with MassAirFLow sensor?
At first, people were saying its because when we clean the K&N filter, the oil got to the sensor, and that's the cause for it to malfunction
Then, there was a TSB out to update our computer. That didn't work
So, what is the deal?
Is there any reason why it keeps on failing?
I'm going on my 4th MassAirFlow sensor....
I didn't clean my K&N filter (i bought a new one instead), that didn't work
I went and did the TSB, that didn't work
I went ahead with 2k1 MAF, that didn't work
so what should I do next, I know I'm going back to stock intake
but what about the people with aftermarket intake?
Does Nissan purposely made a weak MAF, so that they can make mad lots of profit from it?
11-24-2003, 09:14 AM
#4
I don't know that much about cars...so I really don't know
but I can tell you the last 2 times that my MAF went out is during full throttle
which brings me to another point....what's the point of having a fast car....
if when I go full throttle there is a chance of MAF going bye bye???
but I can tell you the last 2 times that my MAF went out is during full throttle
which brings me to another point....what's the point of having a fast car....
if when I go full throttle there is a chance of MAF going bye bye???
11-24-2003, 09:16 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 200
They SUCK!!! I’ve blown one on my 2k1 with a K$N filter drop-in and since then I’ve been using the OEM paper filter with no problems. But now I have a 2k3 and I’m looking to get the frankencar intake and exhaust. I hope that apexi filter will be gentle enough for my POS MAF..... 
11-24-2003, 09:54 AM
#7
How bad is it?
Originally Posted by Tac_M
They SUCK!!! I’ve blown one on my 2k1 with a K$N filter drop-in and since then I’ve been using the OEM paper filter with no problems. But now I have a 2k3 and I’m looking to get the frankencar intake and exhaust. I hope that apexi filter will be gentle enough for my POS MAF.....
Are there any people who have more than 40k miles on their Max and still keep their original MAF sensor?
I have a 2003 Max with 26k miles, all stock, and after reading all this, i'm wondering how can i avoid this problem. Sounds like keeping my stock intake and stock filter is the best "solution"....or that doesn't help either? what do you think?
Also, if the MAF fails, is the car driveable (even sluggish) or i'll need a tow truck? I don't want to have a new car and sit on the side of the freeway.
11-24-2003, 10:42 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 270
Originally Posted by dansmax2003
So, now i'm really curious, does everyone here had a problem with their MAF sensor already? Sounds like it is a very very comon problem and it scares me. I didn't know that it was such a big issue with Maximas before i got my car.
Are there any people who have more than 40k miles on their Max and still keep their original MAF sensor?
I have a 2003 Max with 26k miles, all stock, and after reading all this, i'm wondering how can i avoid this problem. Sounds like keeping my stock intake and stock filter is the best "solution"....or that doesn't help either? what do you think?
Also, if the MAF fails, is the car driveable (even sluggish) or i'll need a tow truck? I don't want to have a new car and sit on the side of the freeway.
Are there any people who have more than 40k miles on their Max and still keep their original MAF sensor?
I have a 2003 Max with 26k miles, all stock, and after reading all this, i'm wondering how can i avoid this problem. Sounds like keeping my stock intake and stock filter is the best "solution"....or that doesn't help either? what do you think?
Also, if the MAF fails, is the car driveable (even sluggish) or i'll need a tow truck? I don't want to have a new car and sit on the side of the freeway.
11-24-2003, 11:12 AM
#12
K&N drop in panel filter... no MAF problems after 10K miles
I did spray the MAF wire (it was a wire, didn't look like a piece of film) with Air Intake & Throttle Body cleaner once... no problems (also cleaned the throttle body at the same time)
I would imagine excessive vibration could cause a failure, especially if the MAF is as delicate as we're lead to believe.
I did spray the MAF wire (it was a wire, didn't look like a piece of film) with Air Intake & Throttle Body cleaner once... no problems (also cleaned the throttle body at the same time)
I would imagine excessive vibration could cause a failure, especially if the MAF is as delicate as we're lead to believe.
11-24-2003, 11:32 AM
#14
From my experience (I have blown 5 or 6 MAFS in the last few years) I would stay away from Superchrges and Apexi Filters. It seems the turbulance caused by these two may make the film in the MAFS to cold and thus making it fry. This is just my hunch... K&N filters when oiled correctly seem to kill the MAFS every 20K miles.
11-24-2003, 12:02 PM
#16
Originally Posted by emax02
From my experience (I have blown 5 or 6 MAFS in the last few years) I would stay away from Superchrges and Apexi Filters. It seems the turbulance caused by these two may make the film in the MAFS to cold and thus making it fry. This is just my hunch... K&N filters when oiled correctly seem to kill the MAFS every 20K miles.
lol
11-24-2003, 12:11 PM
#18
Originally Posted by Mick Max
Vibration might not be so far fetched. Like an e or b string on a guitar if it vibrates too hard it can break. And modified intakes create a "musical' moan or howl with a lot of harmonics.
Perhaps the metal construction transmits more vibration (from the chassis/engine/whatever) than the OEM plastic intake piping...
The stock plastic intake piping has an accordion tube between the throttle body and MAF/resonator, then the airbox has some rubber washers/gaskets in the mounting brackets...
I saw a 4th gen Injen, and the lower tube is bound by a metal arm welded to the tube which fits into an existing bolt/bracket on the engine (think it's an EGR or coolant tube bracket)... no rubber cushioning, just metal-on-metal contact. If other intakes do it similarly, it's no wonder the MAF experiences vibration.
11-24-2003, 12:31 PM
#24
Originally Posted by BioMaxDDS
Does anyone know if other VQ3.5 are failing too?
the ones w/aftermarket intake
the ones w/aftermarket intake
I think it was the vibration of wheel hop....under full throttle.
I have GAB now with K&N panel. No problems...but I think i need to spray some cleaner on it...just to be safe.
11-24-2003, 04:28 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 1,329
Originally Posted by BioMaxDDS
I don't know that much about cars...so I really don't know
but I can tell you the last 2 times that my MAF went out is during full throttle
which brings me to another point....what's the point of having a fast car....
if when I go full throttle there is a chance of MAF going bye bye???
but I can tell you the last 2 times that my MAF went out is during full throttle
which brings me to another point....what's the point of having a fast car....
if when I go full throttle there is a chance of MAF going bye bye???
I really think that is it and have posted my theory before. Many have lost their MAFs during WOT. I bet the MAF just can't take the increase in voltage during WOT and after repeated WOT they just go. Many have lost their MAFs on this board because they are aggressive drivers with frequent WOT.
So...to protect your MAF you need to drive like grandpa and never, never press the gas more than 1/3 of the way.
11-24-2003, 05:00 PM
#28
Originally Posted by dansmax2003
Also, if the MAF fails, is the car driveable (even sluggish) or i'll need a tow truck? I don't want to have a new car and sit on the side of the freeway.
-IgS
11-24-2003, 05:08 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,279
Originally Posted by Mick Max
Howwww muchhhh areee theyyyy. Is it the $88
will
11-24-2003, 06:25 PM
#33
if you have aftermarket intake, the dealer will MOST likely not replacing it under warranty.....
Its around 90-100 for a new one (just the sensor)
yes, I have spent $200.00 already on these sensors...
and today I just spent about another 200 for 2 new ones
Its around 90-100 for a new one (just the sensor)
yes, I have spent $200.00 already on these sensors...
and today I just spent about another 200 for 2 new ones
11-24-2003, 06:32 PM
#34
Wild at Hurt
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 580
Thanks WillSE,
Was thinking of carrying a spare one, but not at $400. While we are on the subject, by sensor, you mean the wire type element right? Anybody know what is involved in changing the sensor.
Hey, I gotta learn something new every day or it does not feel right.
Was thinking of carrying a spare one, but not at $400. While we are on the subject, by sensor, you mean the wire type element right? Anybody know what is involved in changing the sensor.
Hey, I gotta learn something new every day or it does not feel right.
11-25-2003, 12:02 PM
#37
i blew my maf at 34k miles. i still have my stillen/k&n intake but have the stock air box on right now. i miss the intake badly, but i'm afraid the MAF will blow again once i reinstall the k&n. damn nissan and their weak **** MAF's. 
what's the name/brand of that throttle body cleaner that you guys are using?
thanks
-frank
what's the name/brand of that throttle body cleaner that you guys are using?
thanks
-frank
11-25-2003, 12:04 PM
#38
Originally Posted by fishhouse
a dealer will NOT cover a blown MAF once you are out of your 3 year/36k mile warranty. and they would likely even not cover it if you are in warranty but have an intake.
i had to install my stock air box before taking it into nissan to get the MAF warrenteed. They also flashed my ECU, is that necessary??
- frank
11-25-2003, 12:14 PM
#39
Originally Posted by frankieduxAE
i had to install my stock air box before taking it into nissan to get the MAF warrenteed. They also flashed my ECU, is that necessary??
- frank
11-25-2003, 01:01 PM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 105
Originally Posted by WILLSE
LOL! 88 was a used price i think. for the entire unit i think its around 400 bucks. just for the sensor part its within 110-200 i think. sry im not exact but it gives u the idea.
will
will