5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Another MAF Thread

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-09-2004, 12:43 PM
  #1  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
Another MAF Thread

I am a newbie and a owner of a 2k GLE. I have read many treads about MAF failure and symptoms. I am confident that my MAF is dirty or just needs replacing. I am also confident in my ability to do the job myself and save some $$$. The problem is that I have never seen the type of screw heads (star shaped but not the "hex" star type) and was wondering if anyone here knows where to buy the driver OR if something else will work. Also, is there a "how to" on the whole proceedure? Any input would be great. Thanks!!!
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-09-2004, 01:24 PM
  #2  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
nailz420's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 371
Any automotive store will have em. I bought mine at Strauss Discount Auto. Procedure is simple: unscrew the screws, pull out the MAF. It will not be easy to pull it out b/c there is a rubber ring at the base. I used a flat head screwdriver to help it out. Mine had a bit of tan ash or dust on the metal pin, so I used a qtip to wipe it off. Cant say it helped but YMMV.
nailz420 is offline  
Old 03-09-2004, 01:38 PM
  #3  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
Thanks 420. That helps a lot. Hopefully my max will be pulling strong (above 3,800 rpm) again soon.
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-09-2004, 01:47 PM
  #4  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
nailz420's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 371
dont forget to disconnect the harness
nailz420 is offline  
Old 03-09-2004, 07:23 PM
  #5  
retired moderator
iTrader: (38)
 
irish44j's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Burke, VA
Posts: 27,289
the star-shaped tool is called a "torx" head.

btw-what makes you think your MAF is "dirty" and needs replacing? Is it blown?

If you are just getting weak pull in higher rpms, there's alot of things it could be, but MAF doesn't sound likely. Either it's good, or it's bad. Could be bad coils, bad injectors, etc etc etc....
irish44j is offline  
Old 03-10-2004, 05:40 AM
  #6  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
I found the tool last night at sears. A lot of other places had it but it did not have the little hole in the middle of the driver head. Anyways I took the sensor out, used a slightly modified q-tip and some rubbing alcohol (it was a little dirty in there) and put it back on. MAN what a difference!!! It pulls VERY strong in the upper revs. Apparently the damn thing has been dirty since I got the car in Dec. Thanks for your input guys...now I have a smile on my face when I punch it!
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-10-2004, 06:37 AM
  #7  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
nailz420's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 371
NEWSFLASH: Blown MAF Myth Blasted! New study reveals naughty MAFs are just a little dirty.
nailz420 is offline  
Old 03-10-2004, 09:01 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
maseo77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 995
im going to try this today myself, im getting severe hesitation at EXACTLY 3400 rpms and above.. would anyone know what torx bit size/number the MAF uses?
maseo77 is offline  
Old 03-10-2004, 10:23 AM
  #9  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
The 2k's use a T20 size. Make sure that it has a hole in the middle of the hex. Also I wasn't able to find the single and had to buy a full set at Sears for $20. Good luck!
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-10-2004, 10:28 AM
  #10  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
BTW a standard q-tip won't quite fit between the sensor and the plastic housing. Make sure that you flatten the q-tip head so it will fit...be very careful with the sensor. You may need to remove most of the cotton from the tip for best results.
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-10-2004, 04:06 PM
  #11  
...needs to please stop post whoring.
iTrader: (9)
 
NYCe MaXiMa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,283
did the problem start suddenly or did the car start feeling sluggish gradually?


my car suddenly started driving like total crap.. accelerates terrible in higher RPMs.. like night and day difference, yet i get no check engine codes..

i am going to pull that sensor tomorrow if i have time and clean it up..
NYCe MaXiMa is offline  
Old 03-11-2004, 05:55 AM
  #12  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
I bought the car in December and it always felt weak as the rpms moved past 4k. I just felt like it wasn't accelerating like it did off the line. It kinda felt like it wasn't getting fuel. The difference after cleaning the sensor is amazing. When I floor it no matter what speed it pulls strong all the way to redline.
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-11-2004, 05:56 AM
  #13  
Newbie - Just Registered
Thread Starter
 
2kmaxtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 13
BTW I never got a SES either.
2kmaxtn is offline  
Old 03-11-2004, 09:03 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
maseo77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 995
i cleaned the maf last night, and i def feel the car pulling strong again, still think i got bad coils though
maseo77 is offline  
Old 03-11-2004, 12:43 PM
  #15  
...needs to please stop post whoring.
iTrader: (9)
 
NYCe MaXiMa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,283
Originally Posted by 2kmaxtn
I bought the car in December and it always felt weak as the rpms moved past 4k. I just felt like it wasn't accelerating like it did off the line. It kinda felt like it wasn't getting fuel. The difference after cleaning the sensor is amazing. When I floor it no matter what speed it pulls strong all the way to redline.

exactly what i'm experiencing now

only i knew how quick the car can be when it runs right.. all of the sudden it just got really sluggish.. now i'm driving it around for a week with this problem and i am starting to forget how fast it can be
NYCe MaXiMa is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TallTom
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
50
07-08-2022 09:54 AM
aw11power
Supercharged/Turbocharged
161
10-10-2021 04:57 AM
BPuff57
Advanced Suspension, Chassis, and Braking
33
04-16-2020 05:15 AM
mkaresh
8th Generation Maxima (2016-)
21
03-12-2018 06:48 PM
Max Nu-BE
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
2
09-28-2015 10:25 AM



Quick Reply: Another MAF Thread



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:44 PM.