Why is my car SLOW now?!?! Check for codes maybe???
08-17-2004, 10:25 PM
#1
Why is my car SLOW now?!?! Check for codes maybe???
my car is feeling real sluggish recently and I have two mods that are supposed to definitely help power ...PR CAI and y pipe so why does it feel like i'm accelerating much slower than before I did the mods 
I have never checked for thrown codes and I have heard AutoZone can do this for free and pretty quick too is this true??? Maybe it could be somethin revealed by that and if not I think I should get it dyno'd to see what is really up and hopefully NE Dyno could tell me where the car is going wrong
I know it sounds bad but I would honestly rather have to replace something like the knock sensor and have a real reason as to why it feels slower bc its beginning to annoy me bigtime and sometimes i convince myself its just in my head, which it quite possibly could be...any input?
I have never checked for thrown codes and I have heard AutoZone can do this for free and pretty quick too is this true??? Maybe it could be somethin revealed by that and if not I think I should get it dyno'd to see what is really up and hopefully NE Dyno could tell me where the car is going wrong
I know it sounds bad but I would honestly rather have to replace something like the knock sensor and have a real reason as to why it feels slower bc its beginning to annoy me bigtime and sometimes i convince myself its just in my head, which it quite possibly could be...any input?
08-18-2004, 05:16 AM
#4
I have 50,000 miles on my car
My check engine light is not on, yet I have been told by people to still check for codes because I dont' feel the car is performing as it shoudl...AutoZone said they don't see how they could get a code if the light isn't on but they will try...could it still throw a code even tho the check engine light isn't on or is that a waste of my time?
My check engine light is not on, yet I have been told by people to still check for codes because I dont' feel the car is performing as it shoudl...AutoZone said they don't see how they could get a code if the light isn't on but they will try...could it still throw a code even tho the check engine light isn't on or is that a waste of my time?
08-18-2004, 07:40 AM
#5
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 9
It could possibly be your Mass Airflow Sensor. I had the same problem on my '00 GLE. The car just did'nt seem to have that old " get up and go ". At times I thought it was just in my head. It literally took 7 months before the SES light came on. ( It was a terrible 7 months ). Replaced the MAF and she ran as good as new.
08-18-2004, 07:47 AM
#6
how much is a new MAF???...and would a diagnostic at AutoZone detect it or do you think that i would most likely have to wait like you??
Ok well I can get a brand new MAF for $85...is it worth it to replace this not knowing this is the problem? i have 50,000 miles and have run out of other ideas as to what the problem may be...it's real easy to replace the MAF right???
Ok well I can get a brand new MAF for $85...is it worth it to replace this not knowing this is the problem? i have 50,000 miles and have run out of other ideas as to what the problem may be...it's real easy to replace the MAF right???
08-18-2004, 08:02 AM
#7
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 9
You can try Autozone. I don't know if the computer will spit out a code WITHOUT a SES light on. The reason I knew that it was 7 mos. is because my particullar car was " Bang-shifting " into 2nd gear ( it is an automatic ) whenever I would nail it from a standstill. The new MAF cured BOTH problems !!
The MAF was replaced under warranty. I think the dealer said it would have cost me ~$300, which is ridiculus. I'm sure if you check around on this board you can do better. I feel for you. Driving a car with 225 HP that performs like it has 150 HP is NO FUN. Good Luck !!!
The MAF was replaced under warranty. I think the dealer said it would have cost me ~$300, which is ridiculus. I'm sure if you check around on this board you can do better. I feel for you. Driving a car with 225 HP that performs like it has 150 HP is NO FUN. Good Luck !!!
08-18-2004, 08:05 AM
#8
ok well for $85 i can do this...do you think that with 50,000 that could be the problem and even if it's not wouldn't it be a kind of good idea to replace it anyway? lol i think i just want a quick and easy solution to my problem....
it's easy to replace right it's right up on top of engine?
it's easy to replace right it's right up on top of engine?
08-18-2004, 08:24 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 564
maybe even try cleaning your throttle body first.. cheap to do like 3 bucks for a can of carborator cleaner.. ( i just got cheap spray stuff from autozone) and clean it out really good.. itll eliminate some hesitation.. and maybe thats what you got... i cleaned myn and the car ran so much better ..
08-18-2004, 08:37 AM
#12
anybody have a write up for cleaning the throttle body???
also does the knock sensor (if that's the problem) cause bad performance bc i heard that it has nothing to do with performance but i have no idea (nissan said that...yes i know they are retards but once again i don't know)
also does the knock sensor (if that's the problem) cause bad performance bc i heard that it has nothing to do with performance but i have no idea (nissan said that...yes i know they are retards but once again i don't know)
08-18-2004, 08:39 AM
#13
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 9
I noticed that you have changed your induction system. The MAF sensors on these cars R-E-A-L-L-Y don't like to see anything but a stock Nissan air filter.
IF you have $85 bucks and the time, you could change it yourself. The MAF is located on top and is relatively easy to get to. As I said earlier, mine didn't thro a code for 7 months. It's a gamble but might be worth a try. I would imagine that a Nissan dealer could POSSIBLY check the MAF specifically but would probably charge you $70.
IF you have $85 bucks and the time, you could change it yourself. The MAF is located on top and is relatively easy to get to. As I said earlier, mine didn't thro a code for 7 months. It's a gamble but might be worth a try. I would imagine that a Nissan dealer could POSSIBLY check the MAF specifically but would probably charge you $70.
08-18-2004, 08:51 AM
#15
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 9
I have a '00 GLE and a '02 GLE. I've had cam and crank angle sensors replaced.
I've had 02 sensors, MAF and ignition coils replaced. The ONLY thing that EVER affected the day to day performance of these vehicles was the MAF. FWIW.
I've had 02 sensors, MAF and ignition coils replaced. The ONLY thing that EVER affected the day to day performance of these vehicles was the MAF. FWIW.
08-18-2004, 08:59 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 564
clean the throttle body.. first
cheapest and pretty effective way of improving lost performance.. also.. just try tapping out your air filter, on the ground or somthing .. to get some of the dirt out of it.. or clean it
as for talking to the dealer.. dont bother.. they will just have you sit around.. then charge you and tell you nothing, itll be a waste of your time and money..
and you can always try as a last attempt, cleaning the MAF with electronic parts cleaner ( very shady ) i dont know if i would try it cause you may end up without a way to get to the dealer and buy a new MAF..
so... clean throttle body..... then clean air filter.. then replace MAF / or clean it ( i wouldnt)
cheapest and pretty effective way of improving lost performance.. also.. just try tapping out your air filter, on the ground or somthing .. to get some of the dirt out of it.. or clean it
as for talking to the dealer.. dont bother.. they will just have you sit around.. then charge you and tell you nothing, itll be a waste of your time and money..
and you can always try as a last attempt, cleaning the MAF with electronic parts cleaner ( very shady ) i dont know if i would try it cause you may end up without a way to get to the dealer and buy a new MAF..
so... clean throttle body..... then clean air filter.. then replace MAF / or clean it ( i wouldnt)
08-18-2004, 09:12 AM
#21
Get the MAF, I have an 01 and have the same problem , it feels with no power.... I'm going to buy the MAF soon from Dave for about $85 bucks..... also I'm going to replace the O2 sensors, have the lovely P0420 cose....... but don't have money right now.. the hurricane took my money with it..hehehhe
08-18-2004, 09:13 AM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 25
Originally Posted by Kruppa
how much is a new MAF???...and would a diagnostic at AutoZone detect it or do you think that i would most likely have to wait like you??
Ok well I can get a brand new MAF for $85...is it worth it to replace this not knowing this is the problem? i have 50,000 miles and have run out of other ideas as to what the problem may be...it's real easy to replace the MAF right???
Ok well I can get a brand new MAF for $85...is it worth it to replace this not knowing this is the problem? i have 50,000 miles and have run out of other ideas as to what the problem may be...it's real easy to replace the MAF right???
It's time for new rotors and pads, too.
08-18-2004, 10:27 AM
#23
haha yah my neighbor owns a nissan dealership :-) that's how i get it for $85
and update....No Codes at Autozone so forget that idea of knock sensor
I got STP Complete Fuel Cleaner that does carburaters and fuel inj. and is supposed to restore lost acceleration and power so i'll try that
I also got STP Throttle Body cleaner that you spray into the opening of throttle body (i know this won't be as good as taking it out and cleaning it but i dont' know how to do that and it prob wont' help my problem from reading previous posts...if u think it will can u please post a how to if there is one???)
If these two things don't help at all then I'll get the new MAF (that is supposed to be updated according to the parts guy i always talk to)
and update....No Codes at Autozone so forget that idea of knock sensor
I got STP Complete Fuel Cleaner that does carburaters and fuel inj. and is supposed to restore lost acceleration and power so i'll try that
I also got STP Throttle Body cleaner that you spray into the opening of throttle body (i know this won't be as good as taking it out and cleaning it but i dont' know how to do that and it prob wont' help my problem from reading previous posts...if u think it will can u please post a how to if there is one???)
If these two things don't help at all then I'll get the new MAF (that is supposed to be updated according to the parts guy i always talk to)
08-18-2004, 10:39 AM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 25
Originally Posted by Kruppa
haha yah my neighbor owns a nissan dealership :-) that's how i get it for $85
and update....No Codes at Autozone so forget that idea of knock sensor
I got STP Complete Fuel Cleaner that does carburaters and fuel inj. and is supposed to restore lost acceleration and power so i'll try that
I also got STP Throttle Body cleaner that you spray into the opening of throttle body (i know this won't be as good as taking it out and cleaning it but i dont' know how to do that and it prob wont' help my problem from reading previous posts...if u think it will can u please post a how to if there is one???)
If these two things don't help at all then I'll get the new MAF (that is supposed to be updated according to the parts guy i always talk to)
and update....No Codes at Autozone so forget that idea of knock sensor
I got STP Complete Fuel Cleaner that does carburaters and fuel inj. and is supposed to restore lost acceleration and power so i'll try that
I also got STP Throttle Body cleaner that you spray into the opening of throttle body (i know this won't be as good as taking it out and cleaning it but i dont' know how to do that and it prob wont' help my problem from reading previous posts...if u think it will can u please post a how to if there is one???)
If these two things don't help at all then I'll get the new MAF (that is supposed to be updated according to the parts guy i always talk to)
Keep us updated on your progress. Thanks.
08-18-2004, 10:43 AM
#25
2000GRNSE ...so you def don't suggest throttle body cleaning right ...i had heard it really does nothing but not bad to do it ...that's why i got the spray stuff where u can just keep it where it is and partially clean it i suppose just to say i did it haha
08-18-2004, 10:56 AM
#26
hey bro i think im having the same problem. i dont think my max is performing as it should be... it might just be in my head. i bought a new MAF but i havn't put it in yet... i wanna beat down my current MAF before i swap them out. i'll let you know what happens when i replace it.
BTW, this might be a little off topic but... you should try replacing that monster flow air filter with a k&n cone filter. the k&n really changes the attitude of the CAI.
BTW, this might be a little off topic but... you should try replacing that monster flow air filter with a k&n cone filter. the k&n really changes the attitude of the CAI.
08-18-2004, 02:51 PM
#27
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 531
would a bad maf cause hesitation under WOT? sometimes when i floor my car it does nothing for like 5 seconds or so and then goes. it seems weird and is only under WOT. it sucks driving in traffic and not wanting to switch lanes in case my car decides not to accelerate.
08-18-2004, 04:34 PM
#28
I Miss My Maxima
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 585
Possibly tanked your MAF when you "cleaned" your air filter. Intakes have been known to produce some loss in low end torque (accel) but should not be highly noticeable on Ye Olde Butt Dyno. 
Computer might not set a code if the MAF is tanked.
Make sure you don't have any unmetered air entering the engine (loose gaskets or clamps on your CAI)
Why not do the easy thing first: put your old intake back on and recheck to see if the problem goes away?
Make sure you're running premium fuel, and have clean and properly gapped plugs.
Computer might not set a code if the MAF is tanked.
Make sure you don't have any unmetered air entering the engine (loose gaskets or clamps on your CAI)
Why not do the easy thing first: put your old intake back on and recheck to see if the problem goes away?
Make sure you're running premium fuel, and have clean and properly gapped plugs.
08-18-2004, 06:33 PM
#29
Make sure to have the ECU recalibrated for the updated MAF, I do this service here in IL, and I have a few spare MAFs for myself incase it goes bad. Your MAF is crapped out, no STP crap is going to fix your car, no injector cleaner or throttle body cleaning is going to fix it eighter. Install a new MAF, get the ECU reprogrammed with the newest program- which also takes care of the P0420 code that likes to come up on 00-01 Maximas.
Mike
Mike
08-18-2004, 10:08 PM
#32
Ok, well once again here's the progress . . .
1. No codes thrown (Eliminates knock sensor, coils, etc)
2. STP Complete Fuel Cleaner
3. Cleaned Throttle Body
(Idles a bit smoother and maybe just maybe a little low end power back but it must be in my head)
4. Cleaned air filter last month
5. Synthetic Oil and filter change 3 weeks ago
6. New and correctly gapped spark plugs 2 weeks ago
7. Premium Fuel (93 octane) as usual
8. Checked connections on CAI and all seems fine...i highly doubt it has anything to do with that.
My Next Possible Steps
1. New MAF for $85 assuming that is the problem and taking the chance of wasting the money when it's not really needed. Also, what is this about reprogramming your ECU? I thought on our cars all you did was unplug the battery for a few hours to reset the ECU???
2. Suggestions...???
1. No codes thrown (Eliminates knock sensor, coils, etc)
2. STP Complete Fuel Cleaner
3. Cleaned Throttle Body
(Idles a bit smoother and maybe just maybe a little low end power back but it must be in my head)
4. Cleaned air filter last month
5. Synthetic Oil and filter change 3 weeks ago
6. New and correctly gapped spark plugs 2 weeks ago
7. Premium Fuel (93 octane) as usual
8. Checked connections on CAI and all seems fine...i highly doubt it has anything to do with that.
My Next Possible Steps
1. New MAF for $85 assuming that is the problem and taking the chance of wasting the money when it's not really needed. Also, what is this about reprogramming your ECU? I thought on our cars all you did was unplug the battery for a few hours to reset the ECU???
2. Suggestions...???
08-18-2004, 10:27 PM
#34
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 531
Originally Posted by kobalt
Did you try resetting your ECU? All you have to do is disconnect the battery for an hour or so...I did it and the MAX felt way stronger...
i had my battery unhooked for about 2 hours today as i ran new cables for my radio. i hooked it back up and went over a friends and for some reason it felt as if it pulled harder. i thought it was in my head or something, but maybe it was off long enough to reset the ecu?
08-19-2004, 08:23 AM
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 25
Originally Posted by Kruppa
Does anybody else actually think resetting the ECU will do anything???
and should i just buy the darn maf for like $80 haha
and should i just buy the darn maf for like $80 haha
If you don't go ahead and by that dang MAF at least get it for me!
I'm gonna try to reset my ECU this afternoon. Sounds like we may have the same problem. If I get it figured out I'll let you know.
08-19-2004, 10:10 AM
#40
I just bought the MAF and have it sitting next to me at my desk lol i'm tryin to find a 10 mm socket to put it on while i'm at work...and i'm going to reset my ECU overnight :-) let's hope it works
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