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

Need help with wierd MAF issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-19-2005, 08:39 PM
  #1  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
Need help with wierd MAF issue

I replaced the MAF for the 3rd time about 8K ago. She has almost 130K on her. 3 days back the SES came on. Limp mode kicked-in. Next day took her for a ride. SES was still on, but limp mode was gone. Took her to autozone and got the dreaded p100 code. Had an extra maf laying around and switched it. Cleared the SES, car drove fine for 30 minutes, and limp mode kicked-in again. Left work 10 hours later. SES gone, and she was driving fine. Redlined her twice, and about 30 minutes later SES came back along with limp mode.

Any ideas???


Seems like limp mode and ses come after driving for about 30 minutes. Let her sit for a few minutes and limp mode is gone. But then it comes back..
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 08:51 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
iTrader: (19)
 
OOmaxSE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Amherst, MA
Posts: 1,914
tonight, i think i had the same issue. i dunno what exactly limp mode means, but my car felt like it wasn't drivable! surging/pinging/hesitation put together, but overall it felt like a wheel bearing issue gone bad to it's extent. i put it past 3k and BAM! SES LIGHT BLINKS (it was on prior due to o2 sensor)... i'm thinking WTF... i can barely drive because the car just feels like i'm going over lump after lumps in the road. finally i get a mile from my home and then no more bouncy ride. i'm gonna clean my MAF tomorrow and let you know how that goes.

can we share this thread lol... we are on the same page
OOmaxSE is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 08:52 PM
  #3  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
limp mode is severe hesitation and the car will not go over 2500 rpm...
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 08:59 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
iTrader: (19)
 
OOmaxSE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Amherst, MA
Posts: 1,914
exactly what i experienced tonight... only time i tried going over 3k was 3rd gear, every other gear felt like the car was going to fall apart after 2k
OOmaxSE is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 09:06 PM
  #5  
drag racing is for wussies
iTrader: (15)
 
BlackBIRDVQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,023
Inspect the wireing going into the MAF- the connector itself. Jiggle the wireing while the car is OUT of limp mode and see what it does. Its a common problem on the G50 series Q45 that the wireing to the MAF crapz out, might be similar to the A33.
BlackBIRDVQ is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 09:07 PM
  #6  
F---ing Kangaroos
iTrader: (10)
 
Stardust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Des Plaines, IL
Posts: 2,912
Originally Posted by OOmaxSE
i put it past 3k and BAM! SES LIGHT BLINKS (it was on prior due to o2 sensor)... i'm thinking WTF... i can barely drive because the car just feels like i'm going over lump after lumps in the road. finally i get a mile from my home and then no more bouncy ride. i'm gonna clean my MAF tomorrow and let you know how that goes.
That's a coil issue not the MAF.
Stardust is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 09:16 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
iTrader: (19)
 
OOmaxSE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Amherst, MA
Posts: 1,914
Originally Posted by Stardust
That's a coil issue not the MAF.
i do know my MAF is bad and i was thinking it's just getting worse and worse when this occured. i'll check autozone tomorrow, but for now my batt is unplugged for the night...
OOmaxSE is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 09:24 PM
  #8  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
Inspect the wireing going into the MAF- the connector itself. Jiggle the wireing while the car is OUT of limp mode and see what it does. Its a common problem on the G50 series Q45 that the wireing to the MAF crapz out, might be similar to the A33.
Mike,

I was actually thinking that there is a vacum leak?? I will check the wires tomorrow..
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 09:27 PM
  #9  
Z
iTrader: (8)
 
NYPD-Arnold's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,818
Yeah, that's what I was going to say. Sounds like something just isn't tight. Check all of the wires, plugs, hoses, etc.

And just to be on the safe side, give your throttle body a glance too.
NYPD-Arnold is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 09:29 PM
  #10  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
for vacum leaks, which hoses need checked?
thanks
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-19-2005, 10:24 PM
  #11  
drag racing is for wussies
iTrader: (15)
 
BlackBIRDVQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,023
Vacuum leak isn't going to set off a MAF circuit code. That code only comes up when the MAF or the wireing to it is bad. You could test the wires by ohming out the connector at the MAF and the ECU to see if there is too much resistance in the wires- too much means its eighter deterriorated wireing or broken wire somewhere.

Per FSM, pinch the PCV hose and see if the RPMs climb up or stay even, if they climb up then you have a vacuum leak- which will not be an issue with your problem.

Check the wireing, and MAF connector for corrossion, possibly spray the connector down with some electronic parts cleaner, and then put in some dielectric grease in the connector to seal it from any type of corrosion forming on the contact points inside the MAF connector and the MAF itself.
BlackBIRDVQ is offline  
Old 10-20-2005, 07:48 PM
  #12  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 1,587
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
Vacuum leak isn't going to set off a MAF circuit code.
per FSM

CONSULT-II Reference Value in Data Monitor Mode
Specification data are reference values.

On Board Diagnosis Logic
Malfunction is detected when (Malfunction A) an excessively high voltage from the sensor is sent to ECM when engine is not running, (Malfunction B) an excessively low voltage from the sensor is sent to ECM when engine is running, (Malfunction C) a high voltage from the sensor is sent to ECM under light load driving condition, (Malfunction D) a low voltage from the sensor is sent to ECM under heavy load driving condition, (Malfunction E) a voltage from the sensor is constantly approx. 1.0 V when engine is running.

FAIL-SAFE MODE
When the malfunction B is detected, the ECM enters fail-safe mode and the MIL lights up.



Detected items Engine operating condition in fail-safe mode
Mass air flow sensor circuit Engine speed will not rise more than 2,400 rpm due to the fuel cut.

Possible Cause

MALFUNCTION A OR C


Harness or connectors (The sensor circuit is open or shorted. )
Mass air flow sensor
MALFUNCTION B, D OR E


Harness or connectors (The sensor circuit is open or shorted. )
Intake air leaks
Mass air flow sensor

though it would have to be a pretty big leak.


how do you know the used MAF is good? id ck it installed in another maxima and see what you find
BewstAdd1ct is offline  
Old 10-21-2005, 05:46 AM
  #13  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
thanks for the replies. i have ordered a new maf just to make sure. ses is still on. i have not tested the wires by ohming out the connector to the maf and ecu. frankly i don't know how to do that..we'll see after the new maf..
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-21-2005, 09:40 AM
  #14  
Pointy Elbows
iTrader: (25)
 
00MaxSE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 9,780
Hope you get this problem fixed, Jay.
00MaxSE is offline  
Old 10-22-2005, 07:17 PM
  #15  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
i tried what mike suggested, and so far it has fixed the problem (thanks mike). i will post on monday, after i drive her to work...
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-23-2005, 08:28 AM
  #16  
drag racing is for wussies
iTrader: (15)
 
BlackBIRDVQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,023
Originally Posted by BewstAdd1ct
per FSM




though it would have to be a pretty big leak.


how do you know the used MAF is good? id ck it installed in another maxima and see what you find
If you had a large enough vacuum leak it would set off a system to lean code 1st before MAF code. Looking at the consult Alpha would be way off.

Zippn- what did you end up doing ? clean up the MAF connector ?
BlackBIRDVQ is offline  
Old 10-23-2005, 09:15 AM
  #17  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
I cleaned the connector like 5 times with the electronic parts cleaner. I am getting ready to go run some errands. I will probably drive like a 100 miles. With that many miles, I am sure I will find out if cleaning the connector fixed the problem. Will post results after the drive..
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-24-2005, 08:32 PM
  #18  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 1,587
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
If you had a large enough vacuum leak it would set off a system to lean code 1st before MAF code. Looking at the consult Alpha would be way off.

not quite... the STFT would run lean first, and then then LTFT. if the LTFT isnt out of threshold it wont throw the fault, but if theres insuficient flow across the sensor, the ECM will call it dead in the water with a p0100, and mixture diagnosis gets thrown out the window at that point, going into FMEM.


meh... either way, its not likely, hed have other symptoms and with the way MAFs go on these cars, i doubt its a vacuum leak, but i wouldnt discount it without taking a good look...
BewstAdd1ct is offline  
Old 10-24-2005, 09:05 PM
  #19  
drag racing is for wussies
iTrader: (15)
 
BlackBIRDVQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,023
I'm going off Alpha on the Consult, which will tell you alot more than normal STFT and LTFT. Its read in % and gives you a better idea of how the car is runing. I hardly use fuel trims on Nissan or Honda, since on a Honda you can see the actual A/F reading, and how much more or less fuel is dumped into the engine via injector duty cycle. Most newer Japanesse cars have wideband lambda sensors which display true A/F ratio using a manufacturer supplied scan tool. They call nolonger call oxygen sensor an oxygen sensor, but A/F sensor. Its able to fine-tune the engine to specific gasoline used in the engine, diff ambient, engine load and intake air charge better than old school O2 sensors.

P0100 is a MAF circuit maulfunction, which pretty much eliminates everything but the electrical parts of that system. If I where to remove my brake booster hose for long enough of a time, it will register a code for system lean- not a MAF problem, even thou its a HUGE vacuum leak.

Nissan FI is pretty good stuff, its got alot of fail safe modes, and has REALLY good misfire detection built in, and if you got a Consult to access it makes fixing the car virtually all but impossible. Early 1990s cars had more sensor values shown and more adjustments you can do via Consult, or tests- than todays Honda cars.
BlackBIRDVQ is offline  
Old 10-24-2005, 09:07 PM
  #20  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
I have driven her about 150 miles. No more SES. Installed back the maf I had when the light first came on. Redlined many times. She is back to purring...$7.00 bucks is all it cost. Thanks Mike
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-24-2005, 09:47 PM
  #21  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 1,587
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
I'm going off Alpha on the Consult, which will tell you alot more than normal STFT and LTFT. Its read in % and gives you a better idea of how the car is runing. I hardly use fuel trims on Nissan or Honda, since on a Honda you can see the actual A/F reading, and how much more or less fuel is dumped into the engine via injector duty cycle. Most newer Japanesse cars have wideband lambda sensors which display true A/F ratio using a manufacturer supplied scan tool. They call nolonger call oxygen sensor an oxygen sensor, but A/F sensor. Its able to fine-tune the engine to specific gasoline used in the engine, diff ambient, engine load and intake air charge better than old school O2 sensors.
yes, as a Porsche master tech, im familiar with the operation of a wideband O2 sensor. besides a/f ratio doesnt tell you how far the figure has already been adjusted. trims work just fine... and if Alpha is anything like RKAT on a Motronic DME 8 then its based off of fuel trim anyway...

P0100 is a MAF circuit maulfunction, which pretty much eliminates everything but the electrical parts of that system. If I where to remove my brake booster hose for long enough of a time, it will register a code for system lean- not a MAF problem, even thou its a HUGE vacuum leak.
disconnect the intake tube at the t/b, start the engine and tell me what you find

Nissan FI is pretty good stuff, its got alot of fail safe modes, and has REALLY good misfire detection built in, and if you got a Consult to access it makes fixing the car virtually all but impossible. Early 1990s cars had more sensor values shown and more adjustments you can do via Consult, or tests- than todays Honda cars.
hmm... makes me wanna take my 91 to the nissan dealer and talk to one of the techs
BewstAdd1ct is offline  
Old 10-30-2005, 04:06 PM
  #22  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
well..it's back. SES came back this afternoon. I was just cruising when it popped-up...I am kinda getting sick of this ****..

Mike, now where do I start..........
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 10-30-2005, 07:13 PM
  #23  
drag racing is for wussies
iTrader: (15)
 
BlackBIRDVQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,023
It comes and goes eh ? I have had good luck with the new updated MAFs from Nissan so far (knock on wood been ok for over 40k), so I would possibly rule out a bad MAF. I would check the wireing from the ECU to the MAF. Get a hold of a FSM and look at the circuit diagram for the MAF wireing from the ECU to the sensor. Possibly run a continuity check (ohm out) on the wireing. Check for short to ground also.
BlackBIRDVQ is offline  
Old 11-01-2005, 12:51 PM
  #24  
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Maxine2283's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 3
Hey fellas i got a 2000 Max with the same problem, this limp mode you call is what i been dealing with for a lil while. had it checked out said it was a coil problem need to replace all six. Even bigger problem is getting fixed so i can get the car inspected and get her back on the road. any info you guys can help me with i'd be grateful
-Po
Maxine2283 is offline  
Old 11-02-2005, 06:18 PM
  #25  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 1,587
if youve got a p1320, then its either a coil issue, and youll be replacing all 6, or a wiring issue... most likely the former... good luck.


zippin, you getting the same p0100?
BewstAdd1ct is offline  
Old 11-02-2005, 08:16 PM
  #26  
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Maxine2283's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 3
Thanx for the info. i replaced all six coils........that was a fun time @ the checkout counter. getting the car back tom. hopefully i'll update on how its running for any who have had similar probs.
Maxine2283 is offline  
Old 11-03-2005, 03:12 AM
  #27  
Mauja He Mauja
Thread Starter
iTrader: (32)
 
ZIPPIN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 5,215
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
It comes and goes eh ? I have had good luck with the new updated MAFs from Nissan so far (knock on wood been ok for over 40k), so I would possibly rule out a bad MAF. I would check the wireing from the ECU to the MAF. Get a hold of a FSM and look at the circuit diagram for the MAF wireing from the ECU to the sensor. Possibly run a continuity check (ohm out) on the wireing. Check for short to ground also.
i worked on her yesterday. found a house was disconnted to the air intake. still don't understand why limp mode would kick in a few minutes into running
ZIPPIN is offline  
Old 11-03-2005, 04:46 PM
  #28  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 1,587
hey umm... didnt i say that?

because voltage doesnt come above threshold for a given RPM, and as soon as you get p0102, p0100, p1102, or p0101 (i think), you get FMEM. simple, really.
BewstAdd1ct is offline  
Old 11-05-2005, 12:59 PM
  #29  
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Maxine2283's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 3
well i got the car back yesterday she was running like she used to. drove for about 60 miles then the SES came back on, had her plugged back to the comp. got a 430? which is a cadalic converter issue. sounds a lil off to me car only has 77K she shouldn't have issues like that. if any1 knows anything about a 430 the help would be sweet. thanx
Maxine2283 is offline  
Old 11-05-2005, 07:23 PM
  #30  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
 
BewstAdd1ct's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 1,587
p0430 is bk2 catalytic converter, IIRC theres also an ECM update for the problem.

its covered under 8/80 emissions warranty, go do the dealer on monday before you hit 80,000 miles.
BewstAdd1ct is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hez8813
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
11
03-12-2020 12:06 AM
-ReLLiK-
5th Generation Classifieds (2000-2003)
4
04-29-2016 06:25 PM
BrandonCause
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
4
09-14-2015 10:41 PM
ballerchris510
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
9
09-10-2015 09:35 PM
dcardello
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
7
09-03-2015 11:44 PM



Quick Reply: Need help with wierd MAF issue



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:00 AM.