I bought the 01 AE with about 78000 miles on it a few months ago, it now has 81,500 miles and I am starting to notice a problem. Sometimes the car will run perfect and other times i hear kind of a fluttering noise (i guess?) where it doesnt sound like the engine is revving correctly, and at high rpm in third and fourth gear it seems to hesitate a little bit. This comes after installing a K&N Drop in Filter. I run premium (91/92) Gas, and im thinking from what i researched it would probably mean i need a new MAF? 80K seems to be the breaking point for alot of peoples MAF's. I was also told it may be spark plugs so i just wanted to get some confrimation on what you guys think i should start with Thanks and any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I would work my way cheapest and up. You could possibly go longer on the plugs, but you should have them done in a year most likely anyhow.

That being said, from what I have read the MAF is more likely. Did you over oil the K&N?

 

You mentioned the K&N drop in. I know that if you have over oiled the filter the oil will cause some issues with the MAF. Which in turn would cause some hesitation issues.

There has been a thread floating around the board where people have used a "maf cleaner".

I think I would start there.

 

Ok will do sounds good

 

yeah i would bet anything MAF.. just buy a new one for less then 100 bucks and u will fall in love with your car again.. dont bother with the spray.. if u over oiled ur k and n you aided it in its death,..i had the same exact problems>>i think nissan says plugs are good up to 100k? (someone can correct me if im wrong) but at 80 wouldnt be a bad time to change em IMO i just did mine around 70K>>but i bet you yours are fine if u have no CEL for ignition stuff?

 

I had 104k miles and had just installed a K&N drop-in when my car started acting up with hesitation and abnormal engine idling. I bought a new MAF, and had the ECU updated per the new MAF note. It seemed to fix it, but i also went back to a paper filter. I know K&N has done a lot of research to prove that their filters don't affect the MAF, but I'm not taking anymore $200 chances.

Also, I didn't replace my plugs till 100k and had used OEM air filters....not a single problem up until the new filter. I would try sticking a paper filter back in just to see if you notice a difference.