Concerning the ECU reprogram ... is there a particular ECU update that needs to be applied, or does a recent one (more recent than when the vehicle was bought) suffice ?

The reason I ask is that I had my '00 Maxima's ECU reprogrammed last year (as part of the TSB to address the P0420 code). At the time, the reprogram fixed the issue. I have the output from the Consult machine - previous ECU version was 12Y178, new version is 13Y164. Now, I'm looking to replace the MAF for other reasons and I'd rather not pay again to have the dealer reprogram the ECU, especially if it's already "current".

Anyone have any thoughts on this ? Thanks.

 

Cool. I'll try to get this done Mon. or Tues. I'll be sure to post the results.

 

Just got done replacing the MAF on my 2000 max. Wow, what a difference! Runs like new again. I also just got the ECM (eng. computer) re-programmed ($95 at the dealer). I recommend it because the new MAFs are slightly different than the original and this is a critical input to the ECM and I believe other updates are also included. I noticed slightly more top-end power after the program update.

Also I have been warned about using cheap and/or non Nissan air filters.
These MAF elements are easily damaged by foreign material or even dust entering the intake. If you were using a cheap filter like I was (std. Fram) then your MAF will probably fail very soon. These Fram (budget) filters (as well as other brands) can emit micro fibers that can/will damage the MAF element. Other filters may not fit just right and obviously can leak air around them. Any foreign material can cause a change in the chemistry of the heated element of the MAF. I got this info not only from a Nissan tech. but also from an independent shop. I switched to a NAPA Gold filter (probably OK) after I installed the new MAF, but now I'm going to use the Nissan filter ($10 at the dealer). I don't want to re-do this job anytime soon. I found the MAF at AllEurasianAutoparts.com for $105 w/free shipping.

She hauls azz now! Well, Ok, doesn't haul azz but it does run perfect.

 

What he said.

 

I was having stalling problems, NO power, wouldn't rev past 4.5k, transmission shifting hard (also thought it was slipping). Put a new MAF on today and all the problems are fixed! It pulls hard, shifts smoothly, etc. Thanks everyone for posting your problems so I could diagnose the situation.

BTW, why isn't this thread a sticky??

 

Just installed new MAF yesterday in my girls 2000 GXE... For the last couple weeks, the car has been becoming more and more undrivable. Couldn't drive up a hill, backfired, misfired, couldn't rev past 3k, poor shifting in all gears, etc. My girl brought the car to her mechanic and he had it for 2 days and couldn't fix it. Said that the car gave him more than 7 different codes and he couldn't figure out what was causing it. Going through this thread thoroughly, I called Dave B and ordered a new MAF. I put that thing in, had my girl take it for a spin and watch her grin from ear to ear! Car drove like new again. Its amazing how one sensor (that didn't even throw a code) could cause such serious engine malfunction like that. Props to this thread (should be sticky) and Great thanks to Dave B! I'll be ordering one for my 02 very soon.

 

I just bought 02 Maxima SE. First gas tank it was riding beauttiful. Then filled it up again with another gas company and I can feel vibration on the paddle. Could it be the MAF or just gas? BTW, I did put in 93 octane both times.

 

I have an 02 se(77,000 miles) that's been knocking and pinging for over a year and it never gave me a code. I know it wasn't the gas because I only use super unleaded from either Chevron or 76. I tried everything under the sun to resolve the issue to no avail. I used every cleaner from Techron to Seafoam to MAF cleaner, and had the fuel injection serviced twice. I took it to an independent dealer and he asked me if I have a K&N filter installed. Which I do, and it was installed about a year ago and that's when my problems started happening. I guess the oil from the K&N messed up my MAF. Thankfully I have an extended warranty which covered the new MAF and reprogramming.

Two words "FREAKING AMAZING!!!" Car runs like new again and there's no knocking or pinging. I can't believe how fast the car is, it pulls very strong. I tossed out the K&N and went w/ the factory filter. K&N filters have never given me any problems till now. The extra 2 horsepower isn't worth the headache.....

 

I have a 00 se, after replacing the maf my problems were resolved for maybe 12 hours it ran perfect took it around maybe 50 miles and after stopping once my problems came back, I just got my car and just replaced the maf, I've read almost all the post and didn't notice the same problems coming back to anyone and I get cel p0100 which from what I've read is the maf. so could this just be that I need to break down and go to the dealership and have my ecm updated. I'm not sure if the previous owner has done this lately or if ever. or could it be a bad replacement maf, also if I remove the air filter and put my hand in front of the maf to block some of the air it'll actually idle fine.

 

I have some similar problems with my Max. Has anyone ever tried to clean the MAF with electrical contact cleaner. I have heard about this. Thanks

 

You can get MAF cleaner. I'm not sure what the difference is between it and regular contact cleaner but I hear it works fairly well. There's a thread about it somewhere with more details.

 

Another update... Installed new MAF in MY car last week, and now mine feels like new again too! Power is restored, less hesitation, pinging is now minimal, and the engine runs very smooth. My 02 didn't have the symptoms my girl's 00 GXE had, so I pretty much never realized that my car was running so crappy. Should have done this a long time ago...

 

Hi -- 2001 Maximan GLE / Very Close to 80K

Iam not much of a person who knows what MAF is..etc?

But i got my SES Light checked @ the local Nissan Dealer..
After charging $91 for the Diagnosis -- He gave me a quote for $500.. I could bearly understand the report..
(1). Code --> P0171
(2). MAS --> Replace
(3). GRAM OF AIR PER SEC -- Out of Spec
(4). AFM Voltage -- OK
(5). AFM Damaged -- Internal
(6). NEED AIR FLOW METER ASSEMBLY
(7). Program ECM to match new AFM

My Questions --
(1). I understand that this is somethiing that needs to be fixed(I see the symptoms of jerking while starting in the morning).... Right?
(2). Is there any alternative other than a NISSAN Dealer, where i could save a few bucks here n there?

Thanks!

 

1) Yes, you should fix it- it will only get worse.
2) You can replace it yourself. There are a few sources in this thread where you can get a new MAF for under $100. You should probably have the dealer reprogram your ECM though, even though some do not do this step. Also, in the future you can have Autozone pull your codes for free.

 

wtf is a Maximan?
just donated $91 to the dealership?
ouch. raped.
with that much money u could of had a new MAF

 

As suggested by 'larsony'..

I dont think i wanna go thru manuals and do the MAF replacement myself. Is it something that my Local PepBoys/NTB can do for cheap compared to the Nissan Dealer? OR any special equipment that only NISSAN Dealerships have to get this done?

Thanks!

 

While i was discussing this MAF Replacement here today...
My SES Light came off....

I know this happens on n off -- Need to look for if it would come back again

Few Months back i used to get the SES on n off periodically, At that time.. It was PO420(Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
SES Since the last week untill today -- P0171

Even if the SES would not come on again -- Shud i get the MAF Replaced(Considering the history)???

 

i have an 2003 infiniti i35 and wanted to know why do you replace your stock maf sensor. also, if i do decide to replace my maf sensor will i have to reprogram anything. Or is it just get rid of your old one and replace the new maf to your car.

 

How much did you pay and where did you get it from?
I am not sure If my aftermarket AAA Warranty will cover a new MAF

 

The ECM reprogram is free under the 80k 'Emissions Defect Long Term' Warranty, correct?

Does anyone know this for sure??

 

Hey guys,

I have the tools, the time, and the patience, but I just don't know where to start. I searched the threads and the links for some of the MAF replacements are dead... The other ones show 1 pic and like 5 paragraphs of text for the install... So here, please I need help:


1: I unclip this sensor, and then I don't have to undo the Torx screws?

2: I undo the 4 bolts shown and the 5th bolt below the front of the air filter?

3: Do I unclip this blue connector to be able to pull out the assembly w/ the MAF attached?

4: Am I going over board by killing the battery power to the car completely? Should I just leave on the negative terminal?

Any help would be great.

I don't want to do the ECU reprogram, I just want to put the MAF in w/ out the car knowing it.

 

Hi Jacob,

I have a write up somewhere earlier in this thread if you want to replace the whole MAF assembly. The consensus though is to spend a few bucks and get the torx bit and just remove the sensor. Replacing the whole assembly is a PITA. As to disconnecting both terminals on the battery, yes it is overkill. You only have to disconnect the negative terminal.

 

Count me as one of the people that only replaced the sensor. I did not have the special kind of torx bit that the MAF required, so I just took a needle-nose vice grip to undo the screws/bolts. The whole process of changing the MAF only took about 5 minutes.

 

2K1 Maxima. No power when trying to pass on the highway, loss of power on first acceleration after a cold start...too lazy to do anything about it.

Alternator died (unrelated) so I replaced it, and as a side effect, the ECU reset since the battery was disconnected for a while. I noticed that it drove better than before and thought that all of my problems had vanished until traffic came to a stop on the highway and the car stalled. It would start again but once I put it in D it would immediately die and throw a P0171 (lucky I have a computer). Had to rev real high and throw it into drive to get going again. Eventually got home (with less stops than the law allows) and it died again in my driveway, but this time it threw a P0174. Checked the forums and it said to replace the MAF. Got one from the local dealership. Saw it for $92 at their online site. Called them to check price and availability and they quoted me $139. Told them that I saw it online for less and he said they will honor the online price (when I got there they gave it to me for $87 !?!?). Surprisingly easy to put in myself (no skilz). Put about 200 mile on it since then with no problems. Drives like new.

Thanks to all the folks on the forum for the help and I hope that this post can prove helpful to someone else!

 

Would I need a MAF if... My 2k has 85k on it. It has this problem when driving at highway speeds it will shift in and out of gears and or out of overdrive with me not touching a thing or pressing the gas down for more power. My dealer has replaced the trans, and the controll unit 2 times. And the problem will not go away. Any help would be great. Thanks for your time. You can you me a email if you like at djmp22@aol.com

 

okay well I finally took my maxima 2k se, to the dealer as stated I would need my ecu update for the new mas, well I pulled all the check engine lights with my scan tool just to make sure I'm getting the same posted, left it there for 30-45 mins, and they call me back and say that there tools can't read my ecm. to pull any codes and quote me 1300 for a new ecm. I get back my key and try and run my car and it runs worst then when I brought it there, well I hook my scan tool up and pull the cel and then they say there scan tool is different then mines and it's not the same, can anybody atleast tell me if there telling the truth or and if I can find a ecm online for cheaper anywhere. or am I being jacked around here.

 

Decided to get my MAF Replaced @ the Nissan Dealer itself..

Just wanted the others (who need to replace MAF) know how much it costs(to get an idea..)
etc..

(1). 22680-2Y001($110.83)
(2). AIR FILTER($12.95)
(3). Labor n Diagnosis ($260) -- Install New MAF, Program ECM
----
Total --> $383.78

BTW, What does reprogramming ECM Mean? Does that mean, the Chip would start learning about my driving as if it was a New one off the lot?

 

Is this a 5th Gen or 5.5?

 

Its a 2001 Maxima GLE...
The error code that i got with the SES Light was P0171

 

darn...
the MAF for the 02-03s are a lottt more!
But I heard that there's a work around that doesnt cost much..

I've had mine replaced 2 yrs ago.. I ended up paying for labor only, as I had modified the car...

 

Nissan techs use a special machine that can not only read and reset codes but update the ECU itself. I forget what it is called. It's strange that your code reader works but their machine doens't. It could be your code reader doesn't use all the inputs on the connector and the Nissan one does and those extra ones are blown. I would take the car to a different dealership and see if they say the same thing.

 

$110 isn't bad for a 2k MAF. You can get it online for about $90-$100. After you factor in shipping it probably works out to be the same. Where you got hosed is with the ECM update. The consensus seems to be you don't need it. I think the reprogram changes the fuel map to better match the newer model MAF. If you notice anything it will probably be a drop in fuel economy if you don't do the update. I certainly didn't but did notice a drop. I didn't think it a big deal at the time but with gas sitting at $1.05 a litre I'm beginning to rethink the decision!

 

I was missing the forest for the trees

I kept buying tools to replace the entire MAF housing and sensor, when I only had to pull out the sensor w/ the Torx screws...(which I bough like a week ago)

Oh well... I'm just about to change out my MAF sensor...

Quick question... Does the MAF housing w/ the mesh screen. Does it ever have to be replaced or cleaned? Becuase I'm just changing the sensor, not the housing w/ a new clean mesh screen...

Am I better off just replacing the whole thing? And be done w/ it..?

Anyway I fired up the Maxima and it runs very nice now. No more stalling

Best way to describe my feeling :



Thanks Maxima.org!

 

I was thinking of something similar also, because I was able to drive my car there barely but when I got it back it wouldn't move two feet. I've tried just about every code scanner I could find from the cheap autozone ones to the ones dam near the size of a dictionary. all read my codes and I'm able to clear it but the ses still comes back and my car runs like a dog with one leg at a track event.

 

AWWW DAMMIT!!! really really wish i wouldve come to this thread before i went and bought a fuel filter and pump to take care of essentially the same problems (can't accelerate worth a damn, stalls for no apparent reason). I'm actually going to get that installed today and see if it was a fuel issue. If not, i'm definitely gonna try dave b for that MAF. But, what i was noticing was everyone reporting a trouble code for bank 1 lean, and i'm pulling up codes for lean on both banks. Anyone else get both trouble codes and fix it with the MAF? Thanks!

btw, not enough I30 drivers in here. We need love too!!! ;_;

 

Did you try taking your max to a different stealership?

 

The MAF and O2 sensors are the achilles heel of the Maxima engine.

 

reporting back...
Dropped of the car this morning at the dealership and they found the MAF to be root cause of it all... So they ordered it and will be there in the morning and I will get it back tomorrow itself...
The Service guy whom I met for the first time literally saved me hundreds of dollars! Cuz AAA-my aftermarket warranty provider initially denied the claim cuz of the Aftermarket Intake... but the Service guy fought for me and got it approved! man-o-man!! I was freakin out when I found out that they were voiding my warranty!!!! phew... Im sooooo relieved now.. I gotta pay the dealer $81 and thats it! phew!! better than paying $700+

 

I don't think I saw this answer, so correct me if I'm wrong, but have we decided if the reprogram is necessary or not? (damn MAF).

 

I think the consensus is no. I didn't