Before I begin, I just wanted to make it clear that I used the search function and found quite a few threads showcasing the exact same problem that I am experiencing. However, none of the results seemed to offer a solution or follow-up. Everyone responding seemed to just say "MAF" or "Here's a TSB saying your tranny is out."

I am looking for answers from people who have had this (apparently somewhat common) experience and what they did to remedy it.

I just picked up a 2000 Maxima GLE this weekend. As I was driving it home I noticed that it was growing a little sluggish. I stepped on the accelerator at about 40 MPH, the car pulled forward unimpressively until I reached 4000 RPMs. At that point it stopped pulling completely. I had to completely let off the gas pedal to get it to upshift. I figured I would drive it 200 miles to my driveway and deal with it there. After about 140 miles of highway driving, the MIL came on. There was no real change in drivability, so I just kept on cruising (67 mph).

This morning, I brought it to have the codes pulled at the local parts store - P0133 and P0135 - O2 sensors. I looked under the hood and under the car and noted that the 2 sensors looked pretty new. That's when I decided to Google my issue and was led to this place. Once I saw that the MAF seemed to be the more likely issue, I went back to the parts store and bought the supplies to clean it. I cleaned it, pulled the battery for 20 minutes and it drove like a dream, so I parked it. After an hour or so, I hopped in to cruise to the store ... the problem has returned.

I am seeing that this issue isn't terribly uncommon, but with the cost of the parts (Transmission Computer or MAF) that people want to recommend, I'd like a much more definitive answer.


Edit: I should add that my MPG's are pretty close to what they should be ~ 27-28 highway.

 

MAF, same thing happened to me. o2's wont cause those problems you mentioned. Just try the MAF before buying a transmission like I did.

 

atxking27, thank you for the swift reply.

I was pretty certain that the O2 sensors wouldn't be the problem since they appear to have been changed very recently. I also was growing very concerned because after an extensive search on this site and others, I noticed there were a few posts like this and this.

 

already answered for you above but definitely the MAF. When they go bad, sometimes cleaning them temporarily cures the issue and then it goes back to running sluggish (other times it works perfectly fine).

 

So, would the sudden appearance of a "rev limit" at 4k also be explained by a faulty MAF? I do understand that a MAF can and will cause your car to run sluggish but I've never seen one make a vehicle display the symptoms my car is showing...

 

A bad MAF will suck the power out of the Max.

Get one from the dealer. It's under $100 for your car.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/22680-m...957_1973_1976&

 

So the dealer should have a MAF for about $100? That's good news!

Out of curiosity, when I took the MAF out of my Max to clean it I noticed there was no thermistor on it, yet there seemed to be a couple small clips and holes where a thermistor would normally be. Is this common? Also, should I purchase the entire assembly with the tube and sensor or just the sensor itself?

 

00 and 01 do not need the thermistor. Only 02 and 03.

You can only purchase it with the tube.

 

Thanks guys!

I ordered a new MAF and it will be in tomorrow. I'll post back here with results after the install. *fingers crossed

Once installed, I'm guessing I need to reset the ECM again...?

 

I know people will say it's the MAF, and they're probably right because of the symptoms. However another thing worth double checking is the O2 sensor harness from the sensor to where it plugs into the master harness(which you usually see right next to the left bank valve cover). You have the option to get a vehicle specific sensor, or a universal sensor. However universal sensors often have to be spliced in and depending on the quality of the work with the splice can cause CEL issues. It wouldn't hurt to check to see if you have a universal O2 by looking for a splice in the harness. If you do, check the work or replace the O2 sensor with a vehicle specific one (plug and go).

S

 

A symptom of a bad MAF for our maximas is usually a rev limit at around 2500 rpm. Once you get to there the car feels like its slamming into a wall in terms of acceleration and you have to move up to the next gear. Not everyone with a bad MAF has had this symptom but many have.

 

Okay, I just picked up my mass air flow meter, opened the box and noticed that there is a thermistor on the sensor.

The guy behind the counter in the parts department says it will work just fine. Seriously? Shouldn't this thing be exactly the same as the one that's in my car but new?

 

Did you get it from the dealer or Napa? Regardless, it will work.

 

Dealer. They're a bunch of clowns around here though. I had a heck of a time dealing with them on a warranty issue with my old Pathfinder.

I guess I'll just go ahead and toss it in. Do I need to reset the ECU afterward?

 

I would but I don't think it is necessary.

 

I suppose it wouldn't hurt.

I'll report back this evening with results.

 

Thanks to all of you!

It worked!