I pulled the MAF in my 2000 SE 5 speed to clean it. I just removed the 2 screws and pulled the sensor out, left the round housing in place. On the sensor are 2 very small metal fork-like pieces. I've seen a few Nissan MAF's over the years (Maxima, Sentra, Altima). Some of these MAF have the small metal forks and they hold a small metal pin. My MAF has the forks but no small pin. Is this normal or is the MAF missing something. No check engine lights. Car runs fairly well.

 

that's fine for a 2000. it wasn't until later (2002?) they added the thermistor to it. it seems they used the same plastic mold for both versions

 

As cornholio said, it should be normal. Just a heads up - a bad MAF won't necessarily throw any codes.

 

Thanks for the quick responses.

 

cornholio has it correct, the thermister holder is blank for the 2001

 

You sure about that?

But to tell if a MAF sensor is bad, just disconnect the sensor while the engine is on. If the car shuts off, then the MAF works.

 

Positive!

A bad MAF can cause all sorts of symptoms but still allow the car to run and drive. Quite often it wont throw a code or it will throw a code for something else. Many of us have seen it firsthand and it's very well documented.

 

Both times my MAF died, no code but same common symptom(s).

 

I swear in some other thread of the many on mafs....it said if the car DIDNT shut off then the maf is good.
What you said makes more sense....
To add to that, i unplugged my maf in 02 while running and i could hear rpms dip slightly, but it kept running.
Month ago i replaced it with a $22 maf from ebay (which was highly suggested in another maf threads)
But i am constantly chasing power surge, and lack of power issues in my 6 speed. Time for an oem maf i think next. who has one

 

If you are having problems with the car not starting or won't stay running, unplug the MAF.
If it is a MAF problem, the car will start and idle. You won't be able to drive the car with the MAF unplugged, but it will start.

 

^ok..which would mean my $22 maf is goofy then. There are times, the rpms will climb slower than normal while stomping..and there is simply no power to accelerate. Doesnt really hang at a certain rpm (like wont go past 4k) itll keep going but its like im towing the world behind me and has no power. Super slow.

 

With the MAF sensor unplugged, my car turns on, then dies in about 2 seconds.

 

Clean your throttle body? Or check for vacuum leaks?