Hello fellow Maxima owners,

Recently, my 2001 maxima has been giving me problems with the MPG and the acceleration. I usually got 120 miles on half a tank but that has now decreased to about 90 miles. The car also feels like it is accelerating much heavier and slower, as if not enough air is getting into the engine.

From my reading on here, most would say the MAF is the issue. Is there a way to check? If it is, are there any guides on how to safely remove it, clean it out and put it back in?

I have an K&N air filter installed, which my father decided to wash it out a few months back without re-applying the oil afterwards. I assume this is what caused the MAF to get dirty and cause these issues.

Any advice would be appreciated, thank you!

 

You should search for YouTube videos that show how to clean the MAF. If that doesn't work, the only way to test it seems to be replacement.

 

Wouldn't be surprised if oil from the K&N misted onto the MAF and jacked it up

 

BINGO.

Oiled filters are a no no. Clean it and hopefully it's fine.

 

^^^^^^ Listen to this advice!
Now, clean up your MAF (plenty of threads on the subject) or get a new one. Rockauto sells the OEM/Hitachi for a reasonable price.

 

But thats exactly it....there was no oil on the filter!!!!

I also ready that it could be a valve or piston problem? What does that mean? Any way to check?

 

Yes there was, before your father washed it out. Clean the MAF sensor first.

 

Just wondering why everyone keeps saying look at videos on how to clean a MAF. It's pretty self explanatory, pull it out and spray MAF cleaner on it a couple times and throw it back in. Am I missing something lol?

 

No, you're right, it's a pretty simple procedure. But some people might not know what it looks like or where it's located. Then there's the issue of the security star screws, and in my case at least, considerable difficulty pulling it out of the housing. So, I just suggest someone watch the videos. Saves a lot of typing. Until now.

 

Very true.