Try the simple thing first: go to an auto part store and get a Mass Air flow sensor cleaner (about $5), and to Harbor Freight and get a secure screw driver bit kit (about $10). Disconnect your battery POSITIVE terminal. The screw that holds the MAFS is a special screw that needs that special bit you just bought. The MAFS is located on the air intake box not too far from the air filter. Disconnect the cable to the sensor. Remove the screw holding it down, and carefully pull it up. It will be somewhat tight because usually there is an o-ring seal that sticks to the housing. The MAFS is recessed inside this unit you just removed. Spray the cleaner into and around the heating coil of the MAFS for a minute or two and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Make sure it is dry before putting them back in the reverse order. Hopefully by the time you put it back together the Check Engine light code will be reset (if you had disconnected earlier). After checking and making sure the sensor wire is plugged back in, start the engine and see if the problem goes away. If you changed the MAFS, sometimes NIssan wants you to go to the dealer and have the computer recalibrated. You don't need to do this if you're just cleaning it.
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 5:00 PM
