Hello all! This is my first time posting in such a forum. I need some advice and don't know enough about vehicles to make a decision. So, I thought I would ask people that new more.
I own a 2001 Pathfinder with about 72,000 miles. My Service Engine Soon lindicator came on and I had it diagnosed ($150!). The garage informed me that Bank 1 was running lean and the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor should be replaced...costing $750?! They cleaned it which improved the fuel trim readings. According to them that wasn't enough and they said if the MAF isn't replaced this could lead to replacing the catalytic converter as well. They also told me that the Service Engine Soon indicator would come back on. It has not and it's been several days.
So, my question is...since the indicator has not come back on does this mean everything is ok from the cleaning of the MAF? and is this something that I could do myself if I needed to? I've looked around on the internet and the cost of the MAF is about $250 a far cry from costing me the ridiculous amount they wanted to charge me. And lastly, they mentioned that my spark plugs looked warn and that a tune up was in order...for $400. Could the spark plugs be warn from the poor emissions? I thought plugs should last to 100,000 miles.
I would appreciate any input to the questions I've asked. Remember, I don't know much about vehicles, so keep it simple. I feel like the garage may be taking advantage of me because I am clueless. Thanks for your assistance in advance!
Does your car have other bad behaviour such as uneven idle or losing power? If the SES light does not come back on again, I won't worry about it. If the SES light come back on, I would say it is a O2 sensor more than the MAF sensor that gone.
I entered a post last night regarding similar matter. I have P0171. Bank 1 Too Lean. I think part cost at the dealer for 2001 model MAF is just under ~$480. Pathfinder/Nissan ones seems to be little pricier than others. Some people have bought used sensor from junkyard/Ebay for ~$200 with success.
Hmmm so dealer is charging you $250 for what's probably 1/2 hour job... unless they are replacing the harness as well then $750 makes more sense.
I am going to try to clean it myself and take my chances... You have to use electronic component cleaning spray. You can buy it at Radio Shack but they also sell MAF cleaner which is probably the same thing (I bought MAF specific spray). I will be doing it tomorrow so I can't 100% say how easy it will be but it seems simple enough. Unclip the harness. take out couple of screws. Pull out MAF. Spray all electrical contacts. (no wiping).
Does your car have other bad behaviour such as uneven idle or losing power? If the SES light does not come back on again, I won't worry about it. If the SES light come back on, I would say it is a O2 sensor more than the MAF sensor that gone.
Thanks Paul for your response. No the vehicle runs fine. No issues as far as power or idle. They had mentioned the the O2 sensor was fine. I hope that the cleaning takes care of the issue.
I entered a post last night regarding similar matter. I have P0171. Bank 1 Too Lean. I think part cost at the dealer for 2001 model MAF is just under ~$480. Pathfinder/Nissan ones seems to be little pricier than others. Some people have bought used sensor from junkyard/Ebay for ~$200 with success.
Hmmm so dealer is charging you $250 for what's probably 1/2 hour job... unless they are replacing the harness as well then $750 makes more sense.
I am going to try to clean it myself and take my chances... You have to use electronic component cleaning spray. You can buy it at Radio Shack but they also sell MAF cleaner which is probably the same thing (I bought MAF specific spray). I will be doing it tomorrow so I can't 100% say how easy it will be but it seems simple enough. Unclip the harness. take out couple of screws. Pull out MAF. Spray all electrical contacts. (no wiping).
Slacker, thanks for the reply. They didn't mention replacing the harness and I did find the part on the internet at a dealership for under $350. So, I think they're over charging for the replacement. I'm not sure how they cleaned my MAF (I'll assume they used the electronic component cleaner), but let me know how it works out for you. It sounds simple enough to clean. Is it as simple to replace?
Which dealer had it for $350? I haven't found anything below $400 on internet. Local dealers were selling for nearly $500 for it. It would be nice to know in case I have to go out and buy one.
MAF is easily accessible. I don't know if you tried to locate it but it's half way between the air filter housing and engine block. You can't miss it. Once you unclik the wiring harness, there are two screws holding it in place. I will reply back with more info once I actually do it.
Which dealer had it for $350? I haven't found anything below $400 on internet. Local dealers were selling for nearly $500 for it. It would be nice to know in case I have to go out and buy one.
MAF is easily accessible. I don't know if you tried to locate it but it's half way between the air filter housing and engine block. You can't miss it. Once you unclik the wiring harness, there are two screws holding it in place. I will reply back with more info once I actually do it.
I don't recall which dealer since I was just browsing around looking for the cost for comparison. If you look online you can find several places that have them for under $350 including the core (that's the hassle). You can also look at a junk yard and get them for around $200. Risky though.
The cleaning was pretty easy. You need Torx T20 security bit. They try their best to make sure simple things are unnecessarily hard for DIY people. I had regular Torx but not security bit so I had to run to Sears to pick one up.
1) Locate the MAF sensor. It's right next to the air filter case.
2) Take off wiring harness.
3) Take off couple of screws using torx T20 security bit.
4) Pull out the sensor. It take little bit of force and wiggling because of the rubber ring.
5) Spray the cleaner on to two areas that I can see shiny metal. I gave it a good bath.
6) Let it air dry.
7) Replace the sensor.
8) Sprayed the cleaner on the wiring contacts.
9) Plug the wire.
Done. Let's see how it goes. I erased the codes using my OBDII scanner. Unlike O2 sensors, I believe MAF do not require any additional clearing steps.
I will report back in couple of days and announce if SES light comes back on or not.
if car rusn fine without any lss of power, or if there is no orıblem on idling or on road, just ignore it. but if problmes start to appear immediately replace it. but it must be around 250 usd to 400 usd.
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