Canadian Nissan Truck Club

just started today. at idle I am running 500-700 rpm.(close to stall)
no other problems at this time.
any ideas or suggestions?

Check your air filter, intake tubing, ave clean the MAF sensor. They could all cause low/erratic idle.

the haynes manual does not discuss cleaning it , only test it and replace it, I do not have a volt meter, on youtube there are some various ways to clean ie: a shot of some type of electronics cleaner.

-how much to buy a new MAF? can I buy just the sensor or is sold as a complete assembly?

- I run a K&N air filter I just cleaned it yesterday per the manufactures guidlines, and now I am running around 700 RPM at idle, what is the factory set idle?

-even with the air box open, the idle is still at 700 RPM

the factory setting for the xterra is 750, don't remember the pathfinder off the top of my head

it is possible that over-oiling the k&n filter could have resulted in the mass airflow getting some oil on it.

there is a specific cleaner for mass airflows, don't use anything but this cleaner. A replacement sensor is in the 500-600 range.

There's a specific cleaner for the MAF? I've been using electrical contact cleaner for years with no issues. But if you say there's a specific cleaner put the name of it and where I get it.


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I've always used rubbing alcohol to clean the MAF with a Q-Tip. Be VERY gentle with the filaments inside the casing, they're quite fragile.

I think the rule is that some cleaners leave a lubricant residue, and some don't. Maf cleaner does not, as rubbing alcohol wouldn't either. I would read the electrical contact cleaner bottle and see what it says about residue.
The cans i have always gotten are labelled specifically "mass airflow sensor cleaner" that i get from napa.



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thanks guys, I will pick up a can of MAF cleaner.

I am some what nervous now to clean the MAF. It seems very simple, I have already taken the MAF off to give it a visual inspection, but can I fuc.k it up by cleaning it with the proper MAF cleaner noted above.

If I do, this little fix will cost me $600.00

What would be an estimate just to get the dealer to do a quick spray clean?

I got some MAF cleaner from Parts Source once and just sprayed the hell out of it. Let it dry (somewhere it won't get dirty) before re-installing.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

Follow the instructions on the can and you'll be fine. Just handle it carefully, use safety glasses/gloves.

i used this on my truck and my parent's vq35. You need a special tool to loosen the bolts that hold the sensor in the intake, but not for the vg33. The CEL was on the vq35 and it got rid of it. I also cleaned mine since I've never done so since buying it.

http://www.lpslabs.com/product_pg/clean ... CFree.html

fwiw, my parents also had a KN filter on their r50 and I convinced them to ditch it and go with a regular paper filter instead. They don't wheel.

I know all the mechanics I worked with called oil coated/soaked air filters MAF meter eaters! Yes they help a bit with mud and water protection, but cause more damage than good for every day driving. A lot of Nissan's that came in the door with erratic idle or codes for the MAF had or use to have the K&N type oil filters. I believe that OEM Nissan air filters come oil impregnated, so why not go that way?

I have also done the cleaning the way simon did except with out touching the sensor with a Q-tip. I just kept pouring it on a few times and it helped. I would also try a TBS and reprograming of the idle to help as well. Your throttle body could be gummed up as well and the truck is losing reference on fully open/shut.

just an update... no action was taken...idle is steady.(approx 750rpm)

Sounds to me like a little bit of dirt somewhere. Perhaps in the throttle body. Nice when it sorts itself out.


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