low idle on the pathfinder.

Post by **petespath** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:45 pm

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

Post by **Simon** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:03 pm

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

Post by **petespath** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:11 pm

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

Post by **Morpheus** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:54 pm

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.

Post by **Scotto** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 7:11 pm

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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Post by **Simon** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 7:23 pm

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.

Post by **Morpheus** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 8:45 pm

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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Post by **petespath** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 8:53 pm

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

Post by **Miner** » Mon Sep 03, 2012 8:55 pm

Post by **petespath** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:58 am

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?

Post by **Bow_Tied** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:43 pm

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.

Post by **Bow_Tied** » Tue Sep 04, 2012 12:45 pm

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.

Post by **nige** » Wed Sep 05, 2012 5:13 pm

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.

Post by **Bender** » Thu Sep 06, 2012 3:13 pm

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.

Post by **petespath** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 12:20 pm

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

Post by **Scotto** » Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:34 pm

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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