Nissan Mass Air Flow Sensor | Symptoms | Cleaning | Troubleshooting

This guide will discuss the Nissan Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, a common problem with Nissan MAF, how to diagnose it, replace it, and carry out MAF relearn procedure.

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Symptoms

You will notice this list of common symptoms when your Nissan MAF sensor fails.

• Check engine light on
• Nissan is hard to start.
• Engine stalls soon after starting
• The engine runs unusually lean or rich, idling.
• Vehicle idles to high or low.
• Nissan hesitates when under load.
• The vehicle hesitates and jerks during acceleration.
• High fuel consumption, poor MPG.

How to Diagnose Nissan MAF Sensor Problems

To diagnose the Nissan MAF sensor, you must read the fault codes stored in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). For this step, you will need an OBD2 scanner.

1. Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard on the driver’s side. 
2. Plug your diagnostic scanner into this port.
3. Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine. 
4. Allow your scanner to turn on and communicate with the ECU. 
5. Select Read Codes from the main menu.

Fault codes include P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1),  P0174 System Too Lean (Bank 2), and P0101. Dirty, obstructed, or faulty mass air flow sensor. Write down these codes and research them to determine what each code means.

How to Replace Nissan MAF Sensor

Replacing the MAF sensor on a Nissan vehicle is very easy.

What you will need

• Nissan MAF Sensor
• Screwdriver

Procedure

• Pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood of your Nissan.

• Locate a mass airflow sensor in the engine bay.  The Nissan MAF sensor is located next to the engine air filter housing, typically on the driver’s side.

  

• Unplug the electrical connector from your Nissan mass airflow sensor. 
• Watch the following video on removing the air filter box to access the MAF sensor.

Remove the screws that hold the mass airflow sensor in place.

Install the new MAF on your Nissan. Tighten the screws so that they are secure and tight. Plug the electrical connector until it locks in place. 

A defective Nissan Quest mass airflow sensor could make your car difficult to start. Your ECU uses the mass airflow sensor input to determine the fuel ratio the injectors need to deliver to the engine.

If your check engine light is still on, use an OBD2 scanner to clear any stored codes in the ECU.

How to Clean Nissan MAF Sensor

Cleaning the MAF sensor on a Nissan is easy and takes less than ten minutes.

1.  Pull the hood release and open the hood.
2. Locate the MAF sensor next to the engine air filter housing.
3. Unplug the mass air flow sensor electrical connector.
4. Remove the two screws that hold the MAF sensor secure and remove the MAF sensor.
5. Spray 8 to 12 spurts of MAF sensor cleaner on the exposed plate.
6. Allow the MAF sensor to dry and reinstall.

Voltage

Nissan’s mass airflow sensor sends a voltage to the powertrain control module (PCM). The hot wire sensors typically have an operating range of 0 – 5 volts. At idle, the voltage is under 1 volt. At full throttle, voltage is normally between 4 and 5 volts.

Check Engine Light Still On

If the check engine light is still on after you replace the mass airflow sensor, you can use the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner to clear the stored codes. This scanner can also read and clear fault codes on every control module of your Nissan.

We hope you find the Nissan Mass Air Flow Sensor | Symptoms | Cleaning | Troubleshooting guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Nissan.