Nissan Repair: 2001 Nissan sentra idling and running problems, vacuum leaks, maf sensor

Question
I have a 2001 Nissan Sentra 1.8 that I recently purchased.  Sometimes while idling the engine will just die out. I usually can start it right up again, but will have to give it a little gas to help it out.  It will also on the highway sometimes lunge.  It seems to do both these things in spurts.  I have cleaned out the MAF and that seems to help it for a short time and then it will start acting up again.  I have a new Maf ordered that I am soon to put in, but if that fails to fix the problem I wondered if you had any suggestions.  Also the ses light only comes on occassionally and not always when the problem is occuring.  Shoudl I check the fuel filter next, or maybe the pump?  Perhaps throttle positioning sensor?  I am lost if the new maf sensor doesn't work.  Please help!  Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi there, how do we know is the MAF sensor without any testing? Did you extract any trouble codes out of the ECU memory? Have you check for any vacuum leaks? First make sure there are no vacuum leaks. Then with the motor idling tap with a piece of woof the air intake duct near the MAF sensor. Observe the motor for any unusual changes while you tapping. If this test is unremarkable, then the MAF is ok. However, that's just a quick test. I recommend to take the car to an Autozone parts store and they will read the trouble codes for FREE! As for the TPS, there is a testing procedure for that also, but first, we need to see if there are any codes coming up and we will take it from there.