Nissan Repair: Trouble with my Nissan Xterra 2000 model, used nissan xterra, air flow meter

Question
I own a used Nissan Xterra 2000 model which I purchased 5 months ago. I was initially running smooth but about 2 months ago, I noticed that it does not "rev high" anymore when started in the cold like it used to.Instead it would go off except if one gave it gas. It also does not produce as much power as it used to. On attempt to suddenly accelerate after the engine has heated up, it makes some crackling noise from the engine that seems to suggest "valve misalignment" (if there is anything like that. My mechanic has scanned the ECM and said I have to change my air flow meter and something he called idle air.......something. I have searched for these things with the local parts sellers but to no avail. Perhaps they are not available in this country (Nigeria). Could those components cause such problems in the car? Kindly advise me on what to do.

Answer
Hi Joseph

If your mechanic is getting his information from the OBD, then I am assuming he is correct. The check engine light is on correct? If so he would have taken that OBD and retrieved the codes. If you can tell me exactly what those code numbers are, I could verify.

I does sound like the IAC (Idle Air Control) solenoid may be defective. I would not know for sure unless I know the code number, however the characteristics of the engine performance point to that device.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin