Nissan Repair: 2000 Max feels like its going to stall, mass airflow sensor, volt ohm meter

Question
QUESTION: Hey Von,

I just gotten a 2000 nissn maxima with 127,000 miles.  Today I was drving and I stop for the red light.  And the car starting to do this fun shaken noise.  I like at the rpm and it was between the 1 line and the bar before the 1 line.  So, then  the light turned green i drove of and the car drove normal. I stopped again for a next red light.  and the car was shaken again.  And I realize the rpm is below the 1 line going up an down.

ANSWER: Barry,

My thought would be that it needs plugs.  There is no fuel filter to change so start with the plugs.  Also, the 2000 Maxima had a problem with the coils and if they have not been replaced you might need to.  I ahve a 2000 Maxima and have changed the plugs and coils and have 136,000 miles...

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Von,

I replace the plugs. Not much of a difference it did. Also, did an oil change. As I said before car drive good but realize that when I stop for light and ilde shakes at 500-800 rpm. Light turns green the gas pedal feels heavy and after 5 - 10 secs car picks right up to speed.  And the CEL is not on.

Answer
Barry,

OK, if the plugs are good and the coils are working properly then the mass airflow sensor should be checked to make sure it is working properly.  It is expensive and I am not telling you to replace it without checking it.  Get a Haynes Manual and a digital volt ohm meter and ohm out the connector to make sure it is indeed the problem.  But, the low idle and sluggish performance leads me to the mass airflow sensor.  And, it does not usually throw a code when it goes out.