Nissan Repair: 2000 Nissan Maxima SES Light, nissan maxima se, air flow meter

Question
QUESTION: I've read most of the questions and answers that pertain to this subject but just wanted to get a better grasp on it. I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE and the service engine soon light has been popping off and on for a few years now. At first it come on and popped back off and there were not any performance issues that I could tell,now it stays on constantly. I've had diagnostics ran and had it reset but nothing definite was ever found except a few different codes, sorry I don't have them right now. Used to carry them around like a bible. Recently when driving for a while, I'd hit the gas and the speedometer wouldn't go past 20, the engine revs but it seems to be getting no gas. I pull over, sit for a few minutes and everything is fine. I have had the air flow meter cleaned, replaced, and new spark plugs. A chain repair shop(I hesitate to mention their name) has also "replaced" the infamous fuel filter that I found out here is not easily accessible. I'm at my wits end and am wondering if I should just replace the fuel pump?

ANSWER: Tara,

I would have the computer codes read even if the check engine light is not on.  The new mass airflow sensor could be defective causing the sluggish performance.  You can get the codes email me back.  I would check the fuel pressure too.

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QUESTION: I have, all I've ever been told is that they didn't find anything and to bring it back when the light is on. The codes seem to be a big issue, lol, it's hysterical. There are never any definite answers as to what it might be.  I was just told that the new air flow meter needs to be programmed with a new code and that this might be why the light came back on and it starting acting up again. It ran great for all of 8 hours after it was replaced.

Answer
Tara,

I would go to Autozone or Checker and have the car scanned for pending codes.  These will not turn the light on and if the light did come on and then go off it would store the code for fifty ignition cycles.  So, if there is any code that would come up if a scan was done.  Now, if you disconnect the battery for five minutes the computer will reset due to the loss of power and reset everything.  If the boneheads at the chain shop did not reset the computer after they replaced components the computer would still think there was something wrong.  After you reconnect the battery and reset the clock and stereo the car should run fine.  If the light comes back and the car starts acting up get the car scanned, for free at one of the places I mentioned.  They will let you know what the problem is and it does not cost a dime.