Nissan Repair: 1998 Nissan Maxima, mass air flow, mass airflow sensor

Question
Von,  I have just completed the repair work on the rear timing chain cover and since put the engine back in. I took it for a test drive but discovered two small problems. When I shift the vehicle in reverse the shift handle must be almost near the neutral slot for the transmission to engage that also goes for going forward. The lever has to be almost in 2 for the transmission to engage forward. I need some advice to adjusting the shift lever properly. I don't think the Hanyes book I have covers this. Also please be mind full that this vehicle is somewhat a project for me meaning the car was stolen and a friend gave it to me. When I started gathering parts I was given a mass air flow set up that was used. As I drove the vehicle it drove fine for 10 minutes the as I accelerated it started a hesitaion and a check engine light came on. What advice you could give to complete my project. All other advice was perfect. Thanks in advance.  

Answer
Kingsley,

I bet the shifter is not the problem with the reverse.  Check to see if an engine mount is broken and the engine and transmission is not sitting where it is supposed to be.  Otherwise, check the neutral position of the shifter and make sure when it is in neutral the linkage on the transmission is in neutral and free and not binding.  As for the mass airflow sensor I would check to see if there are any wires bare or the connector has not been stretched where the wires are not connecting at the pins.  Otherwise you are looking at getting a new air meter.  Email me back with the check engine codes.  You can get them read for free at Autozone or Checker.