Questions and Answers

Nissan Pathfinder Mass Air Flow Sensor Q. I really appreciate the very informative articles you have to your site on automotive systems. I have a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD, 3.3 liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission. The engine sometimes dies at lower speeds, never happened on a freeway above 45 mph, mostly when stopped at a traffic light.

I did an engine code scan, it had codes for 'Mass Air Flow', 'HO2 Sensor'. I read your articles to know more about these things. The dealership says the Mass Air Flow Sensor costs $489.00 Other parts stores do not carry one for my vehicle. Does this require changing or can it be re-conditioned somehow?

Best Regards,
Sibi

A. There is no way to repair or refurbish a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. All you can do is replace it.

One thing you may want to try before replacing it is to take it out and give the inside a good cleaning with contact cleaner. It is available at all electronic and Radio Shack stores. Do not use brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner, they leave a film that will do more harm than good.

The price they gave you is correct, $488.19 to be exact.