Do any car mechanics in this forum work on Nissans?

[TheGrey]

We had to take our 2001 Nissan Maxima to the dealership (after taking it to 3 different places to see if we could avoid the extortionistic fees). Of course, they came back with many more "problems" that needed to be addressed, to the tune of $1500+. Ridiculous! Apparently, programming an "air flow meter" is only something the dealership can do- is that true?!

Talk to me, car guys. Tell me there's hope elsewhere. I don't think I can take another moment dealing with those smug SOBs.

[jmg8550]

A mass air flow meter is just a sensor. It needs no reprogramming. They're lying to you. Why do they think you need the sensor "reprogrammed"? What is the car doing? If there's an engine light on, what are the code(s)?

[Great-Kazoo]

A little dab will do ya. When was the last time the air cleaner was replaced?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0439&ppt=C0090

[hurley842002]

Following for mechanic suggestions, the Xterra I just bought has a "service engine soon" light on, and is throwing an airflow sensor code.

[BushMasterBoy]

Nissan forums...

[hurley842002]

Nissan forums...

Already on a couple, this is a local forum, and I trust the majority of the members here, that's why I'm interested in hearing suggestions.

[TheGrey]

No "service engine soon" light on. There was, but the dealers replaced the "revolution sensor" and now tell me the "engine is running very lean because of the air flow sensor." It wasn't before, but now it's running very rough. I get the feeling they're a little pissed because I refused to pay them an extra $1500 for all of the extras they found, but now we have to deal with this ridiculous business. We drove it yesterday and thought it was going to quit on us, it was running so rough. It finally smoothed out, but still. It wasn't doing that before we brought it to the dealership.

Bushmasterboy, I'm asking here because I trust people here. I don't now anyone on the Nissan forums, nor do I work on cars.

[TheGrey]

A little dab will do ya. When was the last time the air cleaner was replaced?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0439&ppt=C0090

The air filter? I don't know when that was changed last...the air filter replacement was also something they suggested. The air filter is the big round thing that sits in the middle, right? I think I could do that myself...unless there are specifics on an air filter that I don't know about.

This canned stuff...that's a real thing? I've never heard of it.

HEY! I found a Youtube video on how to use it! I think I could do this.

[jmg8550]

That maas air sensor cleaner works. However, a bad mass air meter will cause the engine to fall on its face when trying to accelerate. Should idle fine though. I really would like the codes read, or a scanner hooked up to read the data from the computer.

Sounds like the stealership is just throwing parts at it, and wasting your money. It also sounds to
me that some real diagnostics are going to have to take place, not just educated guesses and a lot of parts.

Lean fuel trims can be caused by lots of things, bad O2 sensors, vacuum leaks, malfunctioning mass air sensor, etc.

If you just had a timing belt replaced, your cam timing could be off a tooth. Any major repairs like that recently done?

[funkymonkey1111]

Tmleader03 has worked on my Nissan. If you don't want to take it to chris, consider japanese auto service in wheat ridge