00 SE replaced MAF, coils, sparks

[emilydallas]

Have a 2000 SE 72k miles totally stock and power was lacking. rough idle, stalled, cut out at 4500 rpm, terrible mileage. replaced coils, sparks, MAF - about $600 in parts. Did the work myself. MAF was really bad. Performance improved slightly. Took battery off to reset error codes. Went to service advisor who was actually very knowledgeable and was not looking to make a quick $ - said needed to reprogram ECU. Said, replacing parts without reprogram does not help. Also said, new MAF version (improved MAF) and new ECU version. 2 hrs and $130 (including air filter) later, car runs better than new. He gave several 'pointers'-
- I had a Fram Filter w 5k miles - BAD airflow, almost fully clogged... this is what blows MAFS. He suggested K&N or Nissan original. He warned against other brands. Suggested replacing every 10k miles on the nose.
- aftermarket air intakes are dangerous, especially if not installed properly. even a little water can crack the block, not to mention dirt, etc. He warned 'against Ebay' 9.99 specials.
- removing the battery cable clears the code but also puts the car in the 'learn' mode which takes several key cycles to clear. Does nothing for software updates.
- I had the car in service 2x for a blown coil since new. Per warranty, Nissan only replaces the bad coil, even though it is a bad design which causes the failure. The coils w gray dots are the good ones. Once the warranty is up - you are screwed. $85 list per x6.
- lastly... before warranty is up... force the dealer to check the coils (preferrably replace them w improved versions), along with the MAF. They are both defective in the original design (but Nissan does not recall them). Fact that the 'Nissan Original Replacement' features the new version says something. My little adventure cost roughly $750. Had i had the dealer do it, could have been north of $1500

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by emilydallas

... My little adventure cost roughly $750. ...

List of that nobel laureate Fairy Tales:
- reprogram ECU
- little water can crack
- fully clogged...this is what blows MAFS
- aftermarket air intakes are dangerous

...Just try to find some facts from FSM to back those up. Youre lucky he was able to release the 2screws to replace your 200$ MAF... Be Happy, he had half of his stories ok, quite an achievement, more than stealership!

Vibration & cheap filter particles may kill MAF. Anythin unproperly installed will cause damage. Water is routinely used to boost pwr in drag racing & other engine appl, also water injection is valid engine cleaning method.