Nissan Repair: mass air flow sensor issue, mass air flow sensor, mass air flow

Question
I HAVE A 2002 NISSAN INFINITI QX4. THE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD IT CHECKED. THE CODES PO174 AND PO171 CAME UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED TO ME THAT IT'S THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND HE SUGGEST THAT I HAVE IT REPLACED. I FOUND A CLEANER FOR THE SENSOR AND WANTED TO KNOW IF THAT MIGHT FIX THE PROBLEM. OR DO YOU SUGGEST THAT I HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED.

Answer
Hi Chan -

The PO171 and 174 codes means lean mixtures on both banks 1 and 2 (passenger and driver's side of the exhaust). Could be MAP, but also could be fuel pump.

Anyway, there is a special cleaner for the MAP sensor. Do not use carburetor cleaner as that would damage the wire sensor. A lot of times that will clear the code, so trying to clean it first is definitely the way to go. I am not sure if you know the location, but it is usually in the intake boot.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin