2019 To 2024 Nissan Altima Spark Plugs Replacement Guide

If you need to change the spark plugs in your 6th generation 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024 Nissan Altima with the PR25DD 2.5L I4 engine, check out the DIY tutorial for the procedure (with the compatible replacement part numbers) by clicking on the text link or thumbnail image below. (According to the maintenance schedule, they should be replaced every 105,000 miles or every 168,000 KM.)

2019-2024 Nissan Altima Spark Plugs Replacement Guide

 

What are the symptoms of a failing or dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor?

If you’re a long time fan of my site, you’ve seen me change a lot of mass air flow sensors to help resolve engine issues and clear diagnostic trouble codes.


Here are a few examples of what a MAF sensor looks like.

But what are the symptoms or early warning signs of a faulty MAF sensor in your car or truck?

I should first explain that the “Mass Air Flow” sensor is a critical component in modern cars. It constantly measures the volume and density of air entering the engine, which is essential for the car’s computer (known as the Engine Control Unit or ECU) to balance and deliver the correct gasoline amount for efficient combustion. A failing or faulty MAF sensor can lead to a wide variety of engine performance issues such as overheating or pinging, making it really important to recognize the symptoms before engine damage occurs.

Here are the most common warning signs that could point to a faulty MAF sensor. Keep these in mind as your car ages so that you can catch problems early.

1. Engine Stalls or Runs Rough: When the MAF sensor fails, it sends incorrect airflow information to the ECU (car computer). This can cause the engine to stall or run roughly due to an incorrect air to fuel mixture ratio.

2. Poor Acceleration: A faulty MAF sensor usually causes delayed or sluggish acceleration as the engine struggles to receive the correct amount of fuel.

3. Decreased Fuel Efficiency (Lower MPG): Inaccurate air flow readings can lead to a richer (too much gas) or leaner (not enough gas) air-fuel mixture than required, leading to reduced fuel economy.

4. Check Engine Light (CEL) or Service Engine Soon (SES) Light Turns On: The ECU (car computer) monitors the readings from the MAF sensor. If it detects a problem, it will turn on the CEL or SES warning light.

5. Hard Starting / Excessive Cranking: A dirty or faulty MAF sensor can lead to difficulties in starting the car as the air to fuel mixture ratio may make it difficult for the engine to fire up.

6. Rough Idle: Fluctuations in idle speed or a rough and surging idle can be symptomatic of a MAF sensor problem.

7. Black Smoke from the Exhaust: A rich mixture caused by a faulty MAF sensor can lead to black smoke coming from the exhaust. (White or blue smoke would mean you are burning oil.)

Here are the DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) that could point to a dirty or failing MAF sensor. You’ll need an OBD2 scanner to view these codes.

1. P0100 – Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Malfunction

2. P0101 – Mass Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem

3. P0102 – Mass Air Flow Circuit Low Input

4. P0103 – Mass Air Flow Circuit High Input

5. P0104 – Mass Air Flow Circuit Intermittent

Here’s what you should do if you have any of these symptoms –

1.  Connect an OBD2 scanner to the car’s diagnostic port to read any stored DTCs.

2. Inspect the MAF sensor for any physical damage, dirt, or debris blocking the sensor wire port.

3.  Sometimes, simply cleaning the MAF sensor wire with a specialized cleaner can resolve the issue. I always use CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner spray.

4. Just replace the sensor with a new one – MAF Sensors – Choose your car’s make model and year to filter the correct parts.

If you get into the habit of regularly replacing the air filter and ensuring the intake system is clean you can prolong the life of your MAF sensor. If possible, try to avoid dusty or sandy roads as well.

Here are some of my DIY guides for changing the MAF sensor in a variety of cars. You can also search for your car on my blog using the “Search” box on the upper right of the page.

Chevrolet Equinox MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Chevrolet Cruze MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Chevrolet Malibu MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Toyota Corolla MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Chevrolet Colorado MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Toyota RAV4 MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Toyota Camry MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Nissan Altima MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Nissan Versa MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Honda Civic MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Toyota Highlander MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Chevrolet Camaro MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Mazda MX-5 Miata MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Mazda CX-9 MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

Mazda CX-5 MAF Sensor Replacement Guide

MINI Cooper MAF Sensor Cleaning & Replacement Guide

Subaru Outback Mass Airflow Sensor Cleaning & Replacement Guide

I hope that helps!

Sincerely,
Paul