Idle problem?

Question

When my car (2001 Nissan Maxima SE) idles (red light stop sign etc...) my RPM stick goes up and down between 1and2 and the engine makes this sound that goes with the stick goin up n down, plus my check engine light came on, but b4 all of this my MAF was bad and the car wouldn't even drive, so i ordered another one and installed it, i asked a few mechanic places if it was to be reprogramed and some sed yes and some sed no, so i just put it on and the car drove fine but now it still drives fine but it makes that sound when i idle, so maybe it does have to be reprogramed, but i don't even know if thats the reason why my car does that when it idles and my car only has 84k miles so it can't be anything serius so please does anybody have any feedback on this situation??????

Answer 1

If it's idling like that I would say yes it still needs to be reprogrammed. My dad used to own a service station and I used to test drive the cars for him and when the idle was too high or the light was coming on like that generally that's what they would say. Take it into a Nissan dealer and have them take a look at it for you.

Answer 2

Idle hunting can be caused by the intake boot you removed did not get back on correctly. I see some times the clamps left loose or parts of the boot / sliencers on the botom side pulled loose during the install. Double check your work. Yes there is a reprogram to improve driveability which might not be necessary. Engine light should be taken seriously the cat converters on that car cost $1,000's and poor running can cause them to fail.

Answer 3

Well, basiclly the car has the relearn it ECU system. This is what you do it is quite easy.

First disconnect your car battery for 20 minutes so the ECU can default itself and second reinstall battery after 20 minutes get in car start it and right away with E-Brake ON and foot on Brake shift into Drive and put foot on gas pedal give it gas up to 2500 RPM steady for 30 seconds and then do the same process in reverse gears. becareful make sure the e brake and your foot is on the brake pedal when doing this foot brake and gas pedal at same time. Good Luck..