How to Change a Mass Air Flow on 2000 Sentra

The basic concept of internal combustion is not overly complex: Mix fuel and air, inject that into the cylinder, compress the fuel-air mixture, then ignite it with a spark. This was a simple-enough process, until modern electronics got thrown into the mix. A small component in your 2000 Nissan Sentra, the mass airflow sensor, sits at the front line of the air intake system and meters the amount and density of the air flowing into the intake. The MAF then returns its data to the Sentras computer, and the computer adjusts fuel and spark to compensate. Replacing the MAF sensor on the 2000 Sentra's base1.8-liter engine and optional 2.0-liter is the same quick and straightforward task.

Instructions

1

Find the air filter box on the front drivers side of the Sentra, then find the plastic tube connected to the box on the engine side. This is the mass airflow sensor.

2

Pry upward on the locking tab on the MAF sensors wiring harness with a flat-head screwdriver and hold it in place. Unplug the wiring harness from the MAF sensor.

3

Loosen the hose clamp on the engine side of the MAF sensor with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the four bolts securing the MAF sensor to the air filter box, using a ratchet and socket.

4

Pull upward on the MAF sensor until it clears the air filter box, then pull it out from the hose connecting it to the engine.

5

Slide a new MAF sensor into the tube leading to the engine and guide the MAF sensor until its bolt holes line up with those on the air filter box. Hand-thread the four MAF sensor-to-air filter box bolts, then tighten them with a ratchet and socket.

6

Tighten the hose clamp securing the plastic hose to the MAF sensor, using a Phillips screwdriver.

7

Plug the wiring harness into the new MAF sensor.