I am trying to test my MAF on my 2001 Maxima se (5 speed, manual) as per the Haynes repair manual. I disconnected the MAF sensor electrical connector. I connected the positive lead of my voltmeter to the red wire terminal of the MAF and the negative lead to a good engine ground (I chose the negative connection to my battery). I turned the ignition to the on position, according the Haynes manual the meter should indicate approximately battery voltage. My battery voltage indicated 12 volts when I checked it, my MAF only indicated 5 volts. Does this mean that there is a problem with my circuits. Here is what I find strange. I tested the voltage with the MAF sensor electrical connector connected (with the engine on) by back probing the MAF sensor white wire terminal, connected the positive wire of the voltmeter to the probe and connected the negative to a ground point, the voltage readings were as per the Haynes manual:

Idle 1.7 volts,
With increased rpm, 3.0 volts.

What am I doing wrong or missing here? If my circuit is the problem, shouldn't the second reading be incorrect as well.
Symptoms or reasons I am questioning my MAF:
1- Rough Idle
2- Hesitation
3- Code P1320 (gas to lean)
4- Began recently: the car "sputters"(not sure how else to describe it , shaking maybe) once it warms up. This however is not constant. It comes and goes. If I keep driving with the sputtering, it eventually comes back to normal, no sputtering. But it will return at next start up.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am new to the DIY world:)

Have you tried cleaning the MAF sensor? My truck had a lean gas code and after some research I tried cleaning the MAF with Electrical Contact cleaner, worked great. Don't touch the wires though, just spray them. Other than that have you checked the Oxygen sensors?

Hey discostu
Thanks for the reply. I have indeed cleaned the MAF with the CRC Mass air flow cleaner. I have also changed 2 oxygen sensor as per the dealerships recommendation. But still no luck. :confused:

BTW: I tried unplugging the sensor while the car was running, it immediately shut off. Does this mean that my MAF is OK.