How long before error codes clear on mass air flow sensor?

[robertjp]

I have a 2001 pathfinder. The check engine light went on and I brought it to autozone and the error codes suggested it was a faulty mass air flow sensor. But before I spent $250 for a new one, the guy tells me to try cleaning it. I pay 7 bucks for a bottle of MAFS cleaner and it works! The light goes off but now I need an inspection and my mechanic tells me even if the light is off, the codes are still in the system till they clear out after so many drive cycles. Cant get it inspected till they clear. I went back to autozone after a couple weeks and they said the codes were still there even though the light is off. Now my question here is there any other way to clear the codes other than to drive approx 50 drive cycles? Is it 50? Does anyone have any ideas,? I need an inspection and the light is off but codes are still there.. Thanks much. Bob

[sergey85]

does your mechanic have a scanner casue he can clear it. u can also try to disconnect the battery and wait a few hours that usually clears it.

[momud]

yeah, without either of the two methods, the codes will be there for ever.

[tech22]

Just go into history with a scan tool and clear it also look at pending codes while your at it.

[nissanparts1]

Originally Posted by robertjp

I have a 2001 pathfinder. The check engine light went on and I brought it to autozone and the error codes suggested it was a faulty mass air flow sensor. But before I spent $250 for a new one, the guy tells me to try cleaning it. I pay 7 bucks for a bottle of MAFS cleaner and it works! The light goes off but now I need an inspection and my mechanic tells me even if the light is off, the codes are still in the system till they clear out after so many drive cycles. Cant get it inspected till they clear. I went back to autozone after a couple weeks and they said the codes were still there even though the light is off. Now my question here is there any other way to clear the codes other than to drive approx 50 drive cycles? Is it 50? Does anyone have any ideas,? I need an inspection and the light is off but codes are still there.. Thanks much. Bob

The codes will stay in the ECU for a while, but if the CEL is not on, it SHOULDN'T effect the inspection!!!! But I did add the the page that tells you how long the code stays in the memory if you do not have a scan tool to clear the codes!! I will also tell you that if you DO clear the codes in the ecu, it also clears the System Readiness Data and your car will have to be driven for about a week to complete all the system readiness tests!!
-Jamie