E90 Electric Fan Removal and Installation Tips

I've seen posts that say removing the E90 electric fan and fan shroud is super easy and others that took several hours.

For me, it was a huge hassle because of the rubber piece that is attached to the pipe after the intercooler. The electric fan would not come out no matter how hard I pulled. Removing the two torx bolts and the plastic clip above the rubber piece were super easy but I got stuck after that.

I circled the rubber piece in orange below. It is located on the driver side of the electric fan.

Here is how I finally got the plastic clip loose and fan free:

• I got a very long flat head screwdriver
• Placed screwdriver between rubber and plastic clip on intercooler pipe. 
• Pushed and pried plastic clip off rubber piece. It may help to get one side of the clip loose first and then pry from the center. 

Installing the fan did not go smoothly as well. I kept getting snapped on the plastic part of the brace which I circled below. 

Some other things to be aware of:

• Be careful to not snag or pinch wiring or fan controller underneath brace
• Pull coolant hose towards engine as you are lowing electric fan
• The plastic clip on the intercooler pipe was causing issues for me and bent the rubber piece. I used the screwdriver as a guide and straighten the rubber piece. 
• It helps a lot to have another person on removal and installation since the clearance is so tight. 

Removing the cooling fan and shroud will make life a lot easier in removing and replacing the tensioner, pulleys, and belt. I strongly suggest using the Continental belt. 

DIY: Clean or Replace MAF Sensor on R50 Pathfinder or QX4

Steps: 

-Remove the 10mm nuts and bolts securing the air box filter. Red Arrows
-Remove the two plastic hoses on top of the air box. One of the hoses attaches to a metal nipple at the end of the air box. Blue Arrows.
-Loosen the MAF clamp with a Phillips screwdriver. 

-Remove the four 10mm bolts holding the MAF to the rear of the air box. Red Circles.
-One of the plastic tubes on top of the air box plugs into the metal nipple circled in blue. It may be difficult to remove the tube and will take some time. Be careful not to bend or clamp the metal nipple.

-Remove the electrical plug from the MAF sensor. Circled in Red.

-Remove the air box assembly and then remove the MAF. I had difficulty removing the MAF without taking out the air box assembly. I was worried about damaging the intake boot which is why I removed the air box assembly first.

-Once the MAF is removed, you can take out the sensor by removing the two bolts holding it into place. Red Arrow.

-Use CRC 05110 Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner - 11 Wt Oz. to clean the MAF sensor. Do not touch the sensor or wipe it with a towel, let it air dry. Spray the cleaner directly onto the sensor highlighted in green.

Installation is the reverse of removal. Pretty simple.

I suggest using Super Lube 21030 Synthetic Grease (NLGI 2), 3 oz Tube on the hose that attaches to the back of the air box for easier installation and removal.

Now is also a good time to replace the air filter if it is dirty and clogged. I use K&N 33-2031-2 High Performance Replacement Air Filter because of its high performance and re-usability.

Why clean your MAF sensor? 
Dirty MAF sensor results in poor gas mileage, loss of power, difficulty starting, engine stalling, and lean or rich idling. If the MAF sensor is extremely dirty, you may get a check engine light.

Take the time to clean your MAF sensor on a periodic basis, it only takes a short amount of time and will save you money at the pump.

Note:
If the mass air flow sensor meter is cracked or warped, you need to replace it. I recommend buying this one.

If the sensor itself is damaged and cleaning does your fix your issues, you need to buy a new sensor. I recommend the Delphi AF10163