Air flow meter buying tips

The Air flow meter is an important part of an engine operation as it keeps track of the amount of air available to the motor. However, like any part, it can go bad. Whether through normal electrical failure, mechanical damage, or just age, when it does stop working, it doesn’t bode well for the engine. The results are poor fuel mileage or a constant check engine light. Here are a few bits of advice in case replacement is the only option:

• Get all the right information. Begin with the details of the vehicle. Model name, year, VIN numbers, and engine type are at various locations around the vehicle starting under the bonnet. The owner’s manual, if available, contains a comprehensive collection of this data and don’t be afraid to source service manuals as well. Having all these will make you able to properly identify the needed AFM.
• Check the part itself. In many cases, the air flow meter may have the actual part number printed on it. A big tip is to cross-reference the part number with other vehicles as the AFM from another car might work, or even better be cheaper.
• Use the OEM price as a reference. Head to the dealer with either the vehicle or part information to get a base price for the AFM. This will give you a rough estimate of how much it should cost in relation to your other options.
• Decide on new, used, or remanufactured. The issues here are price, warranty, availability, and risk. Sometimes the price difference between a new and used part isn’t significant enough to justify buying the older part. New parts would also have a significant warranty package.
• If you are buying used parts, then inspect the AFM for physical damage, and have it tested for electrical operation and proper fitment. Surface cracks, torn mesh, iffy looking wires, broken connectors are all reasons to walk away.
• Try to buy from a source with a good warranty and return policy as the electrical nature of the AFM means things can go bad randomly. This will make it less of a headache should a return be necessary.

The key to being able to replace a damaged air flow meter is a simple matter of not straying from the basic guidelines for buying any other part, be informed, and make a purchase decision based on seller, condition and price.