Air Flow Meter
All engine air is drawn through the air flow meter. The meter is basically a tunnel with similarly shaped measuring flap and dampening flap (offset 90° on same casting). The measuring flap swings on an axis in air stream against pressure of a spiral spring and is connected to a potentiometer. The potentiometer transmits an electrical signal to inform the ECU of engine load. See Fig 1.
In addition to monitoring the air flow, it controls engine idle. At idle, the measuring flap is almost closed due to spring pressure. An idle air by-pass receives air from main air flow through a small hole, the size of which is controlled by the idle mixture screw. This adjustable air by-pass influences CO levels at low engine speeds.