Can an AFM be tested.

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

Post Reply
User avatar
ah
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2518
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: surrey

Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:30 pm

I think my AFM may on its way out,is there anyway of testing it.
Image
Born on the 23 April 1990 320i Alpinweiss ll kabriolett! (SOLD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN !) :cry:
User avatar
buster
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3779
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Near middlesbrough,Teesside

Sat Mar 28, 2015 2:33 pm

Put car on a co meter, twidle the adjuster see if it makes a differance to the co readings. Or borrow another known working one to see if it drives any better.
Thats all i can think of
User avatar
Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 49358
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Sat Mar 28, 2015 7:39 pm

An E30 AFM assembly consists of three items. It contains the CO adjustment pot or bypass, which frankly there isn't a lot likely to go wrong with (other than it being moved by bodgers), the inlet air temp. sensor, which again is reliable, but can be checked by a simple resistance measurement at a few different temperatures, and the AFM itself, which I assume is the part you actually want to check.
You will find articles, (hopefully NOT in the wiki) showing you how it can be tested with a resistance meter. These do not work!
To test the AFM, you need to connect a six or nine volt small battery across the outer terminals of the pot. track, then connect a voltmeter, preferably analogue, or even better, an oscilloscope, between one of the battery terminals and the rotor of the pot. You then slowly open the flap of the AFM, watching the voltage as you do. You are looking for a voltage that increases slowly as you do, or more accurately, one that NEVER drops back, even slightly, or for the briefest instant.
User avatar
ah
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2518
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: surrey

Sat Mar 28, 2015 8:09 pm

Thanks another perfect answer from Mr brianmooore thanks I'll try your advice.
Image
Born on the 23 April 1990 320i Alpinweiss ll kabriolett! (SOLD BUT NOT FORGOTTEN !) :cry:
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28641
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs
Contact:

Sat Mar 28, 2015 10:17 pm

I can get these reconditioned to as new condition if needed
Post Reply