Expert: Sean Halliday - 1/9/2009

Question
I have a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart...I have an aftermarket airfilter which is pretty much a tube running from the carb/throttle body down to driver front tire where the K&N style filter is located.  Car was running perfect till I drove through snow/water - now runs like crap, wont idle, and backfires throught he intake (not tailpipe).  Could it be a messed up mass air anemometer, if so is it located on the air intake and can it simply be cleaned off.  It almost sounds like the timings messed up.  I changed the spark plugs to make sure i was running on all cylinders...any ideas/opinions?

Answer
You mean the air flow meter?Yes it sounds like you have taken water in this sensor and shorted it out.Replace the air flow sensor and it should be ok.I wouldnt drive the car with a bad air flow meter.The meter is between the throttle body and the air filter.