First, disconnect the flow meter, and try driving without it. Improved engine operation indicates a broken component. Then inspect the corrugated hose and the inner surface of the meter: there should be no moisture or dirt. Often, a damaged flow meter is indicated by damaged or missing rubber O-ring that serves to seal the seat of the component.
Working order of the mass air flow meter may be checked with the use of a multimeter. For this purpose, connect the probes of the device to the negative and the positive terminals of the signal wire, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine, and then measure the voltage. It should not exceed 1.4 V. Failure of the flow meter of your car may be indicated by an increased engine power when a known-good flow meter is installed instead of the tested one.
