in a 99, i need some help understanding the exact details of how the mass air sensor actually makes it's measurements. what function do the various plastic peices do (the plastic mesh-like screen, and the wind vane thingy)? what it really boils down to is this: will it function at least on a temporary basis without the plastic peices in the middle of it? the actual sensors all seem to be in place, just none of the plastic. thanks for your help.