Actually the cars can run without the AFM. I have done it, back when I was a total n00b. I was installing my new cone filter and figured "I don;t need this big restriction" so I ganked it out and threw it in the back. Car actually started and beleive it or not I drove into town, course it drove like an absolute peice of garbage trash and I though I had broken my car. Could not figure out why but since the intake was the only thing I had changed I installed the stock box and AFM on the side of the street and drove it home, drove perfect after that too. :D Thats how I learned you need the AFM. Your car will run without it, but you gotta be pushing the gas pedal down for it to run, if you try to let it idle it will just stall instantly.

Mine wouldn't start or run period with the AFM unplugged because I have left it unplugged and it wouldn't go, I would push the gas and it would put out a tone of smoke and stall. And I have also just played with it and when I would unplug the AFM with the car running it instantly die's. Maybe your car isn't as moody as mine.