What “Tested” Means on Our Used OEM Parts

On a Hubes Hub listing, "tested" means the part passed a visual inspection and a functional check for its type before it was photographed and listed: every circuit of a clock spring checked for continuity, including the airbag circuit; an immobilizer module powered up and verified; a throttle body checked for TPS readings, IAC operation and a smooth-moving plate. Parts that fail don't get listed, and anything cosmetic shows up in the photos and the condition notes.

Here's what that looks like from the donor vehicle to your door, and what it does and doesn't promise.

What "Tested" Means, by Part Type

Most of what we sell is electronic, and an electronic part can look perfect and still be dead. So the check is about function, not appearance.

• Clock springs — continuity across every circuit, including the airbag circuit. A clock spring that passes the horn and fails the airbag circuit fails. Browse clock springs, or read what a clock spring does.
• Immobilizer modules and PATS transceivers — powered up and verified. Testing proves the hardware works; it doesn't remove the programming step, because a used module is still programmed to the vehicle it came from. Browse immobilizers, or read how immobilizers work and fail.
• Throttle bodies — TPS readings, IAC operation and smooth throttle-plate movement, then the carbon cleaned out. Browse throttle bodies.
• Other electronic modules — tested for function with our test equipment and, where a bench test can't tell us enough, a vehicle on our floor. Each listing says what was checked.

"Tested good" in a listing means tested good, not "plugged it in and it didn't smoke." If you want the specific test for a part you're considering, message us before you order and we'll tell you.

Before a Part Comes Off the Vehicle

We pull specific parts from specific donor vehicles, from yards in Southeast Michigan we've worked with for years. The shopping list exists before we walk in.

• The donor vehicle. We note the mileage, the damage, and whether it was a clean collision or something that sat in water. Flood vehicles get skipped for electronics.
• The part in place. Corrosion on the connectors, heat damage, or impact to the part itself, and we leave it.
• The system's history. If the vehicle shows the system this part serves was already having problems, we don't pull it. We're sourcing parts, not recycling problems.

Parts come off carefully, with connectors and wiring pigtails preserved.

At the Shop: Inspect, Test, Clean, Photograph

1. Visual inspection. Connector integrity, housing condition, signs of heat or physical damage. Fail here and the part doesn't move on.
2. Functional test. The checks above, by part type.
3. Cleaning. Modules wiped down, connectors inspected and cleaned, throttle bodies decarboned.
4. Photography. We photograph the actual part you'll receive, including any scuff or blemish.

What Goes in the Listing

The part number from the label, the fitment we've confirmed, and condition notes in plain words. If a connector pin was slightly bent and we straightened it, the listing says so. If fitment depends on a factory option or trim, the listing says to confirm with your VIN before you order. We'd rather tell you about a blemish or a caveat up front than have the part surprise you.

After You Order

• Shipping. Orders placed Monday through Friday before 3pm Eastern ship the same day; otherwise the next business day. Details on our shipping page.
• Returns. 30-day returns. If a part doesn't work as described, we take it back. See the returns policy.
• Questions. You get an answer from someone who knows the part, before or after the sale. Message us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a part has actually been tested? The listing's condition notes say what was checked. For the exact test on a specific part, message us before you order.

Does "tested" mean it will work in my vehicle without programming? No. Testing proves the part works. Many modules, including immobilizers and body control modules, still need programming to your VIN and keys after installation. Plan for it.

What if the part fails after it arrives? Message us. Within 30 days, a part that doesn't work as described comes back to us.

Can you find a part that isn't listed? Often, yes. Send the year, make, model and the part you need.

Do you ship outside the US? We ship free across the US and US territories. For anywhere else, contact us and we'll work it out.

— Hubes