Air Mass Sensor Pierburg

[fargo]

I recently had a major power drop on my 01 2.5 TDI. Did some interwebbing & found a few ideas. Seems my boost had disappeared. I disconnected the MAF for cleaning & testing. Cleaned but cant test yet as i dont have a multimetre. However, afer leaving it disconnected, the car now has boost again & is significantly more powerful. Tested on a nearby hill which it can now climb in 3rd where with maf sensor connected it cannot do in 2nd.
Anyway, does everybody think this is a dead MAF?
Also, has anybody used the pierburg repalcement sensor rather than the complete OEM "unit"?

Cheers

ps i tried heaps of searches on here & found nothing about these issues

[Transporter]

Faulty MAF sensor will affect engine performance, but it would be better to diagnose it properly before you bin it.
There are reports that Pierburg MAF sensors are more reliable.

[jets]

What you have described re. disconnecting & power is restored is the usual laymans/quick test for the MAF.
If you can access VAG COM here is the confirming test.
Vag Com stuff. - The Brick-yard

[fargo]

anybody know best place to buy VCDS(lite?) & cable & the pierburg?

cheers

[fargo]

Pierburg is available through AFI. Around $200
oem unit is is around $350 exchange through VW

[jets]

That's a lot cheaper than what I paid back at the end of '03 for my previous van. A Bosch one through Imparts was $425, genuine around $550 at the time.
Were you able to get VAG COM?