maf problem ?

[sweepy]

First off hi all from a newbie.

I drive a 97 A6 2.5tdi (AAT engine) with 180 thou on the clock. Recently lost power and after reading on here it sounds like it could be the MAF, only problem is apart from audi who want £185 for a new one, nobody seems to recognise the bosch part no. I'll be honest im reluctant to blow that kind of money when I dont know if thats definately the cause, or might be able to get it cheaper elsewhere.
Is there any way of checking?
Anything else I should check?
Any thoughts on a supplier?
Ive seen prople talk about cleaning the MAF, how do I do this?

Thanks for any help you can give

[dieselal]

Hi,
Unplug the maff sensor from the connection point, run the car and see if the problem is better or the same.If the maff is faulty, the car will run better unplugged, unfortunately it will also through a fault code that will need clearing if run whilst unplugged.Have you noticed any smoke and hesitancy on pulling away?
If a new maff is needed, www.eurocarparts.com (http://www.eurocarparts.com) sell original bosch maff sensors much cheaper than main *******.

[sweepy]

thanks for the quick reply, no smoke or hesitancy on pulling away, you wouldnt really notice anything wrong on rural single track, but when you get to straight roads its just gutless over about 3000 revs.
tried eurocarparts and they dont have it anyway :(

[Boardboy]

If you've unplugged the MAF and not noticed any differance have a look at this thread? :http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=7952
It could be worth a look.
Hope you get it sorted.
Boardboy

[sweepy]

bugger! everytime I look around theres something else it could be, dont know what to try first. thanks for the link mate.