multipla air flow sensor

hi all
new to this site so hope this is right place for this thread.
anyway, 1900jtd has no power, looked on web found a site saying air flow mass sensor might be a problem, so disconnected as it sugested, now loads of poewr and better fuel consumption.
was getting 32pmg with air flow sensor connected now getting 50mph without it connected.
fiat wants £160.00 plus vat for this part but found a firm in essex who wants £55 plus vat for new part.
question.
is it really necessary for this to be connected or can i run it with it disconnected and what problems may i face if i leave it disconnected.

sorry for a long thread but not sure what to do.
thanks

dave

Hi,

It is wise to get new one fitted as it does regulate flow into turbo, don't want turbo to burn out.

The reason these go is that sand/dust particles clog the unit up and it is best to put some fine mash screen in front of the air intake.

I paid about £100 for mine from Fiat dealer.

the £55-60 version is usually a genuine Fiat unit, but a recon, so-many go, i know a few people who used re-cons, seem to last as long as new, remember to change the air filter regularly, it seems to make them last longer,

You can also try dismantling and cleaning it yourself,

Fiat recon air flow meters are around £120 less any discount.