Auto Parts: heating, mass air flow sensor, mass air flow

Question
Hi there, I am currently driving a 2002 audi a4 and the check engine light came on and I noticed that the temperature gage is not working properly. On hot days it goes to the center and on cold days it stays at the bottom. I am also not getting any heat unless the gage is in the middle. A friend suggested that it's the mass air flow sensor because we had the car scanned and it read: P1296 - manufacture controlled and air metering. Can you help me out?

Answer
P1296 for an OBD II vehicle is "Multi-faults - Bank 2 - With Low Side Shorts".  I would find a trusted mechanic to further provide assistance with this matter, as it's a bit out of my league from this side of the keyboard without being able to inspect for problems physically.