I posted that O2 sensor provides corrective data, to the ECU.  The O2
sensor doesn't control the ECU, engine, or the AFM.

The O2 sensor harness, has been written up in the technical bulletins as
a failing on some vehicles.  There is a VW kit, to replace the O2 sensor
lead from the engine compartment to the ECU connector.

Engine's which run oddly when a known good O2 sensor is installed,
should be examined for the wiring harness fault.

You can measure continuity from the harness connect to the engine
compartment connector to verify this.