Date:         Mon, 6 Jan 2003 10:21:27 +0100
Reply-To:     Robert Steven Fish <fish@SALZBURG.CO.AT>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Steven Fish <fish@SALZBURG.CO.AT>
Subject:      Re: sources for idle control value
Comments: To: Rob MacLeod <macleod@CVRTI.UTAH.EDU>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

BE CAREFUL!!!

It can be one of many  parts, and NOT at all the idle stabilizer valve (is
this a VW mechanic with digifant experience??).  More often than not the
problem lies behind the right rear taillight in the Idle Stabilizer Control
Unit which probably has a burned out voltage regulator or other component.
This part is also INSANELY expensive to buy new (see recent postings
regarding fixing it!!).

It can also be your Air Flow Meter, wiring harness, ECU, or Ground wires,
etc... (be 100% certain that your grounds are solid, especially the one from
the engine block to the chassis which hides nicely, and corrodes,  under the
A/C.  Grounds are required for the ECU to work properly).

If your dealer can guarantee that this is the malfunctioning part... then
try to find one used and replace it yourself.  Usually you can hear it
humming when the engine is running, and this indicates that it is OK.  You
can also clean it our using brake cleaner, or other suitable cleaner.

I just hate to see others start replacing each and every item in the FI
system and spending a ton of cash!!

Good luck

RSF

IMPORTANT!!! In order to reply to me, you must have the word "FISH"
somewhere in the subject line of the email.  Otherwise it goes directly in
the trash.

<º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{

Robert S. Fish
Salzburg, Austria
1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon 2.1 GL Weekender
1987 Golf Cabriolet
1991 Golf

---snipped---
> My mechanic (not a VW dealership) tells me my idle problems are because of
> a failing idle control valve and says the part will run me about $300
> (available only at VW dealership)
--- end snipped---