Date:         Tue, 26 Apr 2005 21:35:20 -0700
Reply-To:     jbange <hfinn@INGRATES.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jbange <hfinn@INGRATES.NET>
Subject:      Re: Idle computer (?)
Comments: To: Eric Olson <mountainroad@RMI.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <426F04DA.8010400@rmi.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

>87 Syncro:  My mechanic told me the computer behind the licence plate
>that controls idle needs replacing - $500 - $700.
>
>What other options do I have for re-used, after-market, ingenious
>work-arounds?

If he's actually talking about just the Idle Control Unit, then it sounds
like he's buying it at the dealership (300-odd dollars), marking it up
whatever his standard percentage is, then adding a hefty chunk for labor.
It's just a plug-in unit behind the tail light. Loosen a few screws, unplug
old, plug in new, and it's done. Might want to watch eBay for a used one
(i.e <http://tinyurl.com/9b9ns>). They go cheap enough there that you can
afford one to use, plus a spare for less than HALF what this guy wants.

John Bange
'90 Vanagon "Geldsauger"
10 months owned - $10689 "invested"