Date:         Thu, 2 Aug 2012 13:45:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Steven Sittser <ssittservl@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steven Sittser <ssittservl@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Idle control system
Comments: To: d23haynes57@hotmail.com
In-Reply-To:  <BAY152-ds6543C5F3557F9C5CA791BA0CB0@phx.gbl>
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> From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> Subject: RE: Idle control system
> Another possibility is that the AC system is overcharged causing too 
much
> load on the engine! Does the van run well except for the idle?
> Dennis

It runs moderately well.  It always sounds loud and somewhat uneven
to me.  I think that's characteristic of Vanagons, but I have little
experience with any Vanagons but my own.

The A/C compressor was replaced about a year ago, by a shop I trust.
They knew about the stalling-at-idle-with-A/C problem, and suspected
that the old compressor (which was also leaking) might have been part
the cause.  I don't think it was, but I think the shop would have been
careful about overcharging since they knew about the problem.

Also, the van stalls at idle if the steering wheel is turned all the
way to one side, presumably due to the the extra load from the power
steering pump.  So, I think the problem is the idle control system,
since it's supposed to boost the idle to handle the strain from the
A/C or power steering.  But if even without the idle boost the
engine ought to be able to handle A/C or power steering strain, then
perhaps I have other engine issues too.

At the very least, though, the idle control system isn't working
right, since the valve never opens, regardless of the load.  So
far, though, I'm unsure where the problem lies, since most of the
components involved (including the usual culprits - the idle control
module and idle control valve) are either new, repaired, or tested.

                         - Steven