Date:         Sat, 1 May 1999 13:22:45 -0400
Reply-To:     paul banks <paulbanks@NLLFAN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         paul banks <paulbanks@NLLFAN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Help - engine won't idle

On Fri, 30 Apr 1999 16:59:28 -0700 Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net> wrote:
>You most likely have a bad ICU (idle control unit) or idle control
>valve. Test for this by disconnecting the 2 wire connector to the idle
>control valve. If this makes a big difference, this is where the problem
>is.

Thanks to Mark, John and Joel for their suggestions.

I got out my Bentley manual and checked the areas concerning the idle control unit and the idle adjustment switch. I then tried the tests outlined for each. I am confused a little about the results though.

Concerning the control unit, I did the continuity test on the idle stabilizer valve and found continuity. I assumed that the control unit should be replaced? As an aside, I put the unit back as I could not get a replacement this weekend anyway.

As for the idle switch, I checked for continuity while my wife turned the engine over. LO and BEHOLD, the engine started and idled perfectly!

Could I be so lucky that the only problem was a bad connection on the control unit? OR, do you think the control unit is just failing intermittantly and I will need to replace it soon anyway?

Thanks again,


Paul Banks
'89 Vanagon Westfalia

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