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Sat Feb 26, 2005 7:08 am

Slight problem here that I hope someone can help me with.When my 87 vanagon is cold it idles high at 3100 rpm but it is a smooth idle.put it in gear and it drops down to normal idle. If I squeeze the hose that goes to the idle stabilizer control valve it idles normal. As soon as it warms up my idle surges to 3100 then drops to normal then right back up to 3100. It does this until I put it in gear then it is normal. put it in park or neutral and the surging starts again.once it warms up squeezing the hose does not help. Thanx in advance for any help on this problem.It is greatly appreciated.

Sat Feb 26, 2005 8:34 am

Sounds like it might be the idle stabilizer control unit. That's the pricey little module tucked away behind the passenger-side tail light.

I had much the same symptoms last year on my '88 Vanagon, and replacing that unit cured it.

Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:47 am

I disconnected the plug going to the idle control valve and now it idles really nice. So is it safe to say that the control unit is bad? Will it effect anything else by having this unplugged? Thanx a bunch.

Kene

Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:34 pm

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't that caused by a vacuum leak. You say when you pinch a hose its fine. Try replacing that hose, it may be corroded or weak from age.

Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:08 pm

I am no mechanic, but when my 86' was doing the same thing my shop disconnected said idle unit and told me I could get by w/o it. You may have to adjust the idle a bit and use the gas pedal to keep it running when warming up the bus.