1982 vw rabbit air metering sensor plate

[ajmunayco]

Hello everyone could use some help on trouble shooting air metering plate on fuel injection rabbit 1.7l. not moving up or down when starting car, i can lift it with some pliers from middle bolt and car will then run roughly but once I release, car dies. It does move freely but not on its own. Could this be a electrical issue or air vacuum issue. How to trouble shoot thanks

[Butcher]

The air sucks the plate up. If there is no suction, the engine is not turning over, the cam timing is so messed up the engine cannot suck air, or there is a large air leak.

I would start with the large air leak.

[ajmunayco]

Thanks Butcher I'll look into.

[vwoldbug]

Have you cranked the engine with the boot installed and clamped . If you can get a long Allen wrench on the mixture screw next to the boot you may be able to pull-up on the sensor plate. You may have to knock the plug out from the bottom. If it's like a USA car you should here the frequency valve buzzing when engine is cranking.