Can I drive without the idle control module?

eliz

Hi All,

I'm new to TheSamba. I've read other issues with a surging idle, which is my problem.

My local VW mechanics have done the following:
1. replaced the throttle body (with a used one)
2. replaced the idle control valve (with a used one)
Both of these "fixes" worked well for a few days but my problem persists.

Today I removed the idle control module/relay behind the right tail light. It seems to idle perfectly now. Although I don't know if replacing this will be the correct fix either. Also, my idle control valve does vibrate, which may point away from the module/relay being the problem.

Anyhow, I want to take a drive across the great state of Colorado in two days time and I'm wondering if I can do so without the idle control module/relay? Or will that destroy my engine?!

Many thanks!

eliz · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 5:47 pm Post subject:

Oopps - it's an '86 Vanagon.

eeebee · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 6:03 pm Post subject:

Yes, you can drive it with out the idle control system. It only works at idle anyway.

You just need to go step by step to figure out what is wrong.
_________________
Eric

1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg Special Edition
GoWesty 2.3

Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

Zero419 · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 4:12 am Post subject:

You might have to keep your foot on the gas at idle on cold mornings. that’s about it.
I ran without mine hooked up for about a year.
_________________
1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec

Vinzanto · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:13 am Post subject:

Eliz, are you talking about the Digitial Idle Stabilizer Unit or are you refering to the Ignition Control Module I am not sure of which you ar referring to. Regardless each part costs under $35 so why not just replace and move on?

eliz · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:18 am Post subject:

Hi - I removed the idle control module, the black box behind the right tail light. It has a wiring harness attached to the bottom of the box. The GoWesty site states that it is also called the "idle computer" or "idle relay".

eliz · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:27 am Post subject:

Also, the part runs about $188 AFTER an exchange of my old one.

Vinzanto · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:56 am Post subject:

I see, my Westy is a 1.9 L I'm guessing yours in a 2.1 or some type of conversion. Have you checked your ignition coil? What about vacuum leaks?


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