on 2/19/2001 12:19 AM, Radish150 at Radish150@EARTHLINK.NET wrote:

> Hey guy's, was wondering if anyone had any ideas about this problem someone I
> know
> is having with their vanagon. It's a real high mileage rig with some good
> parts on
> it that I could pick up real cheap if I wanted. Problem is it's not running
> and I'd
> rather drive it home than tow it.
>
> He apparently sent it to the dealer for diagnosis, after 500$ worth of
> diagnostic
> bills, he picked it up from VW and it "ran fine" for a few miles until he
> stopped
> for gas and the problem returned. He briefly described the problem by saying
> it
> would start (barely) and run "crappy" till it just "hits a wall" and runs
> worse and
> worse till it dies. It's apparently getting too much fuel, it pukes and smokes
> and
> smells like gas, it just gradually (and quickly) loads up till it dies.
>
> I know this description is rather lacking in details, but was wondering if
> this
> sounded familiar to any of you guy's?
>
> Thanks much,
> mark...

Radish,
1) I'd replace the Temp II sensor pronto. That'll prolly fix it.
2) If not, then I'd get a voltmeter and perform the diagnostic on the AFM.
3) Then, I'd prolly perform the "$1.98 capacitor fix" on the AFM wiring
harness.
There are other things it could be but those 3 are the most frequent it
seems. Get a Bently and work through the diagnostics regarding the FI
system. It's not hard.
BTW-Dealers are notorious "non-diagnostitions" regarding Vanagons. If they
can't plug it in and have the car tell them what to replace they don't have
a clue generally.
Cheers,
Dave C.
Williamsburg, VA
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