It's been almost three years since I bought my 88 GL and the A/C has
never really worked. I bought the 88 GL  in the fall, the A/C worked at
the time I bought it, but I didn't really have need of it as the weather
had cooled. Shortly after purchase the air tunnel fell from the ceiling,
and I just took the wires apart at the connectors, and stored the tunnel
parts until I could get around to a repair. I got VW to provide a free
repair and reinstallation of the tunnel, even though the van was 11
years old at the time. Tried the a/c after a year and a half or so and
it ran but would not cool. Just got it serviced and it cooles great. For
how long who knows?

Anyway, since I never got to use it, I really had no experience with it.

Today, with the engine idling, I turned on the A/C. I felt the A/C
clutch engage, then the engine shot up to 2000 rpm!!! As soon as it
happened I turned off the A/C. I started down the road and at cruise
speed turned the A/C on one more time. Everything seemed normal. It
worked nicely though I could feel the compressor cycling on and off. I
had to stop for a light, and after idling at the light for a few
minutes, the rpm suddenly shot up to 2000 rpm. I turned the A/C off. The
idle dropped to normal.

This seems weird. Am I having a problem, or is this the way this thing
is supposed to work?

Would appreciate hearing from the List Membership.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver