Bucking when you ease off the gas is commonly attributable to a misadjusted
throttle plate sensor.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <jhrodgers@charter.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2001 12:11 PM
Subject: Vanagon Bucking Syndrome

> Joel, as you recall I spoke of my 88 GL van bucking when I let off the
> gas and took my foot off the pedal. This was especially bad on a
> downhill grade.
>
> I have followed your suggestion of checking the Idle Stabilizer Valve
> and the Idle Stabilizer Control Box in the right hand side behind the
> tail light. I never got as far as the control box.
>
> With the engine warm, the first thing I did was to disconnect the
> connector at the stablizer valve then adjust the idle speed to 850 rpm.
> Then with the stabilizer still disconnected, I drove it under varying
> conditions. Guess what????........no bucking what-so-ever. It won't idle
> after a cold start by itself, but if I keep my foot on the pedal until
> it warms up it's fine. I haven't had a chance to remove and clean the
> stabilizer valve, but until I do I have piece of mind about the bucking
> syndrome. I will just start it up, stay with it until it's warm enough
> to idle by itself, then I wil go about my business.
>
> I have yet to address the high engine rpm with the A/C turned on. As you
> suggested, the problem may very well be in the stabilizer control valve
> function. It certainly caused problems with the back-off when coasting
> down to lower speed.
>
> Thanks for the tip. Will let you know how it works out with the A/C.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>