An even cheaper solution is to open up the lid of the AFM, and spray
electrical contact cleaner over the resistive surface.

Run the wiper back and forth a few times, let dry and close up.

This method doesn't require soldering, and totally removes the problem in
*most* cases - it doesn't just hide it like the pigtail or the cap fix does.

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy
Winnipeg, Canada
----- Original Message -----
From: "developtrust" <developtrust@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2002 10:29 PM
Subject: AFM upgrade using 16 volt tantalum capacitor

Today I made the AFM improvement installing a 16 volt tantalum capacitor
using the instructions on Harald and Nancy's web page.
http://www.geocities.com/harald_nancy/intermitt._syndrome.htm

Steve Freyling who is a new vanagon friend from this list down the street
from me found the 16 volt tantalum capacitors for about $1.13 each which we
got to ensure they were new versus the ones I found for 35 cents at a
surplus electronics place. We wnated to make sure they were new and not old
to avoid any unkown problems due to the unknown age of the surplus
capacitors.

When I went for a test drive I was very, very, VERY impressed witht he
results, and very surprised at the positive improvement. I was surprised to
find that the engine performed noticably smoother at all RPMs including slow
speeds of 30 to 40 MPH. I thought I was imagining things and contacted
Harald who said he too found improvement at all RPMs.

I just thought the list should know how easy it is to do this under $2 fix
ont he AFM versus the over $100 harness you can buy.

This AFM fix took me less than 5 minutes to accomplish by soldering in the
capacitor plus some extra time for clean up to vacuum out the AFM and get
rid of any dust or dirt.

I encourage everyone to make this upgrade. You will be very happy that you
made the effort.

A choice between over $100 for a pigtail harness or less than $2 is an easy
choice.

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE