Can I run the engine with the IAV connector unplugged for diagnostic
purposes? Or will I damage the controller?

If I do this and it idles right, that suggests that it's the electrical
signal and not the valve that is wrong, correct?

Thanks

Raymond

Dennis Haynes wrote:
> The idle air valve is not controlled by the ECU. There is a separate
> controller in front of the passenger side tail light. The intermittent
> symptoms you describe can be caused by a bad coil or broken spring in the
> valve, a bad controller, or the controller getting bad information. The
> controller see engine temperature(shared connection to Temp2 sensor with the
> ECU), engine speed, throttle switch, and AC compressor on and power steering
> pressure.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Raymond Paquette
> Sent: Friday, May 14, 2010 8:12 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: clean & lube idle air control valve
>
> Any recommendations on what to do, what not to do to loosen up my idle
> air control valve? What to use for solvent/penetrant that won't damage
> it? Brake cleaner, gas, diesel, motor oil?
>
> Back story is that van sat for 2 years due to bad ECU. Ran perfectly
> before ECU died. 2.1 in an '87 Syncro
>
> Now it idles at a pretty consistent 2200. Same thing on three different
> ECU's I've tried. IACV buzzes (as I understand it should) when the key
> is on, engine not running. Yesterday, out of idle curiosity (no pun
> intended), I lifted the IACV and stuck my finger in the hole to seal the
> vacuum leak I'd created. Motor immediately went to 900rpm which is where
> it idles before ECU problem and two years of sitting. So, I WD40'd the
> IACV let it buzz for a while, then put things back together. Now, each
> time I take my foot off the accelerator, it idles steady, sometimes
> right at 900, but often at another speed. Now, it's always less than 2200.
>
> This suggest to me that the IACV was stuck, now is moving but sticky and
> inconsistently. But I really have no idea what the thing does nor how it
> works (or doesn't).
>
> Am I on a useful path? Or, am I barking up the wrong tree? Suggestions?
>
> Thanks
>
> Raymond
>
>
>