That has been my experience as well. It was money well spent. 
I had tried soldering on a capasitor, cleaning the track, etc. but finally just put on a used AFM with the harness fix and "POOF" no more problems. 
Small money for peace of mind. 
  
Todd 
'88 Vanagon 

----- Original Message -----

From: "Tom Buese" <tantonbz@GMAIL.COM> 
To: "List, Vanagon" <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> 
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 11:47:12 AM 
Subject: Re: VANAGON syndrome 

I have had Vanagon Syndrome in both my 1.9 & 2.1 gas engines in 2 different 
vanagons.  In both cases, the VW patch was installed & solved the problem. 
YMMV ! 

Mr. BZ 

On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 2:30 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> 
wrote: 

> It's only with the 2.1's Digifant system, '86-'91, and documented in the 
> Bentley on page 24.57. You've got other problems to track down!  Start with 
> the easy stuff like the throttle body switches then check the spark and 
> fuel pressure (need a fuel pressure gauge for this).  Then follow the 
> Bentley diagnostics. 
> 
> Stuart 
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf 
> Of Loren Busch 
> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2014 10:37 AM 
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
> Subject: Re: VANAGON syndrome 
> 
> I am certain that Vanagon Syndrome can effect all 83.5-91 (watercooled) 
> Vanagons, BTDT.  But not sure about an '81 aircooled. 
> 

-- 
Tom Buese