Let's clear that up as I would like to be sure I am referring to the correct part.  Under the AFM and under multiple hoses, just to the left of the spark plug is a unit bolted to the block near the water hose, which I read is to warm it up.  There are two wires going to it.  This youtube video of an 85 1.9 ( I have a 1.9 system upgraded to a GW 2.3) mentioned the idle control valve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwD1PhsDkI.  Perhaps that is not the correct name?
[https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVP.p8uidZ29Xb2oGKr1RxZQLwHgFo&pid=Api]<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwD1PhsDkI>
1983-1986 VW Vanagon How to fix Idle Problems<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwD1PhsDkI>
Have you got a water boxer with issues? This is the answer. Make sure you watch the whole video from start to finish to find all the trouble spots that can affect these engines. From vacuum leaks, to bad spark plug wires, to bad grounds. These engines, with all the mileage and years on them, can encounter many issues. If your engine was running ...
www.youtube.com

________________________________
From: David Beierl <dbeierl@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2020 4:39 PM
To: David Boan <dboan@outlook.com>
Cc: vanagonlist a <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Subject: Re: Idle Control

Once I got to the idle control valve, I saw that the small boot over the connector was torn nearly off and it was caked with dirt and grease.

 Eh?  A 1.9l shouldn't have an idle air control valve (though it may have one or two solenoid valves to raise the idle for high p/s pressure or a/c compressor).

Yrs,
d