Vanagon high idle (86-91 Digifant)

If your 1986-1991 VW Vanagon idles funny you may want to check the idle control module. The 1986 to 1991 VW Vanagon has a digifant fuel injected system. The digifant system uses an Idle Speed Control system that utilizes a pulse-width-modulated air valve atop the intake plenum, controlled by an electronic module mounted behind the right rear taillight.
The part is not available new anymore, but you can find them rebuilt, or you can try to rebuild it yourself by replacing the NT185 transistor on the circuit board. You have to solder the new transistor in.
#garageking #vwvanagon

[@vw4x4]

The ICU mounts on a black plastic part bolted to the body opposite the tail light. It must be properly mounted to prevent water from getting int the unit.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the response !!! These vans are old and I thought it was really weird for it to be that way in the rear. It was dry but obviously not mounted right. Now I know and I’m going to fix that up. Thanks !!!

[@TheUkuleleBug]

Like 9! I only bring to the Garage! If only I near Garage King !!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you, and much appreciated :) I do hope you are enjoying your weekend :)

[@karlinladeramusic]

I replaced a light before by just following a YT vid. It was pretty sweet..

[@GarageKing]

KZbin is awesome for how to vids. You can learn pretty much anything. I know I watch a lot of them:) Thanks for the comment !!

[@alexdannys]

amazing vert good design nice sharing

[@GarageKing]

Thank you !!

[@mom4life907]

thanks for sharing 👍🤝

[@GarageKing]

Thank You :)

[@karlinladeramusic]

Grats on 4K brotha🤙🏽

[@GarageKing]

Thank you !!!!!

[@karlinladeramusic]

I love stick shift!

[@GarageKing]

The stick shift in this thing is cool. It’s like a bus !!

[@artattackbysoumya]

nice video friend

[@GarageKing]

Thank you !!!

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

Wow, good job GK! So, my '85 Vanagoon's doin' the same thing....what is it....?

[@GarageKing]

Because yours is an 85 you may have a different fuel injection system digijet (1.9L) vs digifant (2.1L) Digifant was introduced in late 85, so you could have it, you would know. If you have Digifant check behind the tail light and look for the box. if you don't have Digifant then google "vanagon 1.9L idle stabilizer module" and you click images and you can see what it looks like.

[@papercraneblog]

How do I know it's the problem before buying a new one?

[@GarageKing]

If you check the relay and find the transistor burnt then its one thing to fix. You will have to do that anyway, you could have other problems, but at least go for the obvious first. Its easy to check.

[@GarageKing]

Also you can't buy a new one. They only rebuild them now.

[@aprilbarker9488]

Will you post the video on how to replace the transistor In The idle control unit?

[@GarageKing]

Hey there and thanks for the comment. To be honest I have not done the replacement yet. I had the extra part so my van is running well :) I ordered the transistors, but have not soldered them in yet. I may try to solder them in this week, so then the video would be out in two weeks.

[@aprilbarker9488]

I've had a heck of a time ordering the transistor replacement. Where did you purchase yours from? Looking forward to the video. Much thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@GarageKing]

@@aprilbarker9488 Hey There, I haven't soldered them up yet, as I was in the garage all day doing the control arms and radius arm bushings on the Vanagon (Front Suspension), you may want to see that video. Send me an email to [e-mail] and if you want to cover postage I'll sent you a transistor, and some resistors (you may need those)

[@GarageKing]

Hey there, the video will be out this Saturday with all the info you need :)

[@aprilbarker9488]

@@GarageKing It is great! Thank you for posting and taking the time to research. Sending an email down. Looking forward to watching the suspension video too. Watched a few and it looks doable and may take some muscle. 😀

[@karlinladeramusic]

I hate when it varies!! Why is that?

[@GarageKing]

For this one it was a blown transistor. Can you imagine driving it like this. Everyone thought I was trying to race them haha !!