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Cold start stalling
Posted: 13 Jan 2016, 19:06
by danmetallic
Part of me is reluctant to post about this as this subject has been done to death, but I just can’t get to the bottom of it.
Basically our van stalls on start up and won’t hold idle until she is warmed up (by keeping the throttle down) for about 5 minutes.
Once warm she runs great and restarts fine.
This suddenly started to happen one very cold morning before christmas.
Starter, spark, coil dizzy etc are all fine. She basically starts on the nose with a bit of gas (and held down).
Thermostat housing has been replaced (this needed doing anyway), along with it’s two accompanying sensors. All connections cleaned.
Confident there is no vacuum leak or AFM issues.
I do have an additional sensor (see photo below) that has been installed by the coolant tank, no idea why, and it was done long before our ownership. When plug is disconnected and shorted I get an audible beep from the ECU.
Basically she appears to be not getting enough juice when cold and I need help!!!!
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 13 Jan 2016, 21:14
by silverbullet
I am no expert, but going by what hasnt been changed:
Temp sensor in AFM (aka temp1) may be out of range or failed. Have you tried another AFM?
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 14 Jan 2016, 11:13
by bigherb
Check the air bypass valve (idling stabilization valve) it might be clogged up so the disc is stuck closed, usually a good clean with carburetor cleaner works wonders.
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 14 Jan 2016, 11:45
by danmetallic
Thanks chaps! While you're here am I correct in saying that the two temp sensors on the thermostat housing are the same part?
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 14 Jan 2016, 12:39
by bigherb
danmetallic wrote:Thanks chaps! While you're here am I correct in saying that the two temp sensors on the thermostat housing are the same part?
No they have different values. Blue for the engine ECU. Green or Black for the temperature gauge.
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 14 Jan 2016, 13:08
by danmetallic
bigherb wrote:danmetallic wrote:Thanks chaps! While you're here am I correct in saying that the two temp sensors on the thermostat housing are the same part?
No they have different values. Blue for the engine ECU. Green or Black for the temperature gauge.
I thought so. Well that explains the temp gauge up front reading incorrectly
Now just for the cold stalling.
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 16 Jan 2016, 14:23
by danmetallic
Maybe nothing to do with warming up as she started up without having to today. Slight surge in revs after a few seconds then she held idle.
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 26 Jan 2016, 12:09
by danmetallic
So the solution to this is still eluding me
Bypassed the Idle Stabilisation Unit (next to HALL unit), removed plugs and joined them together but still no joy. Idle Control Switch clicking in both positions. Buzzing coming from injector with ignition switched.
Not sure how to find, remove and clean (carb cleaner, I know that much) Idle Control Valve...so any pointers appreciated.
Also to elliminate potential problem with Idle Control Module (behind O/S rear light) can i just unplug this?
Thanks, Dan.
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 26 Jan 2016, 19:14
by jimrat
Hi
I had similar problems last year (2.1 DJ), and found that checking/setting the ignition timing, and cleaning the terminals on the ISCU (small black box behind drivers side tail light) did the trick. If you google ISCU you will find some info on pin tests for the ISCU to test if it is working OK
Cheers
Jim
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 26 Jan 2016, 19:29
by danmetallic
jimrat wrote:Hi
I had similar problems last year (2.1 DJ), and found that checking/setting the ignition timing, and cleaning the terminals on the ISCU (small black box behind drivers side tail light) did the trick. If you google ISCU you will find some info on pin tests for the ISCU to test if it is working OK
Cheers
Jim
Thanks Jim, I'm assuming you mean o/s tail light on a lhd? The ecu is on the drivers side

Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 26 Jan 2016, 19:54
by jimrat
Hi Dan
Same position as the main ECU, but on the opposite side of the engine bay (drivers side). It's hidden behind the plastic panel where the air intake duct attaches. It's a small black box the size of a pack of 20 cigarettes, and there are a whole bunch of wires which connect into it. The terminals get crusty, and the unit itself can fail.
Cheers
Jim
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 26 Jan 2016, 20:27
by danmetallic
jimrat wrote:Hi Dan
Same position as the main ECU, but on the opposite side of the engine bay (drivers side). It's hidden behind the plastic panel where the air intake duct attaches. It's a small black box the size of a pack of 20 cigarettes, and there are a whole bunch of wires which connect into it. The terminals get crusty, and the unit itself can fail.
Cheers
Jim
Got you! Can the unit actually be bypassed like the Idle Stabilisation Unit by the coil. Or is there a way of testing it? I can find precious little information on this fella behind the tail light
And thank you!!
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 27 Jan 2016, 12:36
by jimrat
Not sure about bypassing the ISCU. Seem to remember there being info on the US vanagon forums, or failing that, Bentley?
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 27 Jan 2016, 12:44
by danmetallic
So the big relay behind the tail lights all checks out. Stabilisation valve is all good. Afm meter filter arrived today so will fit that when the rain stops.
Re: Cold start stalling
Posted: 28 Jan 2016, 12:22
by danmetallic
Noticing some strangeness.
Afm plug has some weird going ons.
[img]
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Yellow Connecter by ISCU appears to have an unconnected friend.
[img]
//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016012 ... af5b64.jpg[/img]
And the as mentioned additional coolant sensor by the tank.
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//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016012 ... 3bd24b.jpg[/img]