16V engine stalling when cold

[GTI_16V]

Hi, a little bit of help on my (hopefully) minor problem would be appreciated!

When my valver is cold it stalls whenever i stop revving.  It normally cuts out when i rev it above 2000rpm then let it drop to idle.  If  i let the revs drop slowly to idle it seems to fine - it only happens when the revs are dropping a bit faster (i.e. when i rev it then let it drop).  Once the car is warmed up it is fine.  Any suggestions??

[Judderi]

Sounds like a problem with the ISV (idle stabalization valve) to me. Take it off and give it a clean with some brake cleaner or petrol.

[Gambit]

see this first!!

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=22031.0

[GTI EDITION (aka LTD)]

see this first!!

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=22031.0

This link has some good advice , the only thing that I would change/add is that the when the 16V s first came out they tended to suffer with idle/stalling problems .

1)  I believe that the ignition should be switched off when disconnecting and connecting  the red lead .

2) VW sent  updated tuning data which if I remember correctly stated that the idle speed should be adjusted to 1000 +/- 50 rpm instead of the previously stated 950 +/- 50 rpm

3) make sure the throttle cable is not too tight so as not to allow the throttle idle switch to close  .( I had a customer that kept fiddling with the cable adjustment  on his and then wondered why it kept stalling .... the penny eventually dropped ! ....now it idles properly . 

P.S.  I also have changed the idle stabilization valves for modified ones  ( modded ones had a yellow sticker on them ) but this was back in the 80s so I would imagine they have all been done by now unless some may not have being that it was not a recall as such.

[Gambit]

good info, ill bung this is with sticky!

[tinman]

I wouldn't go ISV to start with.

Check the Idle Stabilisation controller in the centre console. Find it and disconnect it. If the car does exactly the same thing with or without it - then its boogered.

Find a smashed 16v - theres one a week on the forum and give the owner a fiver for it. If you buy it from VAG - expect it to cost around 120quid.

[GTI EDITION (aka LTD)]

I wouldn't go ISV to start with.

Check the Idle Stabilisation controller in the centre console. Find it and disconnect it. If the car does exactly the same thing with or without it - then its boogered.

Find a smashed 16v - theres one a week on the forum and give the owner a fiver for it. If you buy it from VAG - expect it to cost around 120quid.

You're quite right about the control unit behind the center console I completely forgot about that ...long time since having probs with one ... I'm not definite on this but I have a vague recollection that the control units were replaced as well..... way back when... but don't quote me on that

[GTI_16V]

Excellent information - thanks!   Just need to get the bloody thing started now in the first place!!  (see todays other post from me!!)