1989 Volkswagen Fox BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Cold Start Valve (Except Vanagon)

  1. Engine temperature must be below 85°F (30°C). Disconnect cold start valve attaching screws and remove valve leading wiring harness connector and fuel line attached.
  2. Remove ignition coil secondary wire and jumper to ground. Attach metal housing of cold start valve to ground. Direct cold start valve nozzle into a clean container. See Fig 1 . Have assistant turn ignition switch to the "START" position while observing spray pattern.
  3. The valve should deliver a consistent cone shaped pattern until the thermo time switch interrupts fuel flow. Ensure that valve does not leak after fuel flow stops. If spray pattern is uneven or inconsistent, check for plugged or defective cold start valve. If valve does not function, proceed to THERMO TIME SWITCH.
Fig 1: Typical Cold Start Valve Test Arrangement
G121513Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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