Hi every one, this site is cool, I have some similar problems with 1989 VW cabriolet, when I start the engine it stalls. I have to hold the gas to keep it runing if i let it go it turn off, i have to drive with my foot in the gas all the time to keep it alive, all this happen since i change the fuel filter Thank you

My first thought is bent shifter forks or linkage is off. Start with the linkage as it is easier. Shifter forks are internal tranny components.

I'm far from an expert but I am also the owner of an '89 Cabriolet that had a similar problem. My Mech played with the oxygen sensor setting and then we ran a bottle of STP Injector Cleaner + full tank of Shell Gas through it and now the RPM's don't drop when downshifting or stopped at a light.

perhaps that could work for you as well?

Air induction boot is probaly cracked, or bad ground from battery to the body.
Good luck

yes. Depending on where your fuel filter is located, you can disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter and then try to crank the car over. If it spits fuel out of the disconnected line your pump is working, if not then it's bad. Another way to tell, but not always is when you car is started you hear a high pitched whining sound from the tanks. This is usually (again, not always) an indication of a fuel pump about to fail.

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/matthew_d24b835e574ef6ca

Ignition system sounds probable on vhicle when everything gets warmed up. High pitched hum could be bad tire or worse bearing.

u carb choke might be worn its sounds like its choking its self

Check for vacuum leaks. Also try cleaning the ISV.


If that doesnt work go to vwvortex.com and post your issue there

mcdevito75 here, Sounds like a faulty cold start valve / sensor. Have the shop check out the cold start system of your engine.

Note that all cars don't have the same symptoms as stated in the following procedure to cure your problem.
Here are the most common causes of surges, stalls at stops, low erratic idle speed, rough idle and engine hesitation, it is in most cases the idle speed control air-bypass valve and or throttle valve and upper intake, these area's get full of gunk and combustion residue over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

There are a few things that cause this problem, by far the most common is the check valve in the fuel pump is not working, this lets the fuel drains back to the tanks and causes long cranking times and stalls cold (sound familiar?) the next less common is carbon on the back of the intake valves, and the last is not using the correct grade of fuel, example if your car requires 87 octane don't use 89 or 91 octane it causes cold start problems.