I have a 1989 Jetta GL with 5 speed and 90,000 miles. Car is serviced
by VW dealer regularly and is in excellent condition. I am original owner.

Lately, I have a high idle problem. Dealer did a 90,000 mi. service, changed the timing belt and cleaned the idle stabilzer valve. Next day I drove the car from Massachusetts to Vermont and noticed a loss of performance and the car starting to lurch when accelerating. Took the car to a Vermont VW dealer who replaced the distributor cap & rotor. Car ran great that day, but next day lurch was back and so was the high idle. Have appointment to go back to the dealer to replace the idle stabilzer valve.

Any other thoughts about what could cause the high idle and lurching
and how to fix them?

 

A tip of the hat to you good sir for keeping your jetta so long and taking good care of her. That's amazing she only has 90,000 miles on her. Mine has 130,000. Has the throttle body been cleaned lately?

 

Yes - The throttle body was cleaned at the same time as the idle stabilizer valve. Forgot to mention that.

 

If the throttle body is clean then, my next culprit would be the idle valve so, I guess keep that appointment.

 

I Kept the appointment and replaced the idle valve. Car is running fine now. That seemed to have solved the problem. Many thanks for the advice.

 

No problem.