1997 850 in the middle of an air pump repair

[Tobers]

My daughter's 850 showed an error code regarding the air pump. So I bought a new SAS valve, and a VW air pump to make the switch, as described in this forum.

This morning when I went to replace the SAS I found that the rubber elbow that attaches the purple vacuum line to the back of the SAS was dangling. The rubber had disintegrated and it needs a new rubber 90degree rubber boot.

So here are my questions: since that connection is open, is that likely what set off the error code? I'll obviously put a new rubber boot on there and see what happens. BUT since my battery is disconnected is there anyway to test whether this has solved the problem? I've got today to work on this, but I don't want to replace the pump, switch, etc if nothing is wrong with them. But I'd rather do the work today, when i have the car, if it needs doing. Is there anyway to know if this is the culprit???

[kahl]

I would replace the rubber elbow and drive the car. Trying for the code to reappear. I am not to sure what the system cycle time would be. I believe the air should come on during initial start for about 2 minutes.

[Tobers]

thanks. i put new tubing on it. it runs about 2 minutes and cuts off. i'll just drive it.

any idea on how long (miles? on/off cycles? etc) i'll have to drive it to know whether the code reappears and whether it will pass inspection?

thank you.

[cn90]

Search forum for the "Radio Shack 90-cent diode SAS delete".