Aux. Air Regulator Test?

[MikeR]

I was hoping for some advice to do with testing the Auxiliary Air Regulator on a 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 FI. My understanding is that it is the device that creates a fast idle after start-up while the engine is cold (like a fast idle cam on a carb) by providing extra air such that the ECU puts in more fuel and therefore creates faster revs while the engine is cold.

My engine starts beautifully and willingly, in hot, cold or warm conditions but I have a slow idle, only when cold. When warm or hot I have a very nice smooth idle at the correct RPM. Having read the previous posts on this subject I tried the 'by-pass the regulator' with a bridging hose test and, sure enough, I get a nice fast idle when cold with a temporary hose bridge round the AAR, in place.

I am assuming then that my Auxiliary Air Regulator needs to be replaced. Before doing that I wondered if there was an electrical test that I could do to make sure my problem is not else where (relay). My Fiat 'Fuel Injection Diagnosis and Maintenance Manual (Test 33)' describes a test for an 'Engine Idles Too High' when it states that at test light across the auxiliary air regulator electrical connector should come ON when the engine is hot - but there is no equivalent test for a cold engine.

So I guess my question is: Does anyone know of a reliable electrical test which can be done at the auxiliary air regulator connector and what reading should I expect to get cold/ warm/hot across the terminals in the connector?

Any insights gratefully received.

Mike R.

[ga.spyder]

I just replaced mine after living w/ the low cold idle for about a year on my 82.I dont know an electrical test , but the F.I. guru(Brad Artigue) said the bypass test is way to tell if its bad.Sounds like yours is a candidate for replacement.Mine had exactly the same symptoms and a new A.A.R. healed her!

Good Luck,Craig

[MikeR]

Many thanks for the encouragement Craig.

I managed to source a good used AAR which is now fitted and seems to be working just fine. No more rough and slow cold start idling

[ga.spyder]

Glad to hear it was a simple fix.I thought mine was just ''cold- blooded'' ,until I read a post here!
Craig