Idle Stabilizer RELAY?!?

[Preston Brown <pbrown@econ.yale.edu>]

Ok Quattro listers, here's the scoop.

The heap (oh, I mean my 86 5KCST) has developed its latest problem.
Lately, it has been starting fine, but then stalling; I diagnosed the
problem as an idle that was too low and assumed the ISV needed cleaning
(it has been replaced in the last year and a half).  However, then my
fiancee was driving and the car started surging (oh boy, unintended
acceleration) so I knew that the problem had to be taken care of SOON.

The car also flunked emissions, but that was taken care of with a new OXS
sensor (wasn't cheap).  While it was there (at an independent shop, not
the dealer) they looked into the ISV.  They said that it was totally clean
and it was in good working condition, but that it wasn't getting nearly
enough voltage -- only like 3V or so.  Tracing it back to some relay that
is located BENEATH THE BRAKE PEDAL AREA, and which CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED
FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR, they found that the relay was defective.  Quoted
price, as a dealer only part, was in the hundreds.  They disconnected the
relay and said the car would run, but not well.  They're right.

Does anyone know the part they are talking about?  Anyone BTDT?  Should I
go and try and find a replacement at the bone yard, or call Carlsen?
Anyone have a real price estimate or a part number?  Any other
suggestions?

I hate to say it, but I can't wait to get rid of this car, either to
replace it with a newer audi or (shudder) something else.  I keep up with
it maintenance-wise but it is getting soooo expensive.  Lately more than
new car payments...

---
 -Preston Brown
  preston.brown@yale.edu