Jetta won't idle

I have a 96 vw jetta 2.0 that had been idling at inconsistent rpm's and now it won't idle at all. I read about changing the idle control valve, but I can't seem to locate it. It isn't attached to the rear of the uppper intake manifold as specified in the Haynes repair manual. Is it possible that it doesn't have one or that it is located elsewhere? Any help would be appreciated.

I had a similar prob on a 94 Vento. The idle control valve not present. The throttle cable goes on to disc on the throttle body unit, which is held by 4 Allan screws to a large casting. The Petrol injector pipes go to a pump on the Rh back of engine compartment, with electric motor casing sticking verticaly out of it. Read the solution on the web:- remove 3" diam air pipe from throttle body and clean the butterfly assy, Worked for me! The idle air flow is set by a 5 thousanth of an inch gap around butterfly, if this gets bunged up - no idle!

The same problem existed in my 98 Jetta 2.0, there is no Idle Air Valve. I spent about 2 hours (total time) cleaning the throtle valve (right in front of the intake maifold). The idle smoothed significantly.

First, disconnect your main air breather tube.... start it up. If it runs at this point, spray your mass air flow sensor with carb cleaner (jet spray).....reassemble everything except the connection at the throttle body....
If you can reconnect the tube to the throttle body while it's running and the car doesn't stall, you've fixed the problem! May run a little rough at first, but will straighten out shortly.
I found this solution accidentally after chasing the problem for over a week!:banghead:

I have a 97 Jetta. I also solved the problem by cleaning the throttle valve plate and bore with a rag, Q-Tip and Gumout. BTW the service manual has a note: "On high mileage cars, enough residue may collect on the throttle valve plate and bore to restrict air flow and affect the Idle Adjust Control System".