Trouble Idling? How to clean your IACV

Is your car having trouble staying alive at idle? Is the idle speed constantly changing? These can be signs of a clogged up Idle Air Control Valve (IACV).

Fix Your Idling Problems Fast!

This is a problem haunting many cars on the road today. When a car passes 100k miles or is used in an environment with lots of debris in the air, the Idle air control valve usually becomes clogged. Luckily, it doesn't take long to clean your iacv and fix your idle hunting or stalling problem! If you are not one for write-ups, scroll down to the bottom and watch the video we supplied that walks through each and every step!

Locating and removing the IACV

First, you will want to locate the Idle air control valve on your car. This is usually connected to a hose that connects to the intake tube, and you should be able to look up its location online. This valve is meant to allow air into the intake when your throttle body is closed. Preventing any stalling whenever you are off the throttle. You may also notice the idle bouncing around trying to find or “hunt” the perfect spot. This is all usually related to the IACV not being able to function correctly.

Once you locate this valve, you will need to remove it. Usually, you will have a few electrical clips, a hose, and a few nits and bolts holding it into the intake. Once you remove it, you will need to pull or hit the IACV to release the seal around the gasket. (PLEASE NOTE: you will need a replacement gasket or RTV to replace this gasket. Failure to do so will result in a vacuum link and a bigger problem than you originally experienced.)

Clearing the debris from the IACV

Now that we have everything removed and the IACV separated from your motor, you will notice black gunk throughout the inside of the valve. You can use any sort of Carb Cleaner to clean the gunk out. Make sure whatever cleaners you use will not harm the materials on the iacv. 

Do not half-ass the cleaning since you do not want to repeat this process. Remove any adjusting screw to ensure you can clean all the holes, crevices, and springs as much as possible.  

Reinstall clean IACV with a new gasket

Lastly, repeat the removal process in reverse ensuring you have a replacement gasket or RTV between the intake and the valve. Once everything is installed, start the car and warm the engine up. With everything warm, you will want to adjust the screw on the side of your IACV or intake (if you have one) until you reach the recommended idle speed. Once everything is set, you should be good to go! 

Full Video

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