FAQ: What happens when the idle air control valve goes bad?

Can you drive with a bad idle air control valve?

Technically, you may be able to drive with a bad IAC—but you should not continue doing so. A bad IAC can potentially lead to stalling, which can compromise vehicle safety. Plus, you won’t pass a state emissions test if the check engine light is on due to a bad IAC.

How do I reset my idle air control valve?

Reset the IAC valve pintle position by performing the following:

1. Depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
2. Start the engine and run for 5 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position for 10 seconds.
4. Restart the engine and check for proper idle operation.

Will a car run without an idle air control valve?

An engine can run with the IAC disconnected if everything else is right. Sometimes if a base idle speed adjustment is needed the IAC is unplugged, the base idle set with the throttle plate screw, and the IAC then reconnected.

Can you clean an idle air control valve?

Locate the idle air control valve under the hood. Unscrew the idle air control valve by removing the screws that hold it to the throttle body. Detach any wires coming from the valve so you can remove it completely. Clean the valve by soaking it in gasoline.

What are the symptoms of a bad IAC valve?

Usually a bad or failing idle control valve will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

• Irregular idle speed. One of the most common symptoms associated with a problematic idle air control valve is irregular idle speed.
• Check Engine Light comes on.
• Engine stalling.

How much does it cost to replace an idle air control valve?

The replacement cost of an idle control valve is anywhere from $120 to $500. The cost of the parts alone will be between $70 and $400+, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The labor cost should only be around $50 to $100 because it doesn’t take that long to remove and replace the old idle control valve.

How do you test an IAC valve?

Disconnect the IAC connector for a couple seconds while your engine is idling. If your engine idle didn’t change, you can suspect it to be the IAC. If it is working properly, unplugging it would cause your idle to freak out. Also check the wires going to the IAC connector.

Where is the idle control valve located?

The idle air control (IAC) valve is located on the throttle body of fuel-injected engines, where it works with the vehicle’s ECU to electrically regulate airflow to the engine to ensure smooth idling.

What causes idle air control failure?

One common problem is a buildup of carbon or fuel varnish deposits in the idle speed control valve. The cure for this condition is to clean the valve, with some aerosol throttle cleaner or engine top cleaner. Follow these common instructions: Disconnect the air intake ductwork from the throttle body.

Can idle control valve cause misfire?

Secondly, can a bad idle air control valve cause misfire? The cause is often a problem in the idle air control system. The first thing to check is the intake vacuum with a vacuum gauge. An EGR valve that is leaking can also act like a vacuum leak and cause a random misfire.

What does the idle speed control do?

The idle speed control mode is used to prevent engine stall during idle. The goal is to allow the engine to idle at as low an RPM as possible yet keep the engine from running rough and stalling when power-consuming accessories, such as air-conditioning compressors and alternators, turn on.

Should I clean or replace IAC valve?

sometimes the IAC idle air control valve gets clogged up with carbon build up and its passage way can too, if you plan too “clean the valve.” it is also advisable that you clean the throttle body and the passage for the idle air control, depending on how hard it is too clean the throttle body that is, a can of approved

Can I use WD40 to clean IAC valve?

Should I spray WD40 at the IAC valve, or will this ruin things? Don’t use WD-40. It causes rubber to swell. doesn’t damage the valve or deposit soot farther down into it.