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 happens when the idle air control valve goes bad?
If the idle control valve fails completely, it may leave the vehicle without a source of air to maintain a proper idle. This may result in
the engine stalling while operating
, and in some cases may result in an engine that will not idle at all, and stalls as soon as it is started.
How do you know if your idle air control valve is bad?
Common signs include
irregular or unusually high idle speed
, the Check Engine Light coming on, and stalling while idling.
Can you drive with a bad idle air control valve?
Yes, you can still drive with a bad idle air control valve
. … A bad valve will cause your engine to stall, which is detrimental to your and your passenger's safety. It's also important to know that a bad one could potentially lead your vehicle to fail an emissions test.
What happens if you remove the idle air control valve?
If the idle air control valve is not working properly, then
the engine won't receive this air
. As a result, the idle speed will be thrown out of whack and cause the engine to stall.
What are the symptoms of a bad throttle positioning sensor?
- Lack Of Power. If your engine isn't getting the fuel it needs, or is getting too much, you'll notice that it doesn't seem to be accelerating as it should be. …
- Trouble Accelerating. …
- Uneven Idle. …
- Check Engine Light.
How do I reset my idle air control valve?
Turn the ignition ON and leave on for several seconds then turn the ignition OFF to allow the ECM
to reset the IAC valve. You should be good to go.
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 you clean an idle air control valve?
Carbon can build up on an idle air-control valve, making it stick. … Cleaning an idle air-control valve can keep you from buying a new part, but
only certain idle air-control valves can be cleaned
. The idle air-control valve must have a spring-operated valve for cleaning to make it work.
How much does it cost to replace an air control valve?
The average replacement cost of an idle air control valve is
between $120 and $500
. The parts could cost anywhere from $45 to more than $400, while the labor is only around $70. Of course, the labor cost really depends on the hourly rate of the mechanic.
Can idle 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.
Will bad IAC cause hard start?
If your vehicle has the 4-liter V-6, the problem may be a faulty idle air control valve. Whenever you start the engine, the throttle is closed so the valve meters the proper amount of air for combustion. If
it allows too much or too little
, the result is hard starting and often rough idle.
How long do IAC valves last?
In general, you will need to replace the IAC valve
every three or four years
. This will keep carbon from accumulating in the valve and causing you problems. The most common sign that your IAC valve is malfunctioning is that your engine will stall.
How do you test a IAC valve?
- 1) Open the hood of your vehicle. …
- 2) Pull the electrical plug off the control valve. …
- 3) Take out the idle control valve and flip it over. …
- 4) Take your voltmeter and set it to “Ohms.”
