The air control valve on your Honda is mounted on the throttle body or intake manifold. The IAC is a solenoid-operated valve, similar to an electronic switch, controlled by the computer. When the computer needs to increase engine RPM, it energizes a coil inside the IAC, which pulls a shaft to open an air valve .
How does an air idle control valve work?
An idle air control valve literally bypasses air around a closed throttle plate so the engine can get air at idle . ... Turning the screw inwards prevented the throttle plate from closing all the way and the amount the throttle plate remained opened determined how much air could flow into the engine.
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.
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.
How do you know if the idle air control valve is bad?
- Irregular idle speed. ...
- Check Engine Light comes on. ...
- Engine stalling.
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.
Can you drive with a bad IAC 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.
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.
What causes an IAC valve to go bad?
There are a few things that can cause your ICA to go bad It may be because your fuel injectors are dirty, you may have clogged air filters or faulty spark plugs . Vehicles that have a good IAC valve will always have a smooth idling speed. The engine should start gently and run smoothly.
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 I clean my IAC valve?
How do you clean an IAC valve? After relocating the IAC valve, you need to unscrew it and detach all the wires. You can clean it by soaking it in gasoline and blowing compressed air into it . Then, reattach it with the screws and reconnect the wires.
How do you test a idle air control 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.”
What is the purpose of idle air control valve?
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 .
Where is the idle control valve located?
Locating the Idle Air Control Valve
The IACV is usually located on the intake manifold near the back of the throttle body .
What can cause idle surge?
If an engine is not getting enough fuel (this is called “running lean”), due to fuel pressure (regulated by the fuel pump and regulator), restricted fuel injectors , a vacuum leak or really anything that throws off the fuel mixture going in to the engine, this can cause the surge.
