How to Clean an Idle Air Control Valve
- 1). Locate the idle air valve on the engine--it's near the intake on the side of the engine.
- 2). Remove the electrical plug on the back of the idle air control valve with a screwdriver. Do not break the plastic tang holding the wiring harness to the sensor--that's what keeps the wiring harness from vibrating off the sensor.
- 3). Remove the screws or bolts holding the idle air-control valve on the block.
- 4). Hold the valve pointed downward, and spray the pointed end of the valve with carburetor cleaner, and wipe it clean. (Don't allow the carburetor cleaner to drip into the housing.) Repeat until all the carbon is removed.
- 5). Replace the idle air-control valve and attach the wiring harness.
- 6). Start the car to make sure it idles properly, and test-drive the car to make sure the engine does not shut off when you are turning a corner or coming to a stop, especially with the air-conditioning running. If it does, you will need to replace the idle air-control valve.