IAC Valve Cleaning?

krazypony · 09-05-2007, 08:59 AM

Whats a good solution to clean the IAC Valve with, mine is sticking a little bit and causing problems with the car starting some in the mornings or when the car has sat for a bit. Figure since it will be getting a little cooler soon and will cause more problems then too, may as well take care of it now then later.

My friend thats a mechanic told me to try cleaning it, I think with Carb. Spray?

Or I might just go get one at Auto Zone for $54 and be done with it.

Thanks!

bassman97 · 09-05-2007, 12:31 PM

Carb cleaner works from what I hear. However, I'd like to do this as well but have no clue how to do. I took the IAC off didn't know where to go from there. Sorry from the hijack but I need to do mine as well so I'd like some info.

*Randy Stinchcomb* · 09-05-2007, 12:48 PM

also change your PCV valve as thats one of the leading cause's of IAC problems and DO NOT buy the PCV vale, IAC or ANY other stuff like that from a parts store as the quality is just not there, only buy OEM

krazypony · 09-05-2007, 12:49 PM

Another fella recommended this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KKIL4/...4&linkCode=asn

Berryman B12 Chemtool Fuel Injection Air-Intake Cleaner

*4.6 Love* · 09-05-2007, 01:19 PM

Some carb cleaner will do the trick man...

*venom* · 09-05-2007, 03:59 PM

I have been wanted to do a write up on this but you need to clean the IAC then lubricate the shaft so the plunger can move without any binding.

krazypony · 09-06-2007, 04:39 AM

I bought a new IACV last night from AutoZone, the last one they had...but I am gonna try and clean the current one after replacing it and see how I make out then, maybe I will do a write up myself for users. Didnt think this would have caught so much attention but it seems to be a real problem as I can see from the interest here.

*venom* · 09-06-2007, 06:41 AM

I have one completely taken apart but have to see what I did with it.

SLP02GT · 09-23-2007, 02:12 PM

carb cleaner will work, but I consider it only a temporary fix

krazypony · 09-23-2007, 02:49 PM

I ended up just replacing mine for $60 from Advance Auto Parts

mpt_1962 · 09-24-2007, 01:05 AM

IAC is what?

*venom* · 09-24-2007, 04:58 AM

Idle Air Controller mounts on throttle body and controls idle.

cantgetlikeme · 10-25-2007, 04:15 PM

how far does it open when switch is on?? mine only opens a little bit

bossman302 · 10-25-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venom

I have been wanted to do a write up on this but you need to clean the IAC then lubricate the shaft so the plunger can move without any binding.

What kind of grease should be used? Would just wheel bearing type grease be ok?

*venom* · 10-26-2007, 10:14 PM

I would say nothing heavy but a lighter grease than wheel bearing like lithium.

WaterDR · 10-27-2007, 07:20 AM

Gents:

There are TONS of updates on IAC's. Ford has made numerous changes to this part over the years depending on the model you have. I would be very hestitant buying one from a parts store unless you are getting a custom tune anyway and the money you save on the cheaper Autozone part might transplate into 20 to 30 minutes more jacking with the tune.

The IAC can get dirty, but they should not get dirty all the time. If they are, you might have another issue. PCV are really cheap and a quick fix.

As far as cleaning, it is simple. Take the thing off and spray is with Throttle-Bottle friendly carb cleaning. You will see the carbon come right off. I soak mine in a small container filled with cleaner for about 10 minutes. Then just shake it off, let it dry, and slap it back on.

*4.6 Love* · 10-27-2007, 08:06 AM

I bought an auto zone iac for my stang about 1.5 yrs back and haven't had any problems..

WaterDR · 10-27-2007, 09:11 AM

Well, that is not to say that they won't work, it just depends if Autozone has the most recent updated version. It also does not mean that a non-updated part won't work either, just perhaps not as well.

A lot of your guys have problems at idle not because of the IAC, but because of mods done to your car. A tune can be used to adjust the IAC settings then to correct the idle.

krazypony · 10-29-2007, 05:57 AM

I can see getting the one from Ford if it didnt cost close to $100 personally, but I got the one from AutoZone for like $60 instead and havent had any problems what so ever and this was back when I first posted about this topic. And the only mods I have is my mufflers, nothing really special there and the exhaust had smelled like it was just breathing alot of gas prior to the IAC change and now I can have the windows down and not breath gas coming from the exhaust system.

*Randy Stinchcomb* · 10-29-2007, 06:28 AM

well, you just have to know what/which Ford dealer to buy from

09-05-2007, 08:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
krazypony Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liberty, SC Posts: 901	IAC Valve Cleaning? Whats a good solution to clean the IAC Valve with, mine is sticking a little bit and causing problems with the car starting some in the mornings or when the car has sat for a bit. Figure since it will be getting a little cooler soon and will cause more problems then too, may as well take care of it now then later. My friend thats a mechanic told me to try cleaning it, I think with Carb. Spray? Or I might just go get one at Auto Zone for $54 and be done with it. Thanks! __________________

09-05-2007, 12:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Randy Stinchcomb Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Randallstown, Md Posts: 2,741	also change your PCV valve as thats one of the leading cause's of IAC problems and DO NOT buy the PCV vale, IAC or ANY other stuff like that from a parts store as the quality is just not there, only buy OEM __________________ Randy Stinchcomb contact info: Liberty Ford of Baltimore 410-655-2000 parts ext 5618 like to fish visit us at www.sportfisherman.com need fishing tackle www.binnacletackle.com

09-05-2007, 12:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
krazypony Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liberty, SC Posts: 901	Another fella recommended this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KKIL4/...4&linkCode=asn Berryman B12 Chemtool Fuel Injection Air-Intake Cleaner __________________

09-05-2007, 01:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
4.6 Love Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mexico Posts: 6,153	Some carb cleaner will do the trick man... __________________ Go Cowboys! X pipe and flows

09-05-2007, 03:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,406	I have been wanted to do a write up on this but you need to clean the IAC then lubricate the shaft so the plunger can move without any binding. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/103

09-05-2007, 12:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
bassman97 blank Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North Jersey Posts: 1,485	Carb cleaner works from what I hear. However, I'd like to do this as well but have no clue how to do. I took the IAC off didn't know where to go from there. Sorry from the hijack but I need to do mine as well so I'd like some info.

09-06-2007, 04:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
krazypony Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liberty, SC Posts: 901	I bought a new IACV last night from AutoZone, the last one they had...but I am gonna try and clean the current one after replacing it and see how I make out then, maybe I will do a write up myself for users. Didnt think this would have caught so much attention but it seems to be a real problem as I can see from the interest here. __________________

09-06-2007, 06:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,406	I have one completely taken apart but have to see what I did with it. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/103

09-23-2007, 02:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
SLP02GT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 199	carb cleaner will work, but I consider it only a temporary fix __________________ 02 GT 5 speed - 2007 GSXR 600

09-23-2007, 02:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
krazypony Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liberty, SC Posts: 901	I ended up just replacing mine for $60 from Advance Auto Parts __________________

09-24-2007, 01:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
mpt_1962 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Twentynine Palms, CA Posts: 816	IAC is what?

09-24-2007, 04:58 AM	#12 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,406	Idle Air Controller mounts on throttle body and controls idle. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/103

10-25-2007, 04:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
cantgetlikeme Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20	how far does it open when switch is on?? mine only opens a little bit __________________ Timmy T.

10-26-2007, 10:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,406	I would say nothing heavy but a lighter grease than wheel bearing like lithium. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/103

10-27-2007, 07:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,374	Gents: There are TONS of updates on IAC's. Ford has made numerous changes to this part over the years depending on the model you have. I would be very hestitant buying one from a parts store unless you are getting a custom tune anyway and the money you save on the cheaper Autozone part might transplate into 20 to 30 minutes more jacking with the tune. The IAC can get dirty, but they should not get dirty all the time. If they are, you might have another issue. PCV are really cheap and a quick fix. As far as cleaning, it is simple. Take the thing off and spray is with Throttle-Bottle friendly carb cleaning. You will see the carbon come right off. I soak mine in a small container filled with cleaner for about 10 minutes. Then just shake it off, let it dry, and slap it back on. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email

10-27-2007, 08:06 AM	#17 (permalink)
4.6 Love Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mexico Posts: 6,153	I bought an auto zone iac for my stang about 1.5 yrs back and haven't had any problems.. __________________ Go Cowboys! X pipe and flows

10-27-2007, 09:11 AM	#18 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,374	Well, that is not to say that they won't work, it just depends if Autozone has the most recent updated version. It also does not mean that a non-updated part won't work either, just perhaps not as well. A lot of your guys have problems at idle not because of the IAC, but because of mods done to your car. A tune can be used to adjust the IAC settings then to correct the idle. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email

10-29-2007, 05:57 AM	#19 (permalink)
krazypony Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liberty, SC Posts: 901	I can see getting the one from Ford if it didnt cost close to $100 personally, but I got the one from AutoZone for like $60 instead and havent had any problems what so ever and this was back when I first posted about this topic. And the only mods I have is my mufflers, nothing really special there and the exhaust had smelled like it was just breathing alot of gas prior to the IAC change and now I can have the windows down and not breath gas coming from the exhaust system. __________________

10-29-2007, 06:28 AM	#20 (permalink)
Randy Stinchcomb Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Randallstown, Md Posts: 2,741	well, you just have to know what/which Ford dealer to buy from __________________ Randy Stinchcomb contact info: Liberty Ford of Baltimore 410-655-2000 parts ext 5618 like to fish visit us at www.sportfisherman.com need fishing tackle www.binnacletackle.com

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