2.3 IAC help

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Dec 20, 2005 | 04:46 PM

john112deere

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From: Maine

2.3 IAC help

Had a bit of trouble getting my truck started this afternoon. It would start and run as long as I kept my foot on the gas, but die when I took my foot off. After a few minutes, it would just barely run without touching the gas. So, I quickly got out and wrapped on the IAC with the lug wrench (first thing I could find) and it started idling fine. I drove it about 150 miles, and it ran fine and started fine a number of times (after it was warmed up.) So, tonight I think I'm going to need to clean my IAC. Can I get it off without removing the throttle body? (It's a '97 2.3) If not, can I just take the airbox off and spray TB cleaner onto it through there? (Taking the throttle body off really doesn't appeal because I NEED to drive the truck 450 miles in the next 3 days, and I'm a bit nervous of busting some of the screws that haven't moved in many New England winters.)
Thanks in advance,
Ian

Dec 20, 2005 | 09:52 PM

john112deere

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From: Maine

I got it off. Pain in the rear- not enough clearance for a socket on the top screw, and just BARELY enough swing for the ratchet to click on the bottom screw. Both were so tight I was afraid I was going to break something, but I didn't.

Dec 21, 2005 | 08:23 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

Glad to hear you got it off. Did you get the new one on, how's it running?

Dec 21, 2005 | 09:20 PM

john112deere

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From: Maine

I cleaned it, but didn't replace it. It seems to run fine, but I haven't tried a cold start in cold weather yet, which is where I was having trouble. If it starts without trouble tomorrow morning, I'll assume it's fixed for now; if not I'll replace it.

Dec 21, 2005 | 10:34 PM

natebaker

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From: Blytheville, AR

I replaced mine not too long ago. It was a pain to get off, but only for the fact that it takes a while to get the small bolts out. (not alot of room to move a ratchet) I threw a random assortments of parts at it trying to fix a high EGR flow code. in reality there was a plug that was in the EGR system that actually came straight off the exaust manifold that wasn't there anymore. I made my own plug (3 female spades and i insulated them all with electrical tape and i taped them into that part of the EGR system then had to find the right combination of wires) What was really a $0.50 project turned into a $140 after I threw a new EGR, new EGR vacuum solenoid, and a new IAC at it with no luck. Make sure you get someone who know's what they're talking about to look at it. Autozone has the biggest bunch of idiots I've ever seen. It also took me 3 weeks to get my EGR vacuum solenoid bc the manager at the Autozone took the part that I had them order and put it on her own vehicle. Grrr I'm getting mad just thinking about it, lol.

Sorry ab the profanity.

Dec 21, 2005 | 11:32 PM

RangerPilot

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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)

I'm liking my 4.0L more and more everyday. How is the smallest engine the tightest one to get to everything on? Plugs, IAC, temp sender, what's next?

Dec 22, 2005 | 07:35 AM

J7Bones

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I had a similar problem with my old '95 (I just got an '06 this week!)

I cleaned my IAC first and it worked for about a week or two. Then the same start-up problems came back. Once I replaced the IAC, it started all the time (in cold and warm weather).

Good luck!