Air idle control valve
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
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From: NEWTOWN, ct
Air idle control valve
Ive had some cold start problems in the last year (wont hold idle for a minute or two. Ford recommended the AIC valve (only 130 for the part) so i picked one up from autozone for 50. anything I should know before I take the old one off?? also, theres a cap that looks like its pressed on the backside, but it wont come off. Isnt this where the hose enters? thanks for the help.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
What were (are) the symptoms of the "cold start problems"? A bad IAC will usually show itself by not letting the truck start without giving it gas and the inability to idle.
Most times, but not always, the existing IAC can be cleaned to remedy the above symptoms. However replacement is straight forward and requires nothing special. You DID get a new gasket with it, right? If not, be careful not to harm the one on there now.
Most times, but not always, the existing IAC can be cleaned to remedy the above symptoms. However replacement is straight forward and requires nothing special. You DID get a new gasket with it, right? If not, be careful not to harm the one on there now.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 128
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From: NEWTOWN, ct
yeah its just that, when it starts sometimes it just drops back down and shuts off unless i gas it a little, normally in 20 seconds or so the valve with catch, but sometimes it actually has went almost 5 minutes before it would catch-NOT COOL.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Personally, I would remove, clean, and re-install the original. Most aftermarket parts are not as high quality as the OE stuff.
Your symptoms point to a dirty valve, not a failed valve.
The IAC is a valve with a stepper motor to open and close and control how much air the engine gets at idle.
It is pretty rare for an IAC valve to truly fail, with a burned out stepper motor or broken valve. The symptoms of that would be no idle, any time.
But it is VERY common for carbon and other goo to build up and make the valve stick. The symptoms are problems when cold, but then goes away. Why? As that goo warms up, it sticks less so the problem goes away.
30 minutes and 1 can of carb cleaner will do you... Remove the IAC, spray it out with carb cleaner, let it dry, reinstall.
There is a black cap, about 1/2" diameter, on there that remains. The air hose itself fits over a larger bung, about 3/4 to 1" in diameter.
Your symptoms point to a dirty valve, not a failed valve.
The IAC is a valve with a stepper motor to open and close and control how much air the engine gets at idle.
It is pretty rare for an IAC valve to truly fail, with a burned out stepper motor or broken valve. The symptoms of that would be no idle, any time.
But it is VERY common for carbon and other goo to build up and make the valve stick. The symptoms are problems when cold, but then goes away. Why? As that goo warms up, it sticks less so the problem goes away.
30 minutes and 1 can of carb cleaner will do you... Remove the IAC, spray it out with carb cleaner, let it dry, reinstall.
There is a black cap, about 1/2" diameter, on there that remains. The air hose itself fits over a larger bung, about 3/4 to 1" in diameter.
