How to check an idle air control valve

How to Test an Idle Air Control Valve. Without a doubt using an OEM-level scan tool is the easiest way to test an IAC valve.

If the valve fails or has any issues it can cause the idle speed to be thrown off.

How to check an idle air control valve. Checking to See if the Idle Control Valve is Functioning 1. Use a code scanner to check error codes. If your vehicle was built prior to 1996 you will need an OBD I scanner.

Start the engine and take note of the idle RPMs. Insert the key into the ignition and start the engine. Shut the car off.

If there is an open or shorted circuit in the idle air control solenoid driver circuit or the idle speed is out of range it will usually set one or more fault codes and turn on the Check Engine light. If the light is on you must plug a scan tool into the diagnostic connector and read out the codes that set the light. Pneumatic Control pressure.

How to Check an Idle Air Control Valve Step 1. Open the hood and remove the screws holding the idle control valve to the throttle body on the back of the. Unplug the electrical plug running to the control valve.

It may pull right off but you may need to squeeze the. Use the specification listed in the vehicle service manual for the IAC valve and follow the guideline on how to test the valve using a digital multimeter against the electrical terminal pins on. One of the easiest ways to test your idle air control valve is to simply look at it.

Check to see if the valve stems have dirt on them or if they are burnt. Check the valve opening on the throttle body to make sure that there is solid contact between the valve and the stem. Step 3 - Use Voltmeter.

With the vehicle cooled down in an out-of-the-way spot pop the hood and locate the idle air control valve. Remove any parts that are in the way of accessing the idle air control valve. Follow these common instructions.

Disconnect the air intake ductwork from the throttle body. Start the engine then increase and hold the idle speed to 1000 to 1500 rpm. Spray the throttle cleaner or engine cleaner into the throat of the throttle body.

Aiming for the idle air bypass port. If the idle drops a bunch it May be a malfunctioning IAC. Need to check more.

Next step is to disconnect the electrical connector from the IAC. Engine idle should drop immediately. If not at this point were pretty sure the IAC is corrupt.

But one more test before we condemn the IAC. Next test would be to check the electrical signal from the ECU. Symptoms of a failing idle air control valve.

A faulty idle air control IAC valve can cause a number of problems with your vehicle. An IAC valve that sticks in the closed position will create an idle speed thats too low. Your RPMs will drop way down the car may feel like its about to stall.

A bad idle air control valve could certainly be one reason for this to happen. If the number of revolutions per minute seems peculiar to the engine control unit it will let you know by activating the warning light. Go behind the engine and unscrew the idle air control valve from the throttle body.

2 Pull the electrical plug off the control valve. If the top has a release tab then squeeze that as you pull. 3 Take out the idle control valve and flip it over.

The idle air control valve is programmed to regulate and maintain the engine idle speed at a constant rate. If the valve fails or has any issues it can cause the idle speed to be thrown off. The idle air control valve is programmed to regulate and maintain the engine idle speed at a constant rate.

If the valve fails or has any issues it can cause the idle speed to be thrown off. This may result in an unusually high or low idle speed or in some cases a surging idle speed that repeatedly climbs and falls. Check Engine Light comes on.

Another symptom of a potential issue with the idle control valve is an illuminated Check Engine Light. If the engine control module detects an. How to Test an Idle Air Control Valve.

Vacuum leaks and circuit problems can mimic a bad IAC valve. Thats why its a good idea to test a suspect IAC before you rush out and buy a new one. Without a doubt using an OEM-level scan tool is the easiest way to test an IAC valve.

To reset the IAC valve pintle position proceed as follows. Block the drive wheels then apply the parking brake firmly. Start the engine then hold the engine speed above 2000 rpm.

Turn the ignition OFF then restart the engine and check for proper idle operation.