What Causes An Idle Air Control Valve To Go Bad

Last Updated on March 17, 2022

In this article, we're going to talk about ane function in the engine system chosen the "Idle Air Control Valve" or in some state also known as idle speed control valve (ISCV) or idle speed stabilizer. I hope later read this article, y'all volition know the bones function, bad symptoms, the average replacement cost and tips to clean. Here we become:

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How an Idle Air Control Valve Works

The idle air command valve is a component of the internal combustion engine. The function of this valve is to manage the engine idle speed so that it stays within a normal RPM (revolutions per minute).

For example, whenever you cease or park your vehicle, the engine will go along running. It is of import that the engine runs at a speed of somewhere around 700 and 1,100 RPM while information technology is idle. This helps forbid the engine from stalling out or using more fuel than necessary

If the engine idle speed goes higher than one,100 RPM or lower than 700 RPM, the idle air command valve works to either decrease or increase the speed; respectively. That way, the speed can stay within the proper RPM range.

The idle air control valve is connected to the intake manifold of the vehicle. The engine control module manages the idle control valve based on the information it receives from other sensors in the vehicle.

Basically, in one case the engine control unit knows the electrical system load and the engine's temperature, information technology will exist able to properly manage the idle control valve so that the idle speed either goes up or down.

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Pinnacle three Symptoms of a Bad Idle Air Command Valve

When your vehicle'due south idle air command valve starts to go bad, you lot will be able to detect some strange symptoms. Many of these symptoms will bear on your ability to drive and operate your vehicle. That is why y'all demand to have them seriously and go your vehicle to a mechanic as shortly every bit yous detect them.

Below are the top 3 symptoms of a bad idle air control valve.

#ane – Check Engine Warning Light

check engine light

Since the idle air control valve is a component of the engine, the engine control unit of measurement monitors its status on a regular basis. If the control valve were to malfunction or go bad for whatever reason, the engine control unit would actuate the Check Engine warning light on the dashboard.

Of form, you probably won't know exactly what is incorrect with your engine simply by seeing that low-cal illuminate. Any part associated with the engine could be faulty, but at least you will know that some problem exists.

Related: Electronic Throttle Command Light On? (What it Means)

#2 – Engine Stalling

There are a lot of things that can cause engine stalling. One of which is a bad idle air control valve. For the engine to remain idle, it must receive a consistent amount of air.

If the idle air control valve is non working properly, and so the engine won't receive this air. Equally a issue, the idle speed volition exist thrown out of whack and cause the engine to stall.

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#three – Fluctuating Idle Speed

rough idling

When you experience irregular or fluctuating engine idle speed, this usually means your idle air control valve is bad. Afterwards all, this control valve is supposed to manage the engine idle speed so that it stays at a normal RPM rate.

If the valve is bad, then it won't be able to succeed at its chore. As a outcome, the engine idle speed will be all over the place. It may jump actually loftier in a higher place 1,100 RPM or information technology may jump lower than 700 RPM. Sometimes it volition go dorsum and along from high to low. You can exist sure the idle air command valve is to blame when this happens.

Replacement Cost

idle air control valve replacement cost

The replacement cost of an idle control valve is anywhere from $120 to $500. The cost of the parts alone volition exist between $seventy and $400+, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The labor toll should only exist around $50 to $100 considering information technology doesn't take that long to remove and replace the old idle control valve.

If you have machine mechanic skills, so yous could save yourself $100 by doing this replacement job yourself. But if you don't have the conviction to do it, then information technology is worth spending that extra money for a professional to supercede the valve for you lot.

Overall, the replacement cost is not that much in the long run. If you were to exit the control valve solitary and not supervene upon it, then your engine could suffer damage. Then yous'd be looking at thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Read also: PCV Valve: Role, Bad Symptoms and Replacement Price

Tips to Clean

To assist you get the most life possible out of your idle air control valve, you need to clean it periodically. This maintenance task is not as complicated as you might call back. You lot don't even demand to exist a car skillful to figure it out. All you need to practice is know where the idle air control valve is located after you lift the hood of your vehicle.

If you know where the throttle intake manifold is located, the idle air command valve should exist right next to information technology. Of course, you'll need to disconnect the air cleaner hose with a screwdriver. This will help you run across the throttle body where the valve is located.

Now you'll have to remove the idle air control valve by detaching the bombardment cables and removing the screws from the valve. Make sure your vehicle is completely shut off or else you might get an electric stupor. When you have removed the valve, y'all'll want to spray it with a carburetor cleaner.

Find a soft clean fabric or rag and use information technology to wipe away the carbon debris that has accumulated on the valve. Y'all can also get ahead and clean the throttle body too. One time the cleaning is done, reconnect the valve and cables back in their original positions.