Must-know tips to clean air throttle body & idle air control valve properly

Drivers are always concerned about how much it would cost them to fuel up every day! When gassing up will cost more with the usual mileage going a bit wonky shouldn’t be overlooked. Most drivers would have it checked or assume it’s the fuel pump problem, although it might be something else.

This part of the fuel system is one of the most accessible parts of the engine. There’s no need to remove or expose anything, just do a proper cleaning for the air throttle body and idle air control valve then it’s a go-go to start working on it!

In this article, Philkotse.com will cover must-know tips to do a DIY air throttle body cleaning. Let's check it out!

How to clean a throttle body and idle air control valve - Quick and Easy

>>> Also check out: 8 common signs of a bad throttle position sensor & how to fix it!

1. Signs show that your idle air control valve is in trouble 

Most of the time these problems will be noticed by drivers most of the time, especially if the hood is opened. It might not be noticed by less observant drivers that aren’t gearheads!

1.1. Unusual RPMS

The drivers should notice if the RPMs are either too high or too low above the 1000 rpm mark. It should stay steady without erratic movement. See this on the dashboard which should be checked because fuel efficiency might be compromised!

In case there is a problem with the engine, the indicator lights in the dashboard will be on. Notice and have it check as soon as possible or the car may just stop running altogether.

1.2. Stalling engine

When driving this happens when the RPMs is too low with the engine dying while on the road! Even repeated revving by the driver will stop the engine from dying!

Check the car engine regularly to avoid sudden stalling

1.3. Vacuum leak

Check out the vacuum line with soap and water to spot any leaks on them. Air bubbles aren’t supposed to appear. Then, have it checked by any technician later. 

1.4. Servomotor is faulty

This motor controls the angle, linear position, velocity, and acceleration by drawing in air for the air-fuel mixture. A lack of air or fuel will mess up the sensor and cause loss of fuel efficiency.

1.5. Partly or totally blocked

The wear and tear on the idle air control valve will make it dirty in time. Having it cleaned should avoid it getting blocked or partially jammed. DIY cleaning is best to do this task, especially for Filipino drivers to maximize fuel efficiency and consumption.

>>>  Read more articles about car engine maintenance tips: 

• How To Know If Your Car Engine Needs An Overhaul 
• Spotting 8 Early Symptoms of Engine Problems 
• 4 Essential Care Tips for Maintaining Your Car Engine

2. Essential tools for cleaning and repairing

DIYers should get all these tools with materials to clean it and repair without difficulty. They are cheap and readily available from any store or shop.

2.1. Screwdrivers

You’ll need this to remove and replace screws from the part to be repaired. Better to have several types and sizes that will be more convenient to use.

2.2. Wrench

Use either open or adjustable wrenches which is optional but having both is fine.

2.3. Nut driver

This tool will come in several sizes or one that can handle several sizes of nuts. Make sure the tool will fit the spaces on the air throttle body.

Essential car maintenance and repair tool kits

2.4. New gasket

This will be needed to replace the old one that is worn out. Have a replacement ready and don’t forget to have one when starting repairs!

2.5. Work gloves

Wear them to keep hands from getting dirty and to grip everything better, even when it is slippery.

2.6. Wiping rag or cloth

Clean everything when the repairs are done so that all grease or dirt is removed!

2.7. Carbon cleaner

This used to remove all the deposits in the air throttle body and clean the IACV.

3. All the steps to repair the idle air control valve

DIYers should do all these steps in succession to properly fix the part. Make sure none of the screws or nuts is lost because it will be hard to replace! Just make sure to follow all steps in order, not in random order. Experienced DIYers could do this or less experienced ones can opt for a mechanic to it.

Step #1

Open the hood and locate the idle air control valve (IACV) inside it. The IACV should be found at the intake manifold that is close to the air throttle body. Locating it and checking for leaks with other visual signs should be done. Use a light to see better when doing all these repairs.

Under the hood, the idle air control valve can be located at the intake manifold

Step #2 

Start to remove the air intake hose from the air throttle body by disengaging the screws that connect them together. Make sure not to lose the screws or any nuts because they are hard to replace.

Step #3

Disconnect the power cable from the battery’s negative terminal because the sensor is electronic and might be hard to replace on the spot!

You should disconnect the cable from the car battery

Step #4

Avoid loose threading the screws of the IACV by using the correct screwdriver to take off the screws. Use screwdrivers with magnetic ends to grabs the screws better.

Step #5

Look for the electrical plug connector and grasp gently to remove. Handle it roughly it can damage some parts of the terminal.

Step #6

Locate and remove the clamps and plugs connected to the IACV. Use a screwdriver with the right size and head to accomplish removing all screws left on the IACV. Check if the clamps and plugs are still okay and replace them later if needed

Check the clamps and plugs if they are still okay

Step #7

Take off the gasket on the air throttle body, and check if it needs to be replaced. Take note where it will be returned and replaced!

Step #8

The IACV is cleaned of deposits with the carbon cleaner that clears all debris inside it. Wipe the IACV clean with the rag until it cleans enough. It might take more than one time to get unclogged thoroughly. Repeat the process until all the deposits are removed.

Step #9

Look for any remaining deposits and residue in the IACV, manifold intake, and air throttle body to removes with a clean cloth or rag to do use. Next is to put in a new gasket on the cleaned and dry surface of the IACV. Double check for dirt or debris to prevent leaks.

Step #10

Reassemble the air throttle body, IACV, and reconnect all the screws and hoses that were removed earlier. Check all the screws are screwed in tight and the gasket is okay. Don’t forget to attach the hoses, power cable before leaving everything.

Step #11

Get in the car and start it and check for leaks with the RPMs too. If it all checks out, then it’s done well!

Filipino drivers will benefit from DIY cleaning the air throttle body and idle air control valve with savings on technical repairs. Visit Philkotse.com to equip yourself with helpful car maintenance tips!