【TECH TIPS】Having Trouble When Starting or Rough Idling? Time to Check Your Idle Air Control Valve

Often found on the throttle body, the idle air control valve functions as its name indicates, it is a valve that opens and closes to release air flow into the engine for operation. It essentially acts as a gateway of throttle body to maintain the air needed at a steady idle speed. A failing idle air control valve usually causes idle issues and several other symptoms as following.

Symptoms of a Failing Air Control Valve

Difficulty when Starting : When an idle air control valve fails, the valve can no longer provide an adequate amount of air for engine operation and hence may cause trouble when starting.
Engine Turns off and Dies : Malfunction idle air control valve will cause the engine starves of air and dies after starting.
Rough Idling : Inconsistent airflow will make unusual sounds when your car operates at idle speed.
Backfiring : Insufficient air during engine operation leads to a bad air-to-fuel mixture ratio, with some fuel left after the spark, which then goes through the system and might cause a backfire.

What Causes Malfunction Idle Air Control Valve

Clogged : With airflow coming in and out through idle air control valve, it’s inevitable for contaminants to clog or jam in the valve chamber. With the time of use, the particles could damage the part’s internals and cause a malfunctioning valve.
Failing : Weared seals or failed solenoids cause faulty electrical signals for idle air control valve and thus lead to failing operation.

How to Fix Clogged or Failing Idle Air Control Valve

Cleaning : Use intake system cleaner kit and follow the instruction to clean built-up carbon and other harmful deposits , cleaner kits usually consist complete fuel system cleaner, intake system cleaner, and throttle plate and carb cleaner.
Replacing : If cleaning could not improve the irregular operation of idle air control valve, we highly suggest you to double check with nearby mechanics to see if the idle air control valve replacement is needed.