Clean an Idle Air Control Valve in a Honda Accord

An idle air control valve (IACV) adjusts a car's idle depending on the amount of air that is entering the engine. The car's computer takes readings of idle control adjustments and regulates the car's rpm accordingly. Therefore, if the idle air control valve is not functioning properly, you will notice that your car is revving or idling irregularly. A high, fluctuating or erratic idle, or an idle that stalls out sporadically, is a sign that you may need to clean the idle air control valve. You do not need to be a mechanic in order to clean the IACV, but you will need some familiarity with the car parts under your hood. If you drive a Honda accord and your idle control is acting up, you will find that the IACV is readily accessible for ease of maintenance. Follow these directions for how to clean a Honda idle air control valve.

Steps

  1. Purchase a new IACV gasket. You will need to replace the old one on your Honda IACV before returning it back to its place under the hood.
  2. Locate the IACV. You will find it at the back center of the under hood area, near the throttle body (TB) and mounted on the rear of the intake manifold (IM). You will have to remove the TB intake hose in order to gain access to area of the IM that is connected to the IACV.
  3. Remove the Honda idle air control valve.
    • Unscrew the 2 bolts attaching the IACV to the intake manifold. You will have to feel around for the lower bolt, which will be just out of plain sight.
    • Pull out the gray plug from the right side of the Honda IACV.
    • Remove the blue plug from the throttle body.
    • Locate the coolant hose that attaches the IACV to the TB.
    • Use needle-nose pliers to pull back the clamp that holds the coolant hose in place and then pull the hose out. This will provide enough slack to pull the Honda idle air control valve to the front so you can completely remove it.
    • Detach the last 2 hoses from the IACV in order to free it for cleaning.
  4. Remove the gasket from the Honda IACV and throw it away.
  5. Examine the valve so as to identify the carbon build up that must be cleaned out. Note the areas with the heaviest concentration of filth, as you will need to pay special attention to them during the cleaning.
  6. Clean the Honda idle air control valve. Spray the valve with the carb cleaner, being sure to thoroughly saturate the heavy buildup.
  7. Allow the IACV to dry completely.
  8. Put the new gasket in its place.
  9. Reinstall the IACV going backwards through the uninstall process.
  10. Adjust the idle control to its ideal setting.



Warnings

  • Do not start your car with the Honda idle air control valve out.

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement Honda IACV gasket
  • Small ratchet socket wrench
  • 10 mm socket
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Carb cleaner

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