In this article, we’re going to talk about one part in the engine system called the
“Idle Air Control Valve” or in some country also known as idle speed control valve (ISCV)
Or idle speed stabilizer. I hope after reading this article,
You will know the basic function, bad symptoms,
The average replacement cost and tips to clean. Here we go:
How an Idle Air Control Valve Works
The idle air control 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).
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For instance, whenever you stop or park your vehicle,
The engine will continue running. The engine must run at a speed of
Somewhere around 700 and 1,100 RPM while it is idle. This helps prevent the engine
From stalling out or using more fuel than necessary.
If the engine idle speed goes higher than 1,100 RPM or
Lower than 700 RPM, the idle air control valve works to either decrease or
Increase the speed; respectively. That way, the speed can stay within the proper RPM range.
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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.
Once the engine control unit knows the electrical system load and the engine’s temperature, it will be able to properly manage the idle control valve.
So, that the idle speed either goes up or down.
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Top 3 Symptoms of a Bad Idle Air Control Valve
When your vehicle’s idle air control valve starts to go bad,
You will be able to notice some strange symptoms. Many of these symptoms will impact
Your ability to drive and operate your vehicle.
That is why you need to take them seriously and
Get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you notice them.
Below are the top 3 symptoms of a bad idle air control valve.
1. Check Engine Warning Light.
Since the idle air control valve is a component of the engine,
The engine control unit monitors its status regularly.
If the control valve were to malfunction or go bad for any reason,
The engine control unit would activate the Check Engine warning light on the dashboard.
Of course, you probably won’t know exactly what is wrong with your engine simply by
Seeing that light illuminate. Any part associated with the engine could be faulty,
But at least you will know that some problem exists.
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.
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If the idle air control valve is not working properly,
Then the engine won’t receive this air.
As a result, the idle speed will be thrown out of whack and
Cause the engine to stall.
3. Fluctuating Idle Speed.
When you experience irregular or fluctuating engine idle speed,
This usually means your idle air control valve is bad. After all, this control valve is supposed to manage the engine idle speed.
So, it stays at a normal RPM rate.
If the valve is bad, then it won’t be able to succeed at its job. As a result, the engine idle speed will be all over the place. It may jump really high above 1,100 RPM or it may jump lower than 700 RPM. Sometimes it will go back and forth from high to low. You can be sure the idle air control valve is to blame when this happens.
Replacement Cost
The replacement cost of an idle control valve is anywhere from $120 to $500. The cost of the parts alone will be between $70 and $400+,
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The labor cost should only be around $50 to $100.
Because it doesn’t take that long to remove and replace the old idle control valve.
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If you have auto mechanic skills,
Then you could save yourself $100 by doing this replacement job yourself. But if you don’t have the confidence to do it,
Then it is worth spending that extra money for a professional too;
Replace the valve for you.
Overall, the replacement cost is not that much in the long run.
If you were to leave the control valve alone and not replace it,
Then your engine could suffer damage. Then you’d be looking at thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Tips to Clean
To assist you to get the most life viable out of your idle air manipulate valve,
You need to easy it periodically. This preservation undertaking is not as intricate as you might think. You don’t even need to be a car expert to determine it out.
All you want to do is know the place the idle air control valve is located,
After you elevate the hood of your vehicle.
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If you comprehend the place the throttle intake manifold is located,
The idle air manage valve must be right after it. Of course, you’ll want to disconnect the air cleaner hose with a screwdriver. This will assist you to see the throttle physique where the valve is located.
Now you’ll have to put off the idle air manage valve by way of;
Detaching the battery cables and
Removing the screws from the valve. Make sure your vehicle is completely shut off or
Else you would possibly get an electric shock.
Go Pro For More HighlightsWhen you have eliminated the valve,
You’ll favor to spray it with a carburetor cleaner.
Find a soft smooth cloth or rag and use it to wipe away the carbon debris that has accumulated on the valve. You can also go in advance and clean the throttle physique too. Once the cleansing is done,
Reconnect the valve and cables returned in their authentic positions.
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