How Does An Idle Air Control Valve Work? new for 2022

Many drivers are unaware of the function of an idle air control valve and how it can affect their car’s performance.

An idle air control valve is an important part of your car’s engine that helps to regulate the engine’s idle speed. If this valve is not working properly, it can cause a variety of problems.

How Does An Idle Air Control Valve Work? In this post, we’ll provide information on how each component works and how to maintain it.

What Is an Idle Air Control Valve?

Your car’s idle air control valve is responsible for regulating the amount of air that flows into the engine when the throttle is closed. This is important, because the right mix of air and fuel is needed in order for the engine to run properly.

The IAC valve is controlled by the car’s computer, and it will open or close as needed to keep the engine idling smoothly, regardless of external conditions such as temperature and humidity.

An idle air control valve is usually located on the throttle body, and is actuated by a vacuum.

How Does An Idle Air Control Valve Work

So, what exactly is the idle air control valve and how does it operate? The name implies that this valve regulates the amount of air supplied to your engine while it is idling. It works in tandem with your car’s throttle body to regulate flow.

The cylinders of your car’s engine are filled with gasoline and air, which is burned to produce energy. When you step on the gas pedal, the engine control unit (ECU) opens the throttle body, allowing more air into the engine. Meanwhile, fuel injectors spray in more fuel to create more power.

The throttle body seals when you release the gas pedal, cutting off the air supply. However, your engine still requires air to idle, and this is where the idle air control valve comes in: it opens automatically to allow air into the engine, effectively bypassing the throttle body.

The valve is fed information from a variety of sensors. If the ECU detects that you will idle, it opens the valve to allow air into the engine so that it does not stall. Because modern vehicles utilize direct or port injection, where fuel is directly injected into the engine and does not have to combine before reaching the engine as in carburetors, there is no need for a bypass valve in the fuel system.

Symptoms Of a Clogged or Bad Idle Air Control Valve

Your car has several ways of telling you that its idle air control valve is acting up. However, take note that these symptoms could be just general and might not be an accurate diagnosis 100% of the time. Inspecting, cleaning, or replacing your valve may not entirely fix the problem as there might be other issues with the engine itself.

Starting Issues

If an engine isn’t receiving enough air, it might have a hard time starting up. This could be caused by an problem with the idle air control valve.

Idling is poor/rough

When the source of air into the engine is fluctuating, it creates a glugging, hesitant, and revving and dying sound. Something will be wrong.

The car starts and then dies

If the valve is prone to failure, or if it only works in specific phases of the changeover, the automobile may be able to start before it runs out of air and dies.

Backfiring

If the engine doesn’t take in enough air, then the amount of fuel supplied will be incorrect. Any leftover fuel after the spark could ignite within the system and cause a backfire.

How to Change a Faulty Idle Air Control Valve

Find the Idle Air Control Valve

You might think it would be difficult to find, but the idle air control valve is usually located near or on your throttle body or intake manifold. After you locate the valve, you can move on to the next step.

Disconnect the Battery

If you are working with electrical components, always disconnect the battery first. If you don’t, a static charge could build up and damage other components. This can be costly to repair.

Gain Control of the Idle Control Valve

If you have a smaller car, you can probably skip this step. But if there’s something blocking your access to the idle air control valve, then you’ll need to remove it.

Disconnect the Sensor

To remove the electrical connector on the backside of the idle air control valve, you will need to unscrew it by hand. Oftentimes these connectors can get jammed and be tricky to take off, so if that happens use a small flat head screwdriver for assistance. Just be cautious not to break anything in the process!

Remove the Bolt

Two bolts hold the idle air control valve in place. Remove the old idle air control valve by gently pulling it away from the engine.

Install the New/Cleaned Idle Air Control Valve

Before installing your new idle air control valve, be sure to align the bolt holes. Afterward, reinstall the bolts and reconnect the electrical connector.

Reinstall Any Removed Components

If you took any components off to access the idle air control valve, put them back on now.

Reconnect the Battery

Because you unplugged the battery while installing the parts, the engine control light has been reset. You should be able to drive once you reconnect the battery!