Things You'll Need:
- Hose clamp remover tool
- Screwdriver (flat and Phillips head)
- 1 can of carburetor cleaner
- Grease rag
- 1/4 in ratchet and proper sized socket (most likely a 10mm)
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Step 1
Stalling at an idle or almost-idle is caused by a few different things, but the biggest culprit is the idle air motor or the little vacuum hose next to it. First, check the vacuum hose for dry-rot, cracks and make sure it is clamped down tightly. If all looks good with that, you can move on to the idle air motor or valve.
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Step 2
Some idle air motors can be cleaned and will work again. The idle air is generally right near the throttle body. First unplug the wiring harness connector. You may have to use the flat head screwdriver to pry open the snaps. The idle air will have either screws or bolts holding it in. There are usually only two. Using the proper tool, unscrew the idle air from the block.
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Step 3
If the idle air needle (it is about as thick as your pinky finger) is black, it is dirty. That is carbon build-up. Using the carb cleaner, spray only the needle and wipe it clean. You will have to do this quite a few times to get all the carbon build-up off. Do not get carb cleaner on any of the electrical parts of the motor. You may not be able to get the idle air motor perfectly clean, but that is all right. Dry the idle air motor off good before re-installing it into your car.
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Step 4
Insert the idle air motor back into the block. Tighten to two screws down, going back and forth until they are snug. Do not over tighten them, as they could break off in the block. They just need to be snug. Plug the connector back in. Look to make sure you did not dislodge any other wires or the vacuum hose near the idle air motor.
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Step 5
Start the car. You may have to drive it a bit to see cleaning the idle air motor or valve worked. If your engine light is on, check your users manual for instructions on clearing codes. If you are working on a pre-1995 vehicle, you can clear the codes on most makes and models by disconnecting the battery for five minutes. If the stalling problem persists, you will need to have your car properly diagnosed or the cleaning did not work. Cleaning the idle air does not work on all cars or all types of idle air control motors and valves, but it's worth a try as it is not a time consuming job.
