Things You'll Need:
- Carburetor cleaner Screwdriver Set of ¼-inch sockets ¼-inch ratchet
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Step 1
Locate the idle air valve on the engine. It is near the intake on the side of the engine. (Remember that the front is the side where the belts are located, and is actually the "side" of the engine near the fenderwell---the front is near the radiator).
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Step 2
Using the common screwdriver, remove the electrical plug on the back of the idle air control valve. Do not break the plastic tang holding the wiring harness to the sensor, as this is what keeps the wiring harness from vibrating off the sensor.
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Step 3
Using the appropriate tool, remove the two screws or bolts holding the idle air control valve on the block. Depending on the year, make and model of the car, it could be screws, hex screws or small bolts.
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Step 4
Spray the pointed end of the valve with carburetor cleaner. Wipe it clean. You may have to repeat until all of the carbon is removed from the idle air control valve. Do not get carburetor cleaner on the electrical connections. Try to get as little as possible into the body of the valve. Hold the valve pointed downward to spray the carburetor cleaner on it, so that the carburetor cleaner does not drip into the housing.
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Step 5
Replace the idle air control valve and plug the wiring harness in. Start the car to make sure it idles properly. If so, test drive the car to make sure the engine does not shut off when you are turning a corner or coming to a stop, especially with the air conditioning running. If it does, the cleaning did not work, and you will need to replace the idle air control valve.
