How to Replace the Idle Air Control Valve on a Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is available with two different engines. Both engines have idle air control valves and other than location, replacing the valve is the same in both engines. A faulty idle air control valve (IAC valve) can cause irregular engine idle speeds and can even cause your engine to stall. Replacement should take 15 to 20 minutes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Replacement idle air control valve
• Replacement gasket

1. Locate the idle air control valve on your Escape. On 3.0L V-6 engines, the valve is located directly on top of the intake manifold, in the center of the engine bay. It is directly to the left of the air intake assembly. On 2.3L four-cylinder engines, it is mounted on the side of the intake manifold, behind a plastic cover.

2. Unhook the negative battery cable.

3. Remove the three screws from the plastic cover if your Escape has the four-cylinder engine. Move the cover out of the way.

4. Unhook the electrical connection attached to the idle air control valve by pressing the tab and pulling out.

5. Remove the two screws mounting the idle air control valve. Take the valve and its gasket off. The gasket can't be reused.

6. Mount the new idle air control valve and gasket. Tighten the screws and reattach the electrical connection.

7. Replace the plastic cover (2.3L four-cylinder models). Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Tips & Warnings

• Ford recommends using Motorcraft (Ford factory) replacement parts for your Escape. However, aftermarket idle air control valves are available, usually at a reduced cost.
• This tutorial is not applicable to the Ford Escape hybrid.

Resources

• AutoZone.com: Ford Escape Repair Guide
• Ford Motorcraft
• AutoPartsWarehouse: Motorcraft Idle Control Valve

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