How to Clean the IAC Valve on a 1990 Ford Pickup

Maintain your IAC valve to ensure maximum idle speed.

The idle air control valve in your Ford pickup is a crucial part of controlling the vehicle's idle speed. The idle air control valve is commonly called the IAC valve and can become dirty and clogged over time. If you notice your Ford pickup beginning to stall frequently or have a strange idle, it's time to clean the valve. Cleaning the valve can be done with a few steps with minimal tools.

Things You'll Need

• Owner's manual
• Socket wrench
• Throttle body cleaner
• Wire brush
• Rag

Instructions

1. Place the Ford in park and allow the vehicle to cool down for a half-hour. This will prevent all components from being hot and causing severe burns.

2. Open the hood of the Ford and locate the IAC valve. The IAC valve is attached to the throttle body and is a 3- to 4-inch cylinder unit. The Ford owner's manual will have a diagram, if needed.

3. Disconnect the valve harness by puling it out of place. Using a socket wrench, remove the two bolts holding the valve into the valve mount. Remove the IAC valve from its mount by simply pulling it off the mount.

4. Spray throttle body cleaner inside the IAC valve and inside the holes. Clean away built-up carbon and debris using a wire brush and rag.

5. Reinstall the IAC valve onto the mount. Replace the two bolts and tighten using the socket wrench to ensure the valve is secured in place. Plug the harness back into the valve and close the hood of your Ford pickup.

References

• MoodyM: Cleaning the IAC Valve
• Free Auto Mechanic: IAC Testing & Removal
• Ford Fleet: Ford Pickup Owner Manuals

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish