How to Clean a 1996 Acura Integra's Air Idle Control Valve

If your 1996 Acura Integra keeps stalling out when you stop, the problem could be a dirty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve can be cleaned, but cleaning it does not always make it work properly. Try cleaning it before purchasing a new one -- if the cleaning doesn't take, that means there is something wrong with the electronics inside the valve, and no amount of cleaning will make it work again.

Things You'll Need

• Set of sockets
• Carburetor cleaner
• Rags

Instructions

1. Turn off the engine and open the hood. Locate the idle air control valve in the center of the engine, near the firewall. The engine sits sideways in the engine compartment, so that side is considered the passenger side, even though it is against the firewall, instead of the passenger fender. Unplug the wiring harness connector by pulling the tabs out and pulling the connector off the idle air valve. Unbolt the two retaining screws and lift the idle air valve off the engine.

2. Spray the pintle with carburetor cleaner. The pintle is the metal piece that sticks out of the body, and is usually covered with black carbon from the engine. Wipe the pintle down with rags. Be sure that no carburetor cleaner gets into the electrical part of the connector and where the pintle goes into the body of the valve.

3. Dry the pintle off completely. Reinstall the idle air control valve and tighten the bolts firmly. Plug in the wiring harness connector.

References

• Auto Zone: Repair Manual for 1996 Acura Integra: Idle Air Control Valve Location