If a vehicle idles erratically and surges (idle speed is not steady and increases and decreases), the problem may be a buildup of carbon or fuel varnish deposits in the idle speed control valve (also called the idle air control valve or IAC valve). The cure for this condition is to clean the valve with some aerosol throttle cleaner or engine top cleaner.
Here's how to clean the IAC valve:
Disconnect the air intake ductwork from the throttle body.
Start the engine, then increase and hold the idle speed to 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.
Spray the throttle cleaner or engine cleaner into the throat of the throttle body, aiming for the idle air bypass port (usually located on the side or top of the throttle body opening). Give this area a good dose of cleaner (about 10 second's worth).
Turn the engine off to allow the cleaner to soak into the IAC passageway.
Wait about three minutes.
Restart the engine, rev and hold at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm, and repeat the cleaning process again.
Turn the engine off again, and reattach the air intake ductwork to the throttle body.
Start the engine and rev and hold to 1,500 to 2,000 rpm until no white smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe.
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Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 AT 9:50 PM