Idle Control Valve Hose

Steps in Cleaning Your Idle Control Valve Hose

The idle control valve is easy to spot-it can be found on the top right in the center of the motor. Connected to it is the idle control valve hose, which plays a small but necessary role in helping the former maintain the proper idle speed in your car. Cleaning both components will drastically help in preventing or curing carbon buildup in your car. Learn the steps as you read on below.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Tools that you'll need:

• Set of sockets
• Caruretor cleaner
• Rags
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Replacement gasket

Step 1: Shut down engine before you start working and open the hood to let it cool. Next, detach the negative battery cable and loosen the nut from the cable. Pull this away from the terminal. Once that's done, you can locate the idle air control valve in the center of the engine. Locate where its hose is placed.

Step 2: Pull the tabs out and do this also for the connector off the idle air valve to unplug the wiring harness connector. Unfasten the two retaining screws and lift the idle air valve off the engine. Afterwards, trace the hose from the air box to the throttle body.

Step 3: Remove the screws from the clamp attaching the hose to the throttle body and move it out of the way. Trace the electrical connection which is attached to the idle control valve and pull them off the three hoses. Unbolt the four mounting screws on top of the idle air control valve and remove both valve and gasket.

Step 4: Liberally spray carbon cleaner into the two valves and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure that the valves are properly cleaned both outside and inside. Do this for its hose too. Next, wipe down the inside part of the valves with rags and remove as much of the carbon buildup as you can. Allow it to dry for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: With a new gasket, remount the idle air control valve. Secure the screws, substitute the electrical connection and hoses. Finally, reattach the negative battery cable and start the engine. Let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. If the computer remains inconsistent to its original idle speed, better replace the idle air control valve.

Cleaning an idle control valve and its hose can take only about 30 minutes for a regular DIY-er. This does not only save you time, but it also allows you to have your car running with relative ease.