Location of Idle Air Control (?)

[hklaine]

Hey Folks.

 

I have seen a lot of discussion suggesting that the Air Idle Controller be cleaned, but haven't found a description of its location. Where can I find this wonderful device? ('96 Legacy 2.2). Tricks/Tips for cleaning it?

 

I've been having some issues with a high idle when I come to a stop lately and last night the car decided that it wouldn't start at all. A half hour and a few more attempts later it started but threw a Crank Sensor CEL and ran a bit choppy.

 

I replaced the sensor and everything seems to be back to normal. As preventative maintenance I plan to also replace the CAM sensor and clean the Air Idle Controller, but I don't know where the latter is. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

-Heikki

[Olnick]

Good idea, hklaine. I cleaned the IAC on our Maxima a year ago, then on my '95 Legacy L just recently. In both cases I was shocked at how gunky they get inside (where does it come from?)

 

Anyway--look into the engine bay from the passenger side fender. The IAC is right below the throttle body, it sits at a 45 degree angle, sorta' facing the air filter box. Has a grey plastic electrical actuator on top.

 

You'll have to remove the large air intake tube that feeds the throttle body to get a clear shot at it. Then remove the air feed hose and the two small coolant hoses attached to the IAC. Three bolts hold it to the intake manifold--two are obvious and one is hidden under the lower right side (you'll need a universal joint and a short extender to reach it.)

 

When you lift the IAC out be careful, here's a gasket between it and the mounting surface--mine was in good shape so I re-used it.

 

I then removed the grey plastic actuator (two philips screws if I remember correctly) so I could turn the valve by hand. The valve itself is a slotted cylinder that turns on a vertical axis--it turned but felt a bit sticky.

 

Then came the thrill. I sprayed it generously with carburetor cleaner (used brake cleaner too--don't know which is better!) and watched the black gunk flow out. Suddenly the valve broke loose, turned smoothly and freely with very little effort. I assumed this was how it should be, so I was quite pleased!

 

Put it all back together and the car's been running great. Don't know how much is due to the IAC since I cleaned/replaced other things at the same time. However, I do know that the "butt dyno" is making some very positive readings.

 

Good luck!

[hklaine]

Great! Thanks for the info. I guess I will be tearing into this tomorrow.

 

-Heikki

[hklaine]

I can't say for sure that cleaning this thing out made much difference as I did spark plugs at the same time, but there was certainly a good amount of nasty black grime inside of it and I am sure I can't hurt to keep these things clean. Thanks again for the info.

 

-Heikki