01What you will need

  • Safety gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Rubber gloves
  • Wrench set
  • Clean cloth
  • Throttle body cleaner
  • Brush with soft bristles

02Step 1: Prepare

  • Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
  • Put on safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any harmful chemicals.
  • Open the hood of your car and locate the idle control valve. It is usually attached to the throttle body.

03Step 2: Remove the ICV

  • Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery to prevent any electrical accidents.
  • Use a wrench set to loosen the clamps that secure the ICV to the throttle body.
  • Carefully detach the ICV from the throttle body and place it on a clean cloth.

04Step 3: Clean the ICV

  • Spray throttle body cleaner onto the ICV to dissolve any carbon deposits and dirt.
  • Use a brush with soft bristles to gently scrub away the dirt and deposits from the ICV.
  • Ensure that all the openings and passages of the ICV are thoroughly cleaned.
  • Wipe the ICV with a clean cloth to remove any excess cleaner or debris.

05Step 4: Reinstall the ICV

  • Carefully place the cleaned ICV back onto the throttle body.
  • Tighten the clamps that secure the ICV to the throttle body using a wrench set.
  • Reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery.
  • Close the hood of your car.

06Step 5: Test the ICV

  • Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes.
  • Observe the engine's idle speed and listen for any irregularities.
  • If the idle speed is stable and the engine runs smoothly, the cleaning process was successful.
  • If you still experience issues with the idle control, it may be necessary to replace the ICV.

Conclusion

Cleaning your car's idle control valve is a straightforward process that can help improve the overall performance of your vehicle. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the ICV can prevent clogs and ensure smooth engine operation. If you are unsure about any step in the cleaning process, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic.

MethodsDetails
Step 1Prepare and gather the necessary tools and safety equipment.
Step 2Disconnect the ICV from the throttle body.
Step 3Clean the ICV using throttle body cleaner and a soft-bristle brush.
Step 4Reinstall the ICV onto the throttle body.
Step 5Test the ICV by starting the engine and monitoring the idle speed.
car
idle control valve
cleaning
car maintenance