Idle Air Control Valve: Cleaning

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Safari and 2003 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: DO NOT soak IAC valve in any liquid cleaner or solvent, as damage may result. If IAC valve has been in service, DO NOT push or pull on IAC valve pintle. The force required to move the IAC valve pintle may damage the threads on the worm drive. If you are installing a new IAC valve, replace the valve with an identical part. The IAC valve pintle shape and diameter are designed for the specific application.

Before installation, clean "O" ring sealing surface, pintle seat and air passage. Use a carburetor cleaner and a parts cleaning brush in order to remove any carbon deposits. Follow the instructions on the container. If air passage has heavy deposits, remove throttle body for complete cleaning. See THROTTLE BODY under AIR INDUCTION SYSTEMS. Shiny spots on the pintle or seat are normal and do not indicate misalignment or a bent pintle shaft.