on a 1996, 302:

I am working on my slightly rough idling engine and thought the idle air control valve might be a good thing to replace.

where is it?

can it be cleaned/

what about aftermarket brands -- ok?

 

According to my manual, there is a cleanable and non-cleanable unit.

Gasoline Engines

The idle air control valve (IAC valve) (9F715) is used to control engine idle speed and dashpot functions. The idle air control valve is mounted on the throttle body (9E926) and allows air to bypass the throttle plate. The amount of air allowed to bypass the throttle plate, will be determined by the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) and will be controlled by a duty cycle signal.

CAUTION:
Use of unapproved solvents may damage the IAC valve.

Idle Air Control Valve


Gasoline Engines


Recommended Cleaning Procedure

1. CAUTION: Use only specified cleaner. Do not spray directly on throttle plate or use any type of scrubbing method.

Note: Applies only to 7.0L.

Make sure bypass actuator is operating properly. Refer to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis Manual ŤOBDIť or ŤOBDIIť.

2. Remove air cleaner outlet tube (9B659).

3. Disconnect idle air control valve connector.

4. Connect Rotunda Air Bypass Valve Actuator 164-R3756 and Fuel Injector Tester/Cleaner 164-R3750 or equivalent.

5. Start the actuator and then start the vehicles that do not have airflow meters. Do not start engines (6007) of vehicles equipped with mass air flow sensor (MAF sensor) (12B579).

6. Spray Carburetor Tune Up Cleaner D9AZ-19579-AA meeting Ford specification ESR-M14P9-A or equivalent into idle air control valve port for five seconds while actuator is operating. Avoid direct spraying on throttle plate bore area.

7. Turn off the actuator and stop engine, (if running). Allow solvent to soak for 15 minutes.

8. Turn on actuator and start engine. Do not start engines on vehicles equipped with a mass air flow sensor.

9. On vehicles with mass air flow sensors, spray carburetor cleaner into idle air bypass passage for no longer than six seconds. On all other vehicles, spray for up to one minute.

10. Operate the actuator and make sure the solvent is purged from the idle air control valve (IAC valve) (9F715).

11. Turn off actuator and stop engine, (if running).

12. Install air cleaner outlet tube. Start actuator and engine and run engine for one minute to dry out solvent residue.

13. Disconnect actuator from bypass valve. Connect idle air control valve electrical connector.

14. Start engine and check for normal operation.


Alternate Cleaning Procedure

1. Note: Use this method only when Rotunda Air Bypass Valve Actuator 164-R3756 and Fuel Injector Tester/Cleaner 164-R3750 or equivalents for the recommended method are not available.

Remove the idle air control valve from the upper manifold assembly as outlined. Remove the electrical solenoid assembly from the mechanical portion of the idle air control valve by removing the two screws, then sliding the mechanical portion away from the solenoid.

2. CAUTION: Do not exceed three minutes soak time, and do not use choke cleaner; an internal O-ring may begin to deteriorate.

Soak the mechanical portion in Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner D9AZ-19579-BA meeting Ford specification ESR-M14P9-A or equivalent for three minutes maximum.

3. With the mechanical portion completely submerged, shake in all directions: up, down, right, and left. Then push in on the rod that mates with the solenoid assembly, and again shake in all directions with the unit submerged and the rod held in as far as possible.

4. Remove the unit from the cleaner and dry out thoroughly using compressed air.

 

Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve


Gasoline Engines


Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.

2. Disconnect the idle air control valve assembly connector from the wiring harness.

3. Remove the two idle air control valve retaining bolts.


Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve -- Gasoline Engines



4. Remove the idle air control valve (IAC valve) (9F715) and gasket.




Installation

1. Note: If scraping is necessary, be careful not to damage sealing areas of idle air control valve or throttle body gasket surfaces, or drop material into throttle body, or intake manifold.

Make sure that both throttle body and idle air control valve gasket surfaces are clean.

2. Install gasket and idle air control valve on throttle body (9E926) or intake manifold surfaces.



3. Install retaining screws. Tighten to 9.5 N-m (84 lb-in).



4. Connect electrical connector for the idle air control valve.

5. Reconnect negative battery cable.