How do you know if the Idle Air Control Valve is going bad?

70

Asked by JHFetner Aug 03, 2014 at 04:20 PM about the 1987 Ford F-250

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

6 Answers

199,805

Low or rough idle. Stalling when slowing to stop. But runs normally at highway speeds. Turn ac on-- does vehicle idle up. If not possibly dirty/faulty idle air control valve or dirty throttle plate.

3 people found this helpful.
70

It has been doing this since I tuned the engine. Checked auto parts store and a new one is about $60.00...they recommend a new replacement and not to try and clean the old one.

1 people found this helpful.
199,805

Honestly that's rather cheap compared to some. I would try cleaning first. But then again it's twenty seven years old. Personal experience with one in my 1985 z28. Took it off, cleaned it and then turned key on so I could see if the plunger moved. Damn thing (plunger) shot across the shed. Lol. Had to buy a new one anyway.

2 people found this helpful.
70

Replaced the air control valve today and the truck is running much better. Thanks for all the feedback folks!

Another good tip is spray carb. cleaner around the base of the carb. I needed new gaskets but I had the carburetor off so it gets a good cleaning also

Your Answer:

F-250

Looking for a Used F-250 in your area?

CarGurus has 6 nationwide F-250 listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,070
  • #2
    MikeSt
    Reputation
    990
  • #3
    MrRatchet42
    Reputation
    800
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
315 Great Deals out of 13,484 listings starting at $4,888
Used GMC Sierra 1500
140 Great Deals out of 7,834 listings starting at $5,500
Used Ford Mustang
35 Great Deals out of 1,585 listings starting at $5,977

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.