How To Clean The Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V)

In this tutorial, I'll explain how to clean idle air control (IAC) valve on the 1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V.

Cleaning it is a very easy and simple process that you can do yourself and I'll explain how to do it in a step-by-step manner.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Limpiar El Regulador Del Ralentí (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

• 2.0L Honda CR-V: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.

IAC VALVE TEST: If you haven't tested the IAC valve yet, take a look at this tutorial: Testing The Idle Air Control Valve (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).

What Does The Idle Air Control Valve Do?

In plain English, the idle air control (IAC) valve's job is to maintain engine idle at a specified RPM value when the engine is running.

Specifically, the idle air control valve will either increase or decrease engine RPM depending on the load placed on the engine by accessories such as the A/C compressor, power steering pump, etc.

The idle air control valve is located on the intake manifold plenum and not on the throttle body.

It has a 2-wire electrical connector that supplies it with 12 Volts and a control signal. The IAC valve control signal comes from the fuel injection computer.

If the idle air control valve gets gummed up or blocked with carbon deposits, your Honda CR-V's engine idle will suffer and you may see a P0505: Idle Control System Malfunction trouble code registered in the fuel injection computer's memory.

You can learn more about the P0505 trouble code here: P0505 -What Does It Mean? (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).

How Clean The IAC Valve

The idle air control valve will eventually need cleaning (especially in high mileage engines) since carbon deposits will eventually form and reduce its performance.

It's important to note that you should use a new IAC valve gasket when re-installing the IAC valve back on the intake manifold.

The part number, for the IAC valve gasket is: Honda OEM Part Number: 36455-PM3-J01 and it usually costs about US$3.00.

You can run down to your local Honda Parts Dealer or you can Google the part number and buy it online.

CAUTION: Use safety glasses when using compressed air and/or carb-cleaner spray!

These are the cleaning steps:

1. 1

   Remove the IAC valve from the intake manifold (if it isn't already off).

2. 2

   Remove the IAC valve gasket from the valve.
   
   IMPORTANT: It's important to NOT re-use the gasket. A new one should be installed!
   
   When installing the IAC valve (with the new gasket) do not use any type of sealer (like RTV gasket sealant). RTV sealant is not needed and could eventually cause problems.

3. 3

   Spray carburetor cleaner spray into the 2 IAC valve ports and then turn the valve over to let the gummy fluid drain out.
   
   NOTE: Do not remove the wire mesh filter from the intake port of the IAC valve.

4. 4

   If you have compressed air available, spray carb-cleaner fluid in to the ports and then blow it with compressed air.
   
   It's important to use a very low PSI air pressure when cleaning the IAC valve to avoid damaging it.

Once you're done cleaning, re-install the idle air control valve with a new gasket.

Remember, install the gasket dry (no RTV gasket sealant) since none is needed and it could only cause problems down the line.

More 2.0L Honda CR-V Tutorials

You can find a complete list of tutorials here: Honda 2.0L Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:

• How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
• How To Test The Ignition Coil (1999-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
• How To Test The TPS (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
• How To Test The MAP Sensor (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1997-2001 2.0L Honda).