
The idle air control valve is located on the driver side rear portion of the throttle body on the 2004 Ford F-150. But what does an idle air control valve do exactly You may be asking Yourself. Well its purpose is to control and regulate the engine idle speed, increasing and decreasing it as necessary to keep up with operating conditions.
Full Answer
Can a Ford F-150 idle air control valve be replaced?
Fortunately, the IAC valve on most Ford F-150 models are easily accessed and can be cleaned or replaced entirely in a matter of minutes. This article will outline the removal, cleaning, and replacement of the idle air control valve on 1997 to 2003 Ford F-150 models.
What does IAC stand for on a Ford F150?
This article applies to the Ford F-150 (1997-2003). The idle air control (IAC) valve is used in many electronic fuel-injected engines to maintain proper engine idle. This electronically controlled valve works to vary the amount of air entering the engine while the throttle body is closed to stabilize...
Why is my Ford F-150 stalling at idle?
Driveability issues are often some of the most difficult problems to diagnose, but an erratic idle or frequent stalling on the F-150 is often a faulty idle air control valve. A quick cleaning or replacement of the IAC valve can typically solve this problem at an inexpensive price. This article applies to the Ford F-150 (1997-2003).
Where is the idle control valve located on a car?
Most idle control valves come in the form of a motorized valve or motor that is mounted somewhere on the vehicle's intake manifold.When the engine is cold, the IAC valve helps to get it started. If it breaks down on You or starts to malfunction, then You are going to have to get it replaced.

Where is the IAC valve on a Ford f150?
2:0510:482003 Ford F-150 IAC Valve Replacement ***Symptoms and Full ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCover and that will give us a little extra room to get both hands in there to hopefully be able toMoreCover and that will give us a little extra room to get both hands in there to hopefully be able to replace that idle air control valve uh back there under the firewall.
Where is the idle air control valve located?
throttle bodyLocating the Idle Air Control Valve The IACV is usually located on the intake manifold near the back of the throttle body.
What are the symptoms of a failing idle air control valve?
7 Symptoms Of A Bad Idle Air Control Valve & Replacement CostUnstable Idle Speed.Constant Engine Stalling.Engine Backfire.Rough Idle.Stalling or Hesitation Under Load.Check Engine Light.Engine Won't Start.
What happens when the idle control valve goes out?
If the idle control valve fails completely, it may leave the vehicle without a source of air to maintain a proper idle. This may result in the engine stalling while operating, and in some cases may result in an engine that will not idle at all, and stalls as soon as it is started.
How do I replace the idle air control valve?
0:238:34Idle Air Control Valve (IAC) Clean and Replace DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen unconnect the one connector to the mass airflow sensor loosen this and loosen your bolts. PullMoreThen unconnect the one connector to the mass airflow sensor loosen this and loosen your bolts. Pull it right. Off. So right under here is your idle air control valve right here.
How do I reset my idle air control valve?
You can reset the idle air control (IAC) valve by turning the car on, putting the car into park, pressing the brake down, then pushing the gas pedal down, counting down about 5 seconds, turning the car off, waiting 10 seconds and start the car again, checking to see if the car is idling properly.
What happens if the idle air control valve is stuck open?
Q: What happens if idle air control valve is stuck open? If a car's idle air control valve is stuck open, it will create a rich air-fuel ratio while the vehicle idles. Therefore, the car's engine may start well while warm and run until it reaches a high enough RPM.
Can you clean a idle air control valve?
How do you clean an IAC valve? After relocating the IAC valve, you need to unscrew it and detach all the wires. You can clean it by soaking it in gasoline and blowing compressed air into it. Then, reattach it with the screws and reconnect the wires.
How do you test a Ford IAC valve?
0:000:57How to Test Idle Air Control Valve (IAC) 1986 Ford F150 IAC - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it doesn't matter which direction you touch the positive and negative lead as long as you'reMoreAnd it doesn't matter which direction you touch the positive and negative lead as long as you're touching them both whoops. She'll go up and then she'll hold steady where it's supposed to be.
How to tell if IAC valve is faulty?
Symptoms of a faulty or malfunctioning IAC valve include hard starting, rough or erratic idle, engine stalling, and engine stumbling during take-off. Fortunately, the IAC valve on most Ford F-150 models are easily accessed and can be cleaned or replaced entirely in a matter of minutes.
What is an IAC valve?
The idle air control (IAC) valve is used in many electronic fuel-injected engines to maintain proper engine idle. This electronically controlled valve works to vary the amount of air entering the engine while the throttle body is closed to stabilize the idle. Over time and mileage, it is common for carbon buildup to collect in ...
How to remove throttle body cover?
Whenever working on your car or truck, especially with electrical components, it is typically a good idea to disconnect the battery. Disconnect the battery cable from the negative (black) battery terminal.
Anonymous
it will be on the throtle body this is were the throtle cable hooks up to unless it is a drive by wire (no cable) then it will not have a iac if you are having idling problems with an drive by wire you will need to replace the throtle control $$$$$$$$$$ 500 600 for part but it is a bolt on and go part no programig
Anonymous
1st of all when Ford started out with putting "EGR's" on those diesel engines, they rushed it and are nothing less than a pain in the ***! i recommend having an EGR cleaning service performed by your local Ford dealer, i know they charge up the wazoo, but they're the best people to perform the service period.this is a VERY common problem with those engines and that service is "supposed" to be performed every 30K I believe.
dave taylor
This particular vehicle does not have an IAC valve. This is because it is equipped with ETC (Electronic Throttle Control). This means there is no mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate.
Where exactly is the iac valve located on a 04 ford explorer?
2004 and newer Ford Explorer's use throttle by wire with electronic throttle control. They don't have idle air control (IAC) valves.
Where is the iac located on the 2004 ford f-150 4.6 litre xlt? is there a diagram where it is located?
the iac is located near the were the throttle cable connects to the throttle shaft.its about 4"long by 1.5"in diameter.and has a 2 wire plug connector attached to it i believe.
I need to know were the IAC valve is
For a new Body style 2004 ( not a Heritage or Lightning ) there is not an IAC.
Idle air bypass vaule
The Idle air control valve (IAC) is on the back of the throttle body housing on the 4.6 V8, it's half the size of a can of Red Bull. Try tapping on it with a small hammer and if the truck clears up then it's time to replace the IAC.

Step 1 – Remove Throttle Body Cover
Step 2 – Remove IAC Valve
- Locate the IAC valve attached on or near the throttle body.
- Disconnect the electrical plug from the IAC valve. (On the 5.4L Triton engines, it is easier to remove the valve itself before disconnecting the electrical plug.)
- Remove the (2) 8mm bolts securing the IAC valve in place. Be sure to collect the washers and gasket during removal.
Step 3 – Clean IAC Valve
- In some cases, the IAC valve can be cleaned with carburetor cleaner to remove carbon buildup and restore functionality. With the valve removed from the engine, soak the inside or the valve with carb cleaner until it is free of gunk and buildup. A small toothbrush or similar tool can be used to scrub away any stubborn grit. Allow the valve to dry before reinstalling.
Step 4 – Reinstall IAC Valve
- Whether installing the old valve or swapping in a new unit, clean the throttle body mating surface of all old gasket material.
- Position the valve in place with a new gasket and install the 8mm bolts as well as washers. Torque the bolts to approximately 7.5 ft/lbs.
- Reconnect the electrical harness to the IAC valve.
- Whether installing the old valve or swapping in a new unit, clean the throttle body mating surface of all old gasket material.
- Position the valve in place with a new gasket and install the 8mm bolts as well as washers. Torque the bolts to approximately 7.5 ft/lbs.
- Reconnect the electrical harness to the IAC valve.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable and install throttle body cover (if applicable).
Related Discussions