hklaine Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Hey Folks. I have seen a lot of discussion suggesting that the Air Idle Controller be cleaned, but haven't found a description of its location. Where can I find this wonderful device? ('96 Legacy 2.2). Tricks/Tips for cleaning it? I've been having some issues with a high idle when I come to a stop lately and last night the car decided that it wouldn't start at all. A half hour and a few more attempts later it started but threw a Crank Sensor CEL and ran a bit choppy. I replaced the sensor and everything seems to be back to normal. As preventative maintenance I plan to also replace the CAM sensor and clean the Air Idle Controller, but I don't know where the latter is. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. -Heikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olnick Posted March 26, 2005 Share Posted March 26, 2005 Good idea, hklaine. I cleaned the IAC on our Maxima a year ago, then on my '95 Legacy L just recently. In both cases I was shocked at how gunky they get inside (where does it come from?) Anyway--look into the engine bay from the passenger side fender. The IAC is right below the throttle body, it sits at a 45 degree angle, sorta' facing the air filter box. Has a grey plastic electrical actuator on top. You'll have to remove the large air intake tube that feeds the throttle body to get a clear shot at it. Then remove the air feed hose and the two small coolant hoses attached to the IAC. Three bolts hold it to the intake manifold--two are obvious and one is hidden under the lower right side (you'll need a universal joint and a short extender to reach it.) When you lift the IAC out be careful, here's a gasket between it and the mounting surface--mine was in good shape so I re-used it. I then removed the grey plastic actuator (two philips screws if I remember correctly) so I could turn the valve by hand. The valve itself is a slotted cylinder that turns on a vertical axis--it turned but felt a bit sticky. Then came the thrill. I sprayed it generously with carburetor cleaner (used brake cleaner too--don't know which is better!) and watched the black gunk flow out. Suddenly the valve broke loose, turned smoothly and freely with very little effort. I assumed this was how it should be, so I was quite pleased! Put it all back together and the car's been running great. Don't know how much is due to the IAC since I cleaned/replaced other things at the same time. However, I do know that the "butt dyno" is making some very positive readings. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hklaine Posted March 26, 2005 Author Share Posted March 26, 2005 Great! Thanks for the info. I guess I will be tearing into this tomorrow. -Heikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hklaine Posted March 26, 2005 Author Share Posted March 26, 2005 I can't say for sure that cleaning this thing out made much difference as I did spark plugs at the same time, but there was certainly a good amount of nasty black grime inside of it and I am sure I can't hurt to keep these things clean. Thanks again for the info. -Heikki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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