How to Clean an Idle Air Control Valve in a Honda Accord

Download Article
Download Article

An idle air control valve (IACV) adjusts a car's idle depending on the amount of air that is entering the engine. The car's computer takes readings of idle control adjustments and regulates the car's rpm accordingly. Therefore, if the idle air control valve is not functioning properly, you will notice that your car is revving or idling irregularly. A high, fluctuating or erratic idle, or an idle that stalls out sporadically, is a sign that you may need to clean the idle air control valve. You do not need to be a mechanic in order to clean the IACV, but you will need some familiarity with the car parts under your hood. If you drive a Honda accord and your idle control is acting up, you will find that the IACV is readily accessible for ease of maintenance. Follow these directions for how to clean a Honda idle air control valve.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*

Steps

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-1.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You will need to replace the old one on your Honda IACV before returning it back to its place under the hood.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-2.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You will find it at the back center of the under hood area, near the throttle body (TB) and mounted on the rear of the intake manifold (IM). You will have to remove the TB intake hose in order to gain access to area of the IM that is connected to the IACV.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-3.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [1]
    • Unscrew the 2 bolts attaching the IACV to the intake manifold. You will have to feel around for the lower bolt, which will be just out of plain sight.
    • Pull out the gray plug from the right side of the Honda IACV.
    • Remove the blue plug from the throttle body.
    • Locate the coolant hose that attaches the IACV to the TB.
    • Use needle-nose pliers to pull back the clamp that holds the coolant hose in place and then pull the hose out. This will provide enough slack to pull the Honda idle air control valve to the front so you can completely remove it.
    • Detach the last 2 hoses from the IACV in order to free it for cleaning.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-4.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-5.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Note the areas with the heaviest concentration of filth, as you will need to pay special attention to them during the cleaning. [2]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-6.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spray the valve with the carb cleaner, being sure to thoroughly saturate the heavy buildup. [3]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-7.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [4]
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-8.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-9.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [5]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-10.jpg\/aid1380725-v4-728px-Clean-an-Idle-Air-Control-Valve-in-a-Honda-Accord-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    11. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I know if my idle air control valve is working?
    Hovig Manouchekian
    Auto Repair & Design Specialist
    Hovig Manouchekian is an Auto Repair and Design Specialist and the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Hovig specializes in the process of auto repair and maintenance. He is also very knowledgeable in common automotive issues and needs including engine repair, battery replacement, and windshield accessory and maintenance. Hovig's knowledge and hard work have contributed to Funk Brothers Auto winning Angie's List Super Service Award for five consecutive years.
    Hovig Manouchekian
    Auto Repair & Design Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If it's a modern vehicle, you can use an OBD2 scanner to check your idle air through scan tools for certain makes and models. You can also try to manually activate it to see how the car reacts—if something is malfunctioning, you can see if it's the valve or something outside the valve that's causing the issue. Sometimes the check engine light will go off, which can also help with the diagnosis. If it's an older vehicle, check the resistance that's going to the idle control valve from the vehicle; if it's outside of normal design numbers/parameters, you can isolate the problem accordingly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    My motor runs rough and there's a smell coming out of the muffler. What's the problem?
    Community Answer
    You are probably burning oil. I would recommend taking it to a mechanic. They will tell you what's happening.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How far down should I adjust the idle screw?
    Community Answer
    Do not adjust idle screw, that is set in the factory and shouldn't need to be adjusted. Fix the problem that is causing rough idle or whatever idle problems you are having. Something is likely broken, malfunctioning, or needs to be cleaned (IACV, vacuum leak, etc.).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Replacement Honda IACV gasket
      • Small ratchet socket wrench
      • 10 mm socket
      • Needle nose pliers
      • Carb cleaner

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check Honda Oxygen Sensors
      How to
      Install a Rear View Camera
      How to Open a Gas Tank
      How to
      Get a Tire Off a Rim
      Effective Methods to Make Your Car Roar
      How to Roll Down the Windows With Your Key Fob
      Why Is Your Car Making Noises When You Start It?
      How to
      Live in Your Car
      How to
      Identify a Ford Motor
      11 Potential Reasons Your Car is Making Noise When Accelerating
      Car Not Accelerating but RPMs Up? Identify and Fix the Problem
      How to
      Adapt a Mousetrap Car for Distance
      How to
      Find the Paint Color Code on Ford Vehicles
      3 Effective Methods for Repairing a Cracked Car Dashboard
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u3XGC0sZe0
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncdVCEK4kPY
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/cwo1Hs_0aSI?t=209
      4. ↑ https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-integra-6/%2A%2A%2Ahow-clean%2A%2A%2A-your-iacv-k-idle-air-control-valve-1575913/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiZryJzTnZU

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 224,027 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Marilyn Wood

        May 5, 2016

        "The pictures helped me to identify that I had the proper part!"
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement