2003 v40 Idle Air Control Valve Cleaning, Gasket Replacement

[zulu-v40]

Preface: I know I read a much more in depth explanation of this process somewhere on the forum, but I cannot find the original post. I thought it would be nice to post instructions and pictures specific to the 2003 v40.

Tools
*Phillips head screwdriver
*Torx screwdriver, size T30
*10mm socket (2-3in long), ratchet
*Throttle body cleaner
*Electronic contact cleaner
*Replacement IAC valve gasket, a bunch of sites sell the gasket cheaply, try: fcpgroton.com
*Torque wrench

STEP 1

IAC.step1.jpg (182.97 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Remove throttle body cover
*Left bolt is a Torx
*Right bolt is a Phillips head

STEP 2

IAC.step2.jpg (197.53 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Locate Idle Air Control Valve

STEP 3

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IAC.step3a.jpg (107.01 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

IAC.step3b.jpg (139.17 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Remove top and bottom bolts, size 10mm socket, use longer socket (2-3in) to reach bottom
*Remove electronic connection, press down on plastic latch, wiggle, pull, etc.

STEP 4

IAC.step4.jpg (145.32 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

IAC.step4a.jpg (190.54 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Place IAC carefully
*Peal off old valve gasket, discard

STEP 5

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IAC.step5a.jpg (141.55 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Inspect element where IAC attaches for debris
*Wet small toothbrush with throttle body cleaner, gently brush debris out (I used small end of my dog's toothbrush, sorry Buddy)

STEP 6

IAC.step6.jpg (166.06 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Clean IAC with throttle body cleaner, allow to dry; use brush to scrub off carbon
*Clean IAC electronic connector with electronic contact cleaner, allow to dry (black plastic part with two metal prongs inside - view 1st picture in Step 4 for reference [upper right hand corner of pic.])

STEP 7

IAC.step7.jpg (189.35 KiB) Viewed 11723 times

*Place new IAC valve gasket on IAC, ridged side was face-down on original
*Thread 10mm bolts through IAC and gasket
*Guide bottom bolt onto car first, as it is the most difficult to thread. Green tabs on new gasket will be pointing towards ground, unlike the picture above.
*Tighten both 10mm bolts to 10 Nm
*Reconnect electronic harness
*Reattach throttle body cover

[pmondrian]

Thank you very much for this very clear write-up.

My 2001 S40 was having a difficult time starting due to poor idling. I would have to rev the engine to keep it from stalling. This simple cleaning worked.

I'm still mystified by why the problem was happening at all. The old gasket was very dirty but seemed intact. There were a couple of solid carbon deposits that were on one side so maybe the seal was broken by them.

Otherwise both the idle air control and the engine side seemed dirty but in good shape. I didn't see any debris like in your picture above. Just a lot of carbon deposits. I have 180,000 miles on the car and I think this has never been cleaned before.

Thanks again!

-Tom