Idle Speed/Throttle Actuator - Electronic: Testing and Inspection

Idle Air Control (IAC) System:

Idle Air Control (IAC) System Check:

Circuit Description:
The control module controls idle RPM with the IAC valve. To increase idle RPM, the control module moves the IAC valve away from its seat, allowing more air to pass by the throttle plate. To decrease RPM, it moves the IAC valve toward its seat, reducing air flow by the throttle plate. A Tech 1 Scan tool will read the control module commands to the IAC valve in counts. The higher the counts, the more air allowed (higher idle). The lower the counts, the less air allowed (lower idle).

Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled numbers on the diagnostic chart.

- The IAC tester is used to extend and retract the IAC valve. Valve movement is verified by an engine speed change. If NO change in engine speed occurs, the valve can be retested when removed from the throttle body.
- This step checks the quality of the IAC movement in Step 1. Between 700 RPM and about 1500 RPM, the engine speed should change smoothly with each flash of the tester light in both extend and retract. If the IAC valve is retracted beyond the control range (about 1500 RPM), it may take many flashes in the extend position before engine speed will begin to drop. This is normal on certain engines, fully extending the IAC may cause engine stall. This may be normal.
- Steps 1 and 2 verified proper IAC valve operation while this step checks the IAC circuits. Each lamp on the node light should flash red and green while the IAC valve is cycled. While the sequence of color is not important if either light is OFF or does not flash red and green, check the circuits for faults beginning with poor terminal contacts.

IAC VALVE RESET PROCEDURES:

- Disconnect battery cable for 10 seconds then reconnect cable.
- Ignition ON, engine OFF for 5 seconds.
- Ignition OFF for 10 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids:
A slow, unstable, or fast idle may be caused by a non-IAC system problem that cannot be overcome by the IAC valve. Out of control range IAC scan tool counts will be above 60 if idle is too low, and zero counts if idle is too high. The following checks should be made to repair a non-IAC system problem.

- Vacuum Leak (High Idle) - If idle is too high, stop the engine. Fully extend (low) IAC with tester.
Start engine. If Idle speed is above 800 RPM, locate and correct vacuum leak including crankcase ventilation system. Also, check for binding of the throttle blade or linkage.
- System Too Rich (Low Air/Fuel Ratio) - The idle speed will be too low. Tech 1 scan tool IAC counts will usually be above 80. System is obviously rich and may exhibit black exhaust smoke.
Tech 1 scan tool O2s voltage will be fixed above 800 mV (.8 volts).
Check for high fuel pressure, leaking or sticking injector. Silicone contaminated O2s scan voltage will be slow to respond.
- Throttle Body - Remove IAC and inspect bore for foreign material.
- IAC Valve Electrical Connections - IAC valve connections should be carefully checked for proper contact.
- Crankcase Ventilation Valve - An incorrect or faulty crankcase ventilation valve may result in an incorrect idle speed.
- A/C Compressor - Refer to A/C Diagnosis if circuit is shorted to ground. If the relay is faulty, idle problem may exist.
- If intermittent poor driveability or idle symptoms are resolved by disconnecting the IAC, carefully recheck the connections, valve terminal resistance or replace IAC.