How to Install an Idle Air Control Valve on a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis

As automobiles evolve, they become more and more advanced nearly every year. One of the biggest advancements in automotive engineering was computer-controlled fuel injection. A large factor in keeping a fuel-injected car running correctly is the proper amount of oxygen. The Idle air control valve regulates the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate; thereby regulating the vehicles idle. Replacing the 1997 Grand Marquiss IAC valve is a straightforward task that most do-it-yourself mechanics can perform.

Instructions

1

Find the idle air control valve on the rear of the intake manifold. Press and hold the locking button on the wiring harness plugging into the IAC valve, and pull the wiring harness free.

2

Pull the vacuum hose IAC valve bypass hose, plugging into the IAC valve -- away from the IAC valve with a slight twisting motion.

3

Remove the two IAC-valve-retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket, and pull the IAC valve and its gasket off the rear of the intake manifold.

4

Scrap any remnant of the old gasket off the intake manifold with a plastic gasket scraper and wipe it off with a clean, lint free cloth. Use caution not to get any debris into the hole where the IAC valve connects to the intake manifold.

5

Insert the two IAC-valve-retaining bolts through the bolt holes in the new IAC valve and set the new IAC valve gasket on the bolts. Position the IAC valve on the intake manifold and hand-tighten its retaining bolts.

6

Tighten the IAC valve retaining bolts from 6 to 7 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket. Tighten the bolts an additional half-turn with a ratchet and socket.

7

Plug the IAC valve wiring harness into the receptacle on the IAC valve. Press the IAC valve bypass hose onto the receptacle on the new IAC valve.