Guide to Replacing the IAC Valve on a '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee

In 1993, Jeep released an all-new, more luxurious SUV, known as the Grand Cherokee. The 1997 Grand Cherokee came standard with an in-line six-cylinder, 4.0-liter engine that produced 185 horsepower. It also had an optional 220-horsepower, 5.2-liter V-8 available. Both available engines in the Grand Cherokee utilized dozens of electrical components to keep them running properly. The idle air control valve is a small valve with an electrical motor to open and close the valve. As needed, the valve raises or lowers airflow into the engine to increase or decrease the idle speed. Replacing the IAC valve on the 1997 Grand Cherokee is a quick procedure and requires only one tool.

Instructions

1

Trace the air intake hose until you reach where it connects to the throttle body. Loosen the hose clamp securing the hose to the throttle body and pull the air intake hose from the throttle body.

2

Find the idle air control valve on the rear of the throttle body on a 4.0-liter engine and on the driver's side of the throttle body on a 5.3-liter engine.

3

Unplug the wiring harness plugging into the IAC valve, by pulling the locking tab up and pulling the harness from the IAC valve. Remove the two screws holding the IAC valve to the throttle body, using a Phillips screwdriver, and pull the valve out of the throttle body.

4

Insert the new IAC valve into the throttle body and tighten the two screws, using a Phillips screwdriver. Plug the wiring harness into the IAC valve until it locks into place.

5

Reinstall the air intake tube and tighten its hose clamp, using a Phillips screwdriver.