How to Clean the Idle Air on an Aspire

The Ford Aspire came with one of the smallest engines---the 1.3-liter. The idle air control bypass air, or IAC BPA, on the Ford Aspire is on the top of the engine. When removed, it will allow coolant to leak a bit, so about a half gallon of coolant must be drained before removing the IAC BPA to clean it. If cleaning does not work, you must replace the idle air control.

Instructions

1

Slide the drain pan under the radiator petcock. After ensuring that the engine is cool, open the petcock and allow about a half gallon of coolant to drain. Close the petcock. Loosen the hose clamp on the upper coolant hose on the valve, using the screwdriver. Pull the hose off the valve. Unplug the electrical connector.

2

Remove the two nuts and two bolts holding the valve onto the intake manifold. Pull the valve off the manifold, then loosen the hose clamp on the lower coolant line where it attaches to the valve. Pull the lower coolant line off the valve.

3

Remove the two screws that hold the black plastic piece onto the metal piece. Clean the pintle---the piece that moves in and out---with carburetor cleaner, taking care not to get the cleaner on any electrical components. Wipe the valve off with a clean shop rag. Repeat until all the carbon has been removed from the pintle.

4

Wipe out the orifices on the metal part of the IAC with a clean shop rag. Reassemble the IAC.

5

Clean any gasket material on the IAC valve and its mating surface on the intake manifold using the screwdriver and shop rags. Install a new gasket. Reconnect the lower coolant line onto the valve.

6

Install the valve and tighten the retaining bolts to 75 inch-pounds of torque. Plug in the wiring harness connector. Reattach the upper coolant hose. Pour the coolant from the drain pan back into the radiator. Start the vehicle and check for leaks and proper operation.