Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Idle Control Valve

Common signs include irregular or unusually high idle speed, the Check Engine Light coming on, and stalling while idling.

The idle control valve, also commonly referred to as the idle air control valve, is an engine management component that is found in one form or another on the majority of road going vehicles. Its purpose is to control and regulate the engine idle speed, increasing and decreasing it as necessary to keep up with operating conditions.

Most idle control valves come in the form of a motorized valve or motor that is mounted somewhere on the vehicle’s intake manifold. The valve or motor is controlled by the engine control module, which will adjust the idle speed according to parameters such as engine temperature and electrical system load.

When the idle control valve fails it can cause all sorts of issues with the vehicle, and in some cases may even render it undrivable. Usually a bad or failing idle control valve will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.

1. Irregular idle speed

One of the most common symptoms commonly associated with a problematic idle air control valve is irregular idle speed. The idle air control valve is programmed to regulate and maintain the engine idle speed at a constant rate. If the valve fails or has any issues it can cause the idle speed to be thrown off. This may result in an unusually high or low idle speed, or in some cases a surging idle speed that repeatedly climbs and falls.

2. Check Engine Light comes on

Another symptom of a potential issue with the idle control valve is an illuminated Check Engine Light. If the engine control module detects an issue with the idle air control valve circuit or signal, it will set off the Check Engine Light to notify the driver that there's an issue. The Check Engine Light can also be set off by a wide variety of issues, so having the computer scanned for trouble codes is highly recommended.

3. Engine stalling

Another more serious symptom of an issue with the idle control valve is engine stalling. If the idle control valve fails completely, it may leave the vehicle without a source of air to maintain a proper idle. This may result in the engine stalling while operating, and in some cases may result in an engine that will not idle at all, and stalls as soon as it is started.

Usually a faulty idle control valve will produce symptoms noticeable enough that the driver will quickly become aware that there is an issue. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the symptoms above, or you suspect that your idle control valve may be having a problem, have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional technician, such as one from AutoFactorNG, to determine if the idle control valve needs replacement.