Air Control Valve
 

I took my car to the Subaru dealer this morning to have them check out my bad gas mileage. I originally thought they hadn't cleared the codes after installing a new O2 sensor.

The dealer said the Select Monitor showed I had an Air Control Valve (attached to the throttle chamber) that was reading on the high side of normal, but not bad enough to throw a code. He said this could account for excessive gas consumption.Evidentally they are not able to be cleaned and the dealer wants to replace it, along with an hour's labor, for $300.00.

I am not familiar with this valve. Is it something that can be done, other than replacing the whole unit? Exactly what does it do?

It is the bottom part (22650) on the diagram

If you are fairly handy it isn't that difficult to r&r. Even better would be to just clean it out with carb cleaner. I can't recall any OEM recommending anything but replacement on air control valves. Most can be effectively cleaned, some can't. I cleaned mine two years ago (I think it was two years ago) and it still works just fine.

The Idle air valve controls the air entering the engine while cold and warm. Its fairly easy to get to and clean.

http://webdevildesign.com/subaru/car_part.jpg

Good picture.

Thanks man.

Joe

Beav,

Exactly what is the procedure for cleaning the air control valve?Does cleaning the throttle body in some way cause the air control valve to be cleaned as well or is there another port that you spray the solvent into? Does the air control valve have to be removed to clean it?

it's a good picture. what's the bubble leveler there for? :)

Oh, you're smiling! I see.:)

I imagine it's a rotary valve, and that is the cylinder part.

Good question is why it's green?
Maybe the marks on it are how it's calibrated at the factory.

Joe:D

I think tomsvx just posted a nice writeup a few days ago on removing the IACV.