Is there more to it than just the IAC?

[Wade Lippman]

A dealer has quoted me $320 for replacing the IAC. I have read here that it only costs $70 and is easy to install; but he says there is more to it than that. He says the IAC fails because carbon from the engine fouls it. If you just replace it, without cleaning all the carbon out it will foul out again in short order.

Does this make sense?
Also, he calls it a solenoid, while I have seen it here referred to as a valve.

 

[aldive]

Run, don't walk, as fast as you can from that dealer.

You can replace the IAC yourself in less than 5 minutes.

Good luck .........

 

[floydr007]

i just did mine, and i dont have much mechanical experience. It took like 10 minutes (the most time consuming part was taking off the 4 screws of the plastic cover over the intake manifold). Like you said, it cost under 70 dollars shipped, and has solved my problems. Good luck.

 

[Diddy74]

A dealer has quoted me $320 for replacing the IAC. I have read here that it only costs $70 and is easy to install; but he says there is more to it than that. He says the IAC fails because carbon from the engine fouls it. If you just replace it, without cleaning all the carbon out it will foul out again in short order.

Does this make sense?
Also, he calls it a solenoid, while I have seen it here referred to as a valve.

No it doesnt make sense unless you are allergic to money and must get rid of it quickly as possible! . The IAC valve is a realitively cheap part to order online, check out some of the links on this site to parts suppliers, or google it. As far as installing its a pretty simple "bolt on and go". If your concerned about "carbon fouling it" Since you got the hood up might as well Clean the MAF(mass air flow sensor) with electronic parts cleaner $2, Change the PCV(positive crankcase vent valve) $2-3 and do a Seafoam treatment,about $5 and install IAC valve est. $65-70 Simple stuff all under $100 you can do yourself that will help with performance, rough idling,and poor gas mileage. Theirs lots of threads on here with pics on the above mentioned "fixes" Dont feel timid about trying even with basic tools....only thing is the MAF needs a torx nut, a couple bucks at Strauss or Autozone

 

[DeathsArrow]

Do a search, there's a great thread on here on how to do the IAC replacement. It's very easy.

 

[spta97]

You can also clean your intake with Seafoam. Do a search for that as well but as others said it is a 10 minute job.

 

[celly]

Like everyone else said, the IAC replacement is definitely one of the easiest parts to replace on an Explorer. Unplug IAC, remove the screws holding it in place, install IAC, plug back in. You are getting raped by your stealership.

 

[dreamr]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220&highlight=IAC+cleaning+pics

 

[spta97]

You can try cleaning it, but for me it just made it worse.

 

[BigDakota]

Run, don't walk, as fast as you can from that dealer.

You can replace the IAC yourself in less than 5 minutes.

Good luck .........

Good Advice..!!!!

 

[No1dan2001]

Yea its definitely easy to do.. my parents had a 97 x a long time ago, and with almost no help from my dad, i changed it at age 11. its definitely doable.!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a picture of it:

 

[Turdle]

Ask them to breal down the cost for parts and labor

It will take longer to wash your hands than replace this part, and it is the part itself that gets clogged with carbon

Go to O'rielly's and get one for 50.00, maybe a bit more

I'd change it in the parking lot at dealership, ask to use their restroom to wash up, and make sure the service manager knows that you know he was ripping you off. Look him square in the eye when you ask for a job there cause your so good!!!!

You just flagged 200 labor in 3 minutes, he's got to hire you!