Idle Air Control Valve - Clean / Replace - Seafoam?
#1
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Location: CA
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Idle Air Control Valve - Clean / Replace - Seafoam?
When I start to my car, I need to gas it for a couple of seconds to keep it from shutting down, otherwise the car will just shut off if I let off the key. I had the throttle body cleaned in November, and they pressure cleaned my injectors, however they did not clean the IACV. About five months later, the idleing problems have been happening more. . I called two Lexus dealerships and they don't "clean" the IACV, they only replace it for about $700. One lady said they only replace it cause if they clean it, it's only going to get dirty again which didn't make any sense to me. When I called the second Lexus dealership, they said they only replace it.
I just called a Toyota dealership and they said they would clean the IACV for $99. When I explained to the service advisor why I am getting the IACV cleaned and the starting problems I was experiencing, he said that cleaning the IACV won't do the job. He'd prefer I take the car in and have it diagnosed. So, Im a little confused on what to do. Any suggestions? Does the advisor not know what he's talking about? And is Lexus out of their mind for not wanting to clean the IACV? I hear Seafoam has helped people, but Im not too sure about adding additives to my fuel.
any insight is appreciated!!
I just called a Toyota dealership and they said they would clean the IACV for $99. When I explained to the service advisor why I am getting the IACV cleaned and the starting problems I was experiencing, he said that cleaning the IACV won't do the job. He'd prefer I take the car in and have it diagnosed. So, Im a little confused on what to do. Any suggestions? Does the advisor not know what he's talking about? And is Lexus out of their mind for not wanting to clean the IACV? I hear Seafoam has helped people, but Im not too sure about adding additives to my fuel.
any insight is appreciated!!
#2
Super Moderator
I would be interested to hear what Lexus has to say just out of curiousity, but that is $$$ unless they are not going to charge you for it.
I had the problem you describe once and it turns out the gas down here was giving me a lot of buildup on the valves. Some cleaners, Techron was one of the ones we used along with some local stuff, and no more having to push the gas. I doubt it would be a MAF issue since enough buildup on it would result in a CEL. Someone on this forum once suggested to me in a PM that it might have been a charcoal canister.
I had the problem you describe once and it turns out the gas down here was giving me a lot of buildup on the valves. Some cleaners, Techron was one of the ones we used along with some local stuff, and no more having to push the gas. I doubt it would be a MAF issue since enough buildup on it would result in a CEL. Someone on this forum once suggested to me in a PM that it might have been a charcoal canister.
#3
Originally Posted by SilverSprt
One lady said they only replace it cause if they clean it, it's only going to get dirty again which didn't make any sense to me. When I called the second Lexus dealership, they said they only replace it.
Try this thread, looks like not hard to clean it.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=164829
more pictures
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...owtopic=15586&
#4
Moderator
Not sure, but my best guess is that dealership will not mess with anything that can affect the ulv emission ratings.
As I said it is a stretch. May be a Lexus rep can confirm or refute it.
Salim
As I said it is a stretch. May be a Lexus rep can confirm or refute it.
Salim
#5
I am not on Lexus' payroll, but I can think exactly 700 reasons why cleaning is not even an option here. Lexus dealers are not out of their mind, they act exactly what is in their best interest at the expense of you.
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