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Dodge Ram 1994-2001: How to Replace Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve

Depending on how comfortable you are under the hood of your Dodge, you can easily replace your IAC valve in less than 20 minutes. Even if you're more novice than natural, replacing your IAC valve is a fairly straightforward DIY project.

By William Henderson - July 22, 2015

This article applies to the 2nd Generation Dodge Ram (1994-2001).

The IAC valve in your Dodge Ram monitors and regulates how much air enters your engine when you idle. Your car can stall if your IAC is unable to keep the right amount of air flowing into your engine. If your Dodge Ram begins stalling each time you idle, then it's likely time to replace your IAC valve. Some Dodge Ram owners recommend cleaning your IAC valve and seeing if that resolves the problem before replacing it. But since you'll still need to remove the IAC valve to clean it and the cost of a new one is not that high, you may as well replace it to help improve your vehicle's performance.

Materials Needed

  • New IAC valve
  • Socket wrench
  • Long driver wrench
  • Pliers
  • Flashlight (optional)

Step 1 – Prepare to replace your IAC valve

Leave your car parked for at least an hour before replacing your IAC valve. When the hood is cool to the touch, open it and lock it in place with the hood prop.

Step 2 – Locate the IAC valve

Look for the IAC valve, which you will find on the throttle body. The IAC valve is cylindrical, and there is an electrical connector coming out of it.

Figure 1. Identify and locate the IAC valve.

Step 3 – Remove the electrical connector

Pull the electrical connector off of the IAC valve and set it aside. Be careful not to damage it, as you’ll reconnect it to the new IAC valve. Once you’ve removed the electrical connector, you should see two screws holding the IAC in place.

  • Figure 2. Locate the electrical connector.
  • Figure 3. Gently pull electrical connector out. You'll replace it after you install your new IAC valve.

Step 4 – Remove the two screws

Since you will need to work around the fuel bridge, use a long driver socket and pair of pliers to remove the first screw. If the fuel bridge is not in the way, then you can simply use a driver socket. With the flex drive over the bridge, you easily can access and remove the second screw holding the IAC in place.

  • Figure 4. Use a long driver as well as pliers to access and remove the first screw holding the IAC valve in place.
  • Figure 5. Use socket wrench to remove second screw holding IAC valve in place.

Step 5 – Remove the IAC valve

Pull the IAC valve straight off of the throttle body.

  • Figure 6. With screws removed, you can easily access the IAC valve and remove it.
  • Figure 7. The IAC valve removed.

Step 6 – Replace the IAC valve

Install your IAC valve by reversing the steps you took to remove the old IAC valve:

  • Insert new IAC valve. Be sure to align the holes on the valve with the screw holes. Depending on how much light you have, you may need to use a flashlight to see and confirm that you’ve aligned the holes.
  • Insert each screw, and then use your socket wrench to tighten both.
  • Reconnect the electrical connector.
  • Finally, close the hood.

Featured Video: How to Clean IAC Valve in Dodge Ram

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