How to clean an Idle Air Control Valve Jeep Cherokee

In this video I am removing, cleaning and re-installing the idle air control valve (IAC valve, IAC sensor) on my Jeep Cherokee. If you're having rough idle or some stalling issues, a dirty or faulty IAC valve is one possible cause for this problem.

[@johncraighead7483]

1. You pointed me in the right direction, although mine needed to be replaced. 2. You shot this in freezing weather and I had to suck it up and fix mine in freezing weather. 3. Thank you for taking the time to help us challenged, too poor to hire a mechanic guys out by shooting this video.

[@caroltenge5147]

shes right on! we girls fix our jeeps just like you boys do! keep jeepin, Carol

[@niceguy2171]

Nice job! A couple tips from a old salt mechanic (been working on vehicles since age 13,although I helped a neighbors dad change a engine at 11;) throttle body cleaner usually works a bit better on items like this,Blue Mountain makes a inexpensive one I'm fond of (and no, I have no connection to them!) also a soft brass wire brush really gets the gunk off parts like this, without causing damage a steel or stainless one might. Be very careful to check the O-ring for any nicks or cuts, must have a good seal, if in doubt replace it. It's is nice to see a lady showing that Jeeps are so darn easy to work on ;) And btw, I have a '98 same color and everything, but only 53,968 miles as I write this (it sat in a garage for years before I got it), and have owned 3 others before this current one. Thank you for your videos, actually have the job of changing the drivers wheel bearing coming up, and a job I haven't done on a Jeep yet, so will be sure to watch that one as well.

[@ymp5000]

I don't know about you boys but this girl is a keeper where I come from.

[@smartphonerepairwi775]

This is exactly what my jeep was doing. Stumbling while on idle. The part was $11 from Amazon. Very easy to replace thanks to your detailed video. Many thanks!

[@calebosterman4227]

from an XJ guy who's a mechanic on both diesel and gas vehicles, I'm very impressed with your video. you did it the exact same way I would have!

[@remingtonphillips8557]

Thanks for the video. My IAC springed open when I was working on it, and I lost the end of it in the engine compartment. My advice to everybody is to point yours in a safe direction like the video shows so that you don't lose parts if this happens to you.

[@gristlevonraben]

you are an awesome person. working in the cold like that while calmly putting it all back together, very impressive for anyone in weather like that.

[@markzajac3828]

I am never going to complain about the cold again.

[@TheBill1368]

its not often you see a lady doing mechanical work nice to see for a change

[@TexasKid747]

Lol... and I was complaining that it was 50 degrees when I did this job. You are my hero.

[@ChickBuilt]

New video is up! Please let me know what you all think! #jeep #jeepxj #jeepcherokee #iac #idleaircontrol #chickbuilt #maine #mainegirls #howto #youtube

[@brucecollins5345]

This video solved my problem. My 99 Cherokee Sport was stalling and not registering a code just as you described. Keep up the good work!

[@logigustafsson]

Thanks, BuilderChick! I just went out into the cold today to do the IAC valve cleanup. (I have a garage, but it's full of parts and tools at the moment) My problem was that when I shifted my 93 5.2 zj into reverse, it stalled. I used some electronics cleaner spray that evaporates straight away. Scraped off the gunk and reassembled. Problem fixed, thanks again! Keep the videos coming, great work!

[@joestar7429]

Think all the ChickBuilt videos are very well done and informative

[@ChickBuilt]

Joe Star Thank you so much! :)

[@johnnydoggs]

This woman is too amazing!

[@halcyon1030]

I like the video and The chick is rugged too. Ladies who work on cars are cool. My wife can tear down and rebuild a small block. She even raced dirt track. Barbies are high maintenance and helpless otherwise. This gal rocks.

[@trucker1234able]

watched this vid and then did my own jeep iac, you made it look simple, and it is

[@ChickBuilt]

Butch Brooks Glad to be of help! This is a pretty easy thing to do and doesn't take too much time out of the day. :)

[@theStarkArts]

Best video on cleaning IAC valves, great job!

[@ChickBuilt]

+CapnNemo Thanks so much!! :)

[@charlesdobry1194]

Thanks for the tip. I just installed a cold air intake and a throttle body spacer on my daughters 2000 Cherokee XJ. it made a huge improvement on low end torque and her fuel economy improved by 3-4 miles per gallon. Both parts were less than $100

[@pattilong6883]

Thanks for posting this instructional - will try this out on my 1997 tomorrow!

[@jimowen385]

I just tried this and it made a noticeable improvement. Thank you!

[@ChickBuilt]

You're very welcome, I'm glad it helped!! Thank you for checking out my channel. :)

[@johnnyb2008007]

thanks for posting this. I'm from WI and deal with same issues.

[@Poweraddicts]

Great Job! Very impressed!

[@PabstBoys]

Nice crispy morning. LOL. Cool channel. Can't wait to see more!

[@jeepher86brookealexander68]

From one jeepher to the next, PROPS girl! I am down in South Carolina, I love seeing other women not only drive jeeps but work on their jeeps themselves!

[@ChickBuilt]

+Jeepher86 Brooke Alexander Thanks a bunch! It seems that we're a rare breed, so it's nice to know of other lady jeepers who don't mind getting their hands dirty!

[@codybrookehanson2346]

Cool mentioning the thread locker. I have always wondered why people dont use that stuff on their engines. Nice video

[@chrish7038]

I had to hit that sub button !! My 96 grand cherokee v8 started that ruff idle n stalling a couple days ago an i came across ur vid and watched it so i went n cleaned mine an bamm fixed !! Thank u !! 🤘💯

[@izzynutz2000]

I think it's absolutely fabulous that you're working on your own vehicle I I taught many women to work on their own cars one of them now builds racing engines for major drag racing team you go girl keep up the good work

[@droopscrib84]

thanks for the video! gonna clean mine tomorrow, very helpful.

[@dodgeguy999]

Thanks for the video, My 98 Jeep has 224,000 miles, Just started idling really rough , almost to the point of stalling, Will Try this Thanks again..

[@stevewoods3032]

You are one tough lady to be able to change that out in the cold. I did what you said and My 1996 TJ is back on the road Thank you Your KZbinr Steve

[@joestar7429]

You r very welcome but that's the true for someone that needs good helpful info in my opinion ur the best

[@hardkore360]

that cold weather on those hands will make anyone swear lol, great vid!

[@raymondcruz6871]

thanks for the vídeo, you really show my Wife that she can also fix her jeep cherokee without calling me all the time when theres some issue with it and teaching her that a woman can also do a mans job. Take my hat off for u, big applause.

[@jake-hy2zb]

Hi....I give you a lot of credit for your videos. Well done. My only concerns, not criticisms, are the ring and flowing hair. Both are very nice but from experience they can be a safety hazard. I nearly lost my ring finger to a one second lapse. I keep my beard short after another near miss. Just my thoughts. Keep up the great work and enjoy.

[@hugeslacker]

I just bought another xj and am going through it doing all the maintenance that the previous owner didn't do... So thanks for adding another thing to my list lol

[@silasaqui6823]

Great video! I'll try this tomorrow, -3, I'm glad I live Kauai! Thanks for sharing!

[@ChickBuilt]

Silas Aqui I don't mind the cold. Winter is actually my favorite season. Thanks for watching! :)

[@benstrell4867]

Thank you so much. It worked like a charm. Good job

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

Very informative instructional video. Thanks!

[@ChickBuilt]

Gerald Thomas Thank you so much for the comment and for watching! I really appreciate it! :)

[@davidghizzoni6796]

An attractive woman, who turns a wrench on her own vehicles, and a jeep no less. There is hope for this world yet. Keep up the good work.

[@wiseking747]

Am really impressed and good work done..

[@osidejosh87]

Just subscribed....my wife and I just got one of these Grand Cherokee's and we need to clean ours as well. I think she will love to watch all your vids! Thanks chick!

[@petercaires9276]

Thank you, really great information.

[@ChickBuilt]

Peter Caires Thank you for watching! :)

[@BrodieBr0]

Aha, our 4.0's are pretty much bulletproof but sooner or later we have to care for all the other little things under the hood. I have owned 5 XJ's and have had to clean the carbon off of the IAC on 3 of them around the 250K mile point to give me my idle back. My 2000 is the same exact color and has the white pin stripe on the side. Your 97 has different brand decals but this is only the 3rd XJ I have seen that matches my color and has the pin stripe. One here in NY where I live and another in Vermont when I was traveling. We all get that same cold and snow in the winter maybe that color XJ likes it in the cold North East. lol :) Great video, I know it will help many XJ owners out there.

[@jakeb1135]

Omfg!! Love that you did it in the kitchen sink !!😂😂👍

[@Brad-jg9vh]

Crunchy snow sign of cold temps. Bare hands at -2..You are tougher than any guy because guaranteed the guys would be whining about how cold it was! Maine girls rock!

[@ChickBuilt]

Brad I'm pretty unique in the fact that I love this weather, and its actually my favorite season. I hate working with gloves on too. Lol. Thanks for watching and for the comment! :)

[@brickschaotic1885]

wow awesome ,would crank up then died, 5 mins after this video works great, THXS

[@netto880]

Wow. a beauty girl doing this job is just makes me feel so Good

[@kyledevoe7526]

Just found this page looking for a how to fix my IAC and it was a life saver! Not to mention my surprise when I find you're a fellow Mainer! I'm from way north in the County, where you from?

[@steveesposito]

Just discovered that replacing o-rings as you go with HNBR O-Rings (air conditioner grade o-rings) is a good idea. Much better material and you can get huge variety pack (200+) at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool for around $10.

[@cmgriggs4607]

Now I know . It's right there on my 95 out in the open clean and easy to reach.

[@lJUSTwanaCOMMENT]

that's always a sight when men see a woman working on an auto they feel they need to supply a steady steam of encouragement; always cracks me up. When I watch this vid, I see an auto enthusiast.

[@whadeffa]

Thanks. I just bought a 96 XJ for my 15 year old daughter. I've had a few XJ's, plus a TJ. I'll be referring her back to your channel. Want to live in the Midwest? Love your style. God Bless.

[@Dogg416]

Smart and cute... All the right qualities...

[@jamescorless9000]

like ur videos. i own a 91'.

[@RySchock]

very cool Vid! will be doing this this weekend!:)

[@SkinnersOffGrid]

Looks good.

[@carpaithia]

badass thank you !!

[@jasperjones6962]

Hi greetings from South Berwick I am having a low idle problem and I am going to give this idle air control valve replacement a try.

[@ChickBuilt]

I hope this repair fixes the issue!

[@jasperjones6962]

Yes It did I now have a correct 900 rpm idle and no more clattering engine when I stop at a stop sign

[@ChickBuilt]

Fantastic, happy to hear it! :)

[@aaronhastings7826]

Yes a Keeper!!!

[@theshiv303]

Just cleaned the IAC on an 02 Grand Cherokee that would die when idling and then giving it too much gas, only during the winter. This did the trick! Thanks :) Unsure if its related, I would think so but during idle it would only blow cold air out of the vents, even when warmed up. When you started driving or would rev it a bit, warm air would blow. Now it seems to be blowing consistent warm air even at idle once warmed up.

[@Dcvillnz]

Heads up on your K&M air filter , when you run those type filters the recharge oil that you put on after cleaning will make to that sensor causing it to malfunction - hope this helps you - tell everyone you know - take care

[@johnkennedy9078]

-2°?? You are a tough chick 👍

[@juandoria4182]

awesome thanks!

[@east79th]

You are great I have a 98 TJ and its just about the same for repairs. Did you go to school for this or learn it of the net. Love you vids Tom

[@ChickBuilt]

I actually started out with this stuff when I was a kid. I was always curious about how things worked and as I got older one thing led to another and here I am. Thanks for the comment and for watching! :)

[@organizedchaos7111]

thank you ashley! your beautiful

[@mrdrejonn]

thanks I will do.....and let u know if that worked for me...

[@iAmMarchal]

Great video! Also ur crazy for working outside in those temps. When i do my fingers go numb and i can't feel bolts, i start to drop them etc.

[@ChickBuilt]

Marcus Knyte Thank you Marcus! I'm different, that's for sure. lol. Winter is my favorite season so it doesn't deter me from doing much. :)

[@jsaffelo]

Outfrerakin'standing!!! Great video ChickBuilt. Thanks for sharing. I'm the club Pres. for CI4X4club.com here in SoCal, seeing you make light work of this in -3° weather is awesome.Thanks for sharing. Now, to go try this on my 2006 Jeep LJ.

[@goodmorningyoudrunks8872]

6:29-6:33 ...A moment we've all shared.

[@mikesharpe7037]

Wow, a chick that drives a jeep, knows what an IAC valve does, and what torx bit to use to remove it. And then, if that aint enough, she's cute as hell too ! The whole world has just gone crazy !!.....

[@joshmorton1243]

Did it solve your problems? I'm having the same problems in my older Silverado and I'm about to clean my IAC, hope it works!

[@MDC2020]

I hate winter. Oh yea haha This is my other channel BTW..lol

[@ChickBuilt]

My Damn Channel I love winter! Best season Love them all! :D

[@Spida69]

welcome to the jeep world!!!!! #jeeppeople

[@ScottysBackYardBBQ]

where you been? have any new videos? how about the o2 sensor

[@carlomango407]

Glad to see women working on cars.. Its empowering so no unscrupulous mechanic can take advantage of women. However, disnohest mechanics can also take advantage of anybody.. Would love to have a girlfriend like you..

[@chewbaccac-3po129]

you're in Maine ? I'm in lowell and Massachusetts....

[@jessejefferson6964]

Good vid...but lol what is with cherokees having that dent on the front fender in the same spot. My 88xj has one , my buddie's 98 xj had one as well as a couple other people I know who own a Cherokee. Not always on the same side fender but nobody knows when or how they got them lol.

[@luisdesantiago7286]

My idle is horrible but im not sure still what it is, ill try this.

[@stonerpage3100]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! That's been my issue for almost a year. I've been putting it off. I replaced all the sensors but I didn't know that Idle sensor had to be reloaded in the computer so I just put a rubber boot (Trimmed) on the tip of the resting bar and then it quit stalling. I think my fuel filter is bad too. I'm gonna change that today. Holy Crap! I payed too much for that valve. ... lol ... I'm actually wondering about the valve to the right of the one you're discussing.

[@ponderosaautorepair8521]

Place the IAC in a cup of automatic trans fluid overnight and then clean it with some carb spray. Like new!

[@ChickBuilt]

+Brian Rawson Awesome suggestion. Thanks! :)

[@jamieround2072]

hi ash.... can u plzz pull the mike closer to ya cus i have bad hearing here n i cant hear u at all i can barely read lips any more..... thanks dear... oh i noticed when u got to to air filter u r nice n loud.... nice job..... plzz keep all your future vids loud plzzzzz

[@victorpineda1133]

now I believe in love at first sight , I love you

[@kimidempsey6379]

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! DO YOU KNOW IF THIS WOULD BE THE SAME FOR A 2000??? I MEAN I'M TRYING WHEN I GET HOME ANYWAY, JUST CURIOUS OF ANY DIFFERENCES WHEN I GO TO FIND THIS THING!!

[@ChickBuilt]

Kimi Dempsey Hi Kimi! It would be exactly the same on a 2000. thanks for the comment and for your viewership! :)

[@kimidempsey6379]

I did it!! Haven't had a problem since!! Thanks!

[@TheMountainbobcat]

question, if you have the time. I have 1998 jeep Cherokee, it has started giving me starting issues especially around humid, and or rainy days, and it first thought it was the battery but after it sits a while could still get it to start, so the battery cant be all that bad, and some times when I do get it started it chooses to run just peachy or it stumbles, and coughs, I have had this vehicle since new, refuse to get rid of it, but have another car now so to get around reliably till I can figure what to do with the help of someone? you? thanks for you suggestions if any, ms.cc

[@ChickBuilt]

Hi there. Sorry for the delay in response. My jeep had a similar issue, and it ended up being a bad ground cable to the battery. I replaced it and I never had an issue afterwards. I've seen other instances where the IAC will present with the same type of issue, or the TPS. There's a way to test the TPS before you replace it though if that ends up being your issue. I'll do a quick video on it of you're interested. I hope this helps and you get t figured out!

[@gort400]

I cleaned my 1995 IAC Valve. Low Idle gone. Idle is now high. Seems a bit to high. In park its 1200 RPM. Jeep not stalling anymore which is good. I cleaned with carb cleaner, but used a knife to lightly scrape the gunk off. I also used fine steel wool to polish the valve tip. looked brand new. Do you know what the correct Idle RPM in park should be?

[@east79th]

I mean your vids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@roryjones8427]

Great vid. I just purchased a new iac i should've watched this first....when u get a chance go to my vids a look at the video i posted about my saturn, and let me know if those are the same symptoms your truck had.. Thanks a lot

[@jared2235]

think ya need a mic on ya kinda quiet :P then boom loud lol

[@alexmcpherson5109]

Im in love with this woman

[@rallyx900]

How are your fingers not falling off! -3 is wicked, I'd probably drop those screws everytime.

[@ChickBuilt]

I'm used to it. Winter is my favorite season so I'm well condition to the weather. Lol

[@KingKatRider]

Slow crank issue for another.

[@FloppyMcNutZ]

Great video but you need a mic! I can't hear you and all volumes are cranked!

[@ChickBuilt]

+Daniel Lopez I'm working on this issue actually. Finding a mic that will work with my camera has been difficult but I think I've found a solution. Thanks for the comment! :)

[@chucksoldconcrete3850]

I had a crush on her when this video started but when she said she was from Maine my heart started to skip a beat. No really, I think I need medical attention.

[@CHAOSMOVEMENT]

You know your stuff, and you're really hot lol.

[@WinChesterFIN]

Pretty chicks dont't know s**t about cars, they don't own Jeeps and definitely they don't get their hands dirty working on the cars. That's a man's job. Wanna marry me? ;-D

[@huhproductions6124]

marry me

[@tinkergirl1105]

A cute girl that likes to work on jeeps:) Are you single lol....

[@frescabigblock]

will you marry me??????? Dan

[@ChickBuilt]

frescabigblock All applications can be sent to [e-mail] for consideration. Haha ;) Thanks for your viewership!