How to: Clean a Zetec IAC

[Djzx3]

What's the point of a how-to, if the people that write them don't keep the pics?

[my_beautious_ZX3]

Forget about the photos - they're not important.

On a ZX3 at least, the IAC is mounted in a God-awful, nearly invisible place (under the intake manifold) and is accessed mostly by sense-of-touch, so photos won't help you. If Ray Charles owned a Focus, he could do the job as well as any of us. (not sure if that's the best emoticon...)

Once the unit is removed, it's pretty obvious what needs cleaning, if that's the route you choose to go.

[ZXthrizzle05]

pics are moved or deleted

[my_beautious_ZX3]

Okay, so I cave-in easily to peer pressure.

I was under my car today and decided to take a couple of pics for those who can't find their IAC valve.

These pics are of a 2002 ZX3/Zetec with factory IAC, taken from the vantage point of lying on your back under the front end, as if you are replacing the oil filter (ie., driver's side is on your left). In all pics, the IAC is identified in red.

Here is the simplest view of the IAC in relation to other junk:





If you scoot over towards the driver's side a foot or so, here's the vantage point:





Here's a zoomed-in view of the previous pic for those of you with astigmatism:





Here's a zoomed in, larger-than-life view of the IAC:





Good luck! And remember - without patience, IAC means "infuriating agonizing chore"!

[cdsilver]

Thanks the pictures are highly appreciated!

[BlackFocusSVT]

I've made a habit of cleaning my IAC and checking my PCV valve at the same time.

[amc49]

Someone should nominate that last pic to a thread on the starter wire nut sizes. People here are always asking about what the nuts look like. A 13 mm. and a 10 mm. The 13 on the left in pic does not come loose, it stays with the starter.

[aaronmach1]

great post ill need this tonight! thanks

[TerryB]

I'm in the middle of doing this. Anyone know if the factory didn't use a gasket ? I used a small mirror to look at the intake manifold and there is no evidence there was ever a gasket there. The is nothing at all on the valve. I have some material to make one. So I'll do that. Also, how many times do I have to spray the inside of the valve ? I've done it three times and there's still some carbon in there.

[ligardner]

Terry,
Absolutely put a gasket on. I removed the factory IAC and there was no gasket on 2002 Zetec. I was surprised. When I replaced without a gasket=major air leaks. Had to re-do the whole thing and fabricated a gasket from NAPA gasket material.

Clean it out till its squeaky clean. Might take a a good part of a can of carb cleaner.