[Daniel M. Dreifus]

I agree with Mike - clean it without disconnecting the wiring, but --- after a couple of years doing this, I finally replaced the IAC valve, along with cleaning and adjusting the throttle body off the car as described in the FSM.
Problem is, hard starting cold returned even with the new factory fresh IAC valve after a couple of months.
When I had the old one removed I took it apart and found some scuff marks on the drum shaped portion that turns, so I have been spraying with Tri-Flow teflon bike chain lubricant and that seems to have completely solved the problem, so --- once you have cleaned the IAC with carb cleaner, if the problem returns for you, might want to try the Tri-flow as a follow up.