Help Changing AIC sensor

[nit78]

Hello Everyone,
I was just instructedc by the dealership that I need to change my AIC sensor. Can anyone let me know where this is located and how to change it.

Thanks

[mfayant]

got this from another forum, you didn't mention what kind of explorer you had.

"Hard Starting is a common problem for Explorers. When starting the engine and at idle, the throttle plate is closed and the only air entering the engine is through the Idle Air Control Valve (AIC). This is all controlled by the Powertrain Contol Module. It uses the IAC to allow a small amount of air to enter the engine for starting and to adjust idle speed. The AIC is mounted to the upper intake manifold with two small bolts, and has a small electrical connector on it. It is about two by four inches. It may be sticking closed, you can remove it (be careful, it may have a paper gasket) and clean it out with an Air Intake Cleaner. If this doesn't help, it may have failed and need replacing."

m f

[B33p3r]

I have a 98 and it located on top of the engine under cover right where the air duct goes under. Remove the cover(4 screws). Remove the 2 wire plug from the IAC. 2 bolts hold the IAC in place. If you want to try to clean it first, hold the IAC with the plug side up. There are two port holes on the under side. You'll see a plunger if you look into the port holes. Pour some fresh oil into the top port hole and let it drain into something from the bottom port hole. Keep ussing fresh oil until no more debris comes out. Let it drain well . If you do it upside down you might get oil into the motor of the IAC. So do it port holes down. If you take a small screw driver you should be able to move the plunger back and forth a little bit. this opens up the passage for air to flow from one side to the next.

[cmunford]

B33p3r,

Very helpful information. I have a 2000 Exploder. My symptoms were that the truck just would not idle. This would happen every few months, for seemingly a day or two, and then it would go away. I don't think it was related cold or the engine warming up. I seemed to notice it happening sometimes when I mis-started the engine - meaning flooding it (also a problem which occurs every few months when I'm not paying attention and I don't let the starter completely turn over the engine on the first try).

It took me 5 minutes to pull off the IAC (I was hurrying in 10 degree F weather). It figures that it was as dirty as it was, constantly rushing air through it with no filter in the design. I brough it inside and warmed it up. Then I took an old tooth brush and a combination of 3-in-1 oil, WD40, and carb cleaner to it. I was careful to not get any fluids in the eletric motor part (keep the bolt holes pointing down). I moved the little piston up and down a few times. I put it back in and the truck ran fine. It idles like the day I bought it.

Thanks again,
Chris