i read on another topic that if you have probs with eratic idle, then you can disable you idle air control by blocking it off. can you really bypass it without any probs running? i just got this civic and it needs a new idle air control, but its a bit more expensive than i can afford right now at the moment. so i'm hopin i can just bypass it completely. someone help me out.

 

what year and model.
i tried that on my 88 civic and it did not work out.
there are troubleshooting steps for that.
the final troubleshooting is taking it off and connecting 12 volts to it (need to figure out pos and neg).
i just did it to mine and i saw it click open the small valve in there.
(i think that is all that is suppose to happen (if not - could someone respond, please))
youre ecu may be bad

 

Did you try cleaning it yet? You can just open the air screw on the throttle body to keep it idling when cold, it will idle too fast when hot though (and the CEL will probably come on, though note that an "idle air" ECU code doesn't necessarily mean you need a new IAC)

Not sure if a TBI system (1988-91 model) has an air screw or not though.

 

cleaned it many times;
understand about the codes.
think my problem is the ecu;
the idle would go really high when it was cold (austin texas cold that is)

 

i have a 95 civic ex w/ 1.6 vtech 5 spd

 

flgaustin: If you pull the electrical plug off the IAC when it is "idling really high" (note that the ECU is programmed to increase the idle when cold), it should slow down if the ECU is overdriving it. On the other hand if the ECU is working properly trying to close the IAC and reduce the RPM, there will be no drive on the wires so nothing will change when you pull the plug. In that case it could be a stuck IAC but also be the throttle plate stuck partway open or a vacuum leak somewhere, for example the brake booster. With a MAP system, anytime air leaks into the intake from anywhere the ECU will meet it with extra fuel so the engine will run good, but idle too fast.

 

Ive had problems with my IAC to i kind of still do but not nearly as bad.. i came across this signt http://www.g2ic.com/forums/showthrea...8f&t=35534. show how u can clean it properly. ive tried this and it seems to help, but every once in awile my idle will bounce a couple of times then stop. i think i might just go to a junkyard somewere and grab one off a junker. another thing im waiting to do is take it to VIP and get a run-rite cleaning down to the engine. cleans all the ports, injectors, and gum build up in the engine, wich i know i have because my engine has over 188,000 miles on it. still runs good though. replaced the whole clutch about a month ago to. hope this helps a bit

 

thanks for the link. ill give that a try first and see what happens. the car doesnt do it all the time, so maybe it does just need a little cleaning. if not, ill buy a used one

 

Nice link.. I'll do that to my 91 too..