Truth about idle control valves

  1. Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Nottm. Posts: 924 Focus ST2 ASBO
    #1
    is it needed?

    i only ask because my cars been playing up, and we unplugged it, and it was fine, fitted a new one, connected it, and car plays up once more

    i overheard at the derby meet its just good for cold mornings?
  2. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Apr 2009 Orpington Posts: 1406 My son drives a Poseidon Blue Saxo Mk2 1.6i VTR.
    #2
    Hi,

    It does more than help on a cold morning. It also regulates idle speed under changing engine loads and smooths throttle transitions up and down.

    SNIP>>
    This ICV stepper motor controls an air flow taken in parallel to the throttle with the aim of:
    • providing an additional air flow (cold starting),
    • regulating an idle speed as a function of engine temperature, engine load, engine age and consumers,
    • improving idle returns (dash-pot or follower effect) by increasing the number of steps when not idling to ensure the engine returns to idle speed smoothly.
    The idle control valve controls the engine idle speed due to:
    • Important variations of the engine idling speed due to the different accessories fitted on to the vehicles, following their operating condition (air conditioner, alternator, high pressure pump)
    • Variations of the engine's idling speed due to the engine's ageing
    This system enables a progressive return to idle.
    <<


    Initialising a replaced ICV

    Switch off the ignition (for 10 seconds).
    Switch on the ignition (for 3 seconds).

    Without accelerating, start the engine and allow it idle.

    These times can vary by Saxo models, so if it doesn't work then retry using longer times.
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  3. Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Nottm. Posts: 924 Focus ST2 ASBO
    #3
    Awesome, cheers!
  4. Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Nottm. Posts: 924 Focus ST2 ASBO
    #4
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by BobC View Post
    Hi,

    Initialising a replaced ICV

    Switch off the ignition (for 10 seconds).
    Switch on the ignition (for 3 seconds).

    Without accelerating, start the engine and allow it idle.

    These times can vary by Saxo models, so if it doesn't work then retry using longer times.
    do i start the car after ive fitted it then turn it off for 10seconds?
  5. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Apr 2009 Orpington Posts: 1406 My son drives a Poseidon Blue Saxo Mk2 1.6i VTR.
    #5
    Hi,

    I'm not sure! Try switching the ignition on to position 2 (without starting the car) then switch it off. You may need to try this a few times.

    Seen this often on Renault Clios where replacing the ICV sometimes worked first time other times it needed initialising to tell the ECU when it was fully open and fully closed then somewhere in between.
  6. Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2009 Weert NL Posts: 713 Citroen Saxo 1.4 VTS MK2 2000 TU3JP
    #6
    Had a problem for a while, when i shifted gear the throttle would stick for a moment. unplugged the ICV and the problem is solved. So is a ICV really necessary?
  7. Frequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Nottm. Posts: 924 Focus ST2 ASBO
    #7
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by kistigun View Post
    Had a problem for a while, when i shifted gear the throttle would stick for a moment. unplugged the ICV and the problem is solved. So is a ICV really necessary?

    My point also... i drove my car to the derby meet, 25ish miles each way without an idle control, worst that happened is id get to a junction and the revs will drop to about 800

    put this new one on, and its alright, when it feels like it, idles at 1000 then some junctions itll reach 1500 :/