engine

Idle Air Control Valve

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure replaces the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with a 5.0L Coyote V8 engine to restore proper idle speed control.

Warnings

⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components

ℹ️The 5.0L Coyote engine uses electronic throttle control; the IAC valve is integrated into the throttle body assembly on this engine

ℹ️Ford 5.0L Coyote engines do not use a traditional separate IAC valve. This procedure addresses the throttle body assembly which controls idle air electronically

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

8mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension setEssential

Torque wrench (0-15 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver or pick tool

Shop towelsEssential

Throttle body cleaner

Gasket scraper (plastic)

Parts

Idle Air Control Valve × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
IAC valve gasket or O-ring × 1 — Usually included with IAC valve

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes
Open hood and secure with prop rod
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge

Procedure

1
Access throttle body assembly
Locate the throttle body on top of the intake manifold. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the cover to release the retention grommets. Set the cover aside.
2
Disconnect air intake tube
Loosen the hose clamp securing the air intake tube to the throttle body using an 8mm socket. Disconnect any breather hoses attached to the intake tube. Pull the intake tube away from the throttle body and position it out of the way.
3
Disconnect throttle body electrical connector
Press the tab on the throttle position sensor/throttle body electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect. If connector bolts are present, remove them first using appropriate socket.
Torque spec
Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4
Remove throttle body mounting bolts
Remove the four throttle body mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. Support the throttle body with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
5
Remove throttle body assembly
Carefully pull the throttle body assembly straight out from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick to either surface. Remove and discard the old gasket.
6
Clean mating surfaces
Using shop towels and throttle body cleaner, thoroughly clean the throttle body mounting surface on the intake manifold. Remove all old gasket material using a plastic scraper if necessary. Wipe clean and dry. Do not allow debris to fall into the intake manifold opening.
⚠Cover the intake manifold opening with a clean shop towel to prevent foreign material from entering the engine
Torque spec
Gasket Surface Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7
Inspect and clean throttle body (if reusing)
If reusing the throttle body, inspect the throttle plate and bore for carbon buildup. Clean with throttle body cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not force the throttle plate open. If installing a new throttle body assembly, proceed to next step.
8
Install new gasket
Position the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold surface, aligning all bolt holes. Ensure the gasket is properly seated and oriented correctly.
9
Install throttle body assembly
Carefully position the throttle body onto the intake manifold, aligning with the gasket and bolt holes. Insert all four mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Torque the mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern to specification.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
10
Reconnect electrical connector
Reconnect the throttle body electrical connector, pressing firmly until it clicks into place. If connector bolts were removed, reinstall and torque to specification.
Torque spec
Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11
Reinstall air intake tube
Position the air intake tube onto the throttle body inlet. Reconnect any breather hoses. Tighten the hose clamp securely using an 8mm socket, ensuring the tube is properly seated.
12
Reconnect battery and perform relearn
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) for 30 seconds, then turn OFF. This allows the PCM to recognize the throttle body. Start the engine and allow it to idle. The PCM will perform an automatic idle relearn procedure.

Reassembly

Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly until seated
Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Ensure air intake tube clamp is tight and breather hoses are connected
Double-check that no tools or shop towels were left in the engine bay

Verification

Start the engine and verify it starts normally without hesitation
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify idle is smooth and stable (typically 650-750 RPM)
Check for any vacuum leaks around the throttle body gasket by listening for hissing sounds
Verify no Check Engine Light (CEL) or throttle-related diagnostic codes are present
Test drive the vehicle to confirm normal throttle response and idle return after deceleration
If idle is rough or unstable, perform a throttle body relearn procedure using a scan tool or drive cycle per Ford service procedures

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